NCIS: 10 Hidden Details You Missed About the Show

NCIS: Hidden Details You Never Noticed

NCIS, a spin-off of JAG, has become a juggernaut in its own right, running for an impressive 17 seasons. The show's success lies in its unique characters and intriguing cases involving Navy and Marine Corps personnel. But even the most devoted fans might have missed some hidden gems throughout its run.

But even the most devoted NCIS fans might have missed some hidden gems throughout the series' run. Here are ten fascinating details to add another layer of enjoyment to your next NCIS binge-watch:

1. Borrowed Beginning: Remember that opening scene with the car driving away? It's not actually original NCIS footage! It was lifted from a JAG episode titled "Ice Queen." Talk about a creative way to establish a connection between the shows!

   

2. West Coast Headquarters: Despite portraying the bustling Washington D.C. as NCIS headquarters, filming takes place in sunny Valencia, California. While not exactly the real deal, Santa Clarita offers a picturesque backdrop. The show tries to bridge the gap by sending agents on cases in Virginia.

   

3. The Most Wanted Board: A constant presence in the background, the NCIS Most Wanted board holds more than meets the eye. Not only does it set the stage for key scenes, but the faces on it also change throughout the seasons. Real-life criminals are sometimes featured, with their apprehension reflected by a red line through their picture. Interestingly, the show's creator, Donald P. Bellisario, remains "at large" according to the board!

   

4. The Distinct "Foof": A hallmark of NCIS is the black and white "preview" segment separating each act, accompanied by a unique sound effect. This memorable "foof" sound was actually created by Bellisario himself, aiming for a signature element just like the "dun dun" of Law & Order.

   

5. A Family Affair: NCIS features real-life family members both on and off-screen. Bellisario's son, Michael, played Chip Sterling, while his daughter portrayed McGee's sister (who happens to be Sean Murray's, McGee's actor, step-sister in real life). Even flashbacks get the family treatment, with Mark Harmon's son, Sean, portraying a young Jethro Gibbs.

   

6. Mirroring Reality: Michael Weatherly's character, Tony DiNozzo, shares a striking similarity with the actor himself. Both Tony and Weatherly have a reputation for being charming playboys with strained relationships with their fathers who withheld financial support.

   

7. Real NCIS Agents Make an Appearance: The show strives for authenticity, and that includes cameos from real NCIS special agents. Audiences were treated to brief appearances by directors Dave Brant and Thomas Betro in seasons 3 and 5, respectively.

   

8. A Harrison Ford Tribute: In the series premiere, a plot point revolves around an attempt on the President's life. Agent Caitlin Todd refuses to share top-secret Air Force One floor plans, prompting Gibbs' now-famous line: "Come on. I saw all this in a Harrison Ford movie." This is a clever nod to the fact that Harrison Ford was considered for the role of Gibbs but ultimately passed.

   

9. Differentiation from CSI: The show initially went through several name changes, with creators worried audiences wouldn't grasp the concept. Finally settling on NCIS, they cleverly addressed potential confusion with the popular CSI series in the first episode. When a security guard asks if NCIS is related to CSI, Tony delivers the witty line: "Only if you're dyslexic."

   

10. The Truth Behind Caf-Pow: Abby Sciuto's ever-present cup of Caf-Pow became a fan favorite. However, the actress, Pauley Perrette, was on a sugar-free diet. The "energy drink" was actually unsweetened cranberry juice!

    

.Source Screenrant