10 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets About NCIS That Will Surprise Even the Biggest Fans
- Mark Harmon’s Influence on Casting
Mark Harmon, known for his role as Gibbs, had a major impact on casting decisions. He fought for key characters, including Cote de Pablo as Ziva David, believing they would bring depth to the show. - Real NCIS Agents on Set
To ensure accuracy, real NCIS agents were regularly consulted. They provided valuable insight into the agency’s protocols and investigations, helping the show maintain a realistic portrayal. - The Iconic “Gibbs Slap” Was Improvised
The legendary “Gibbs slap” wasn’t part of the original script. It began as an impromptu moment on set but quickly became a beloved, recurring element of Gibbs’ character. - Pauley Perrette’s Real-Life Love for Science
Pauley Perrette, who played Abby Sciuto, had a real passion for criminal science. Her academic background in the field helped add authenticity to her character’s forensic expertise. - The Boat in Gibbs’ Basement
One of the show’s most enduring mysteries is how Gibbs manages to get his boats out of the basement. The writers intentionally left this question unanswered, fueling fan theories and keeping the mystery alive. - David McCallum’s Autopsy Expertise
David McCallum, who portrayed Ducky, had the freedom to write his own autopsy scenes. His real-life knowledge of medical terms and history contributed to the detailed accuracy of his character’s work. - Michael Weatherly’s Legendary Pranks
Michael Weatherly, known for his role as Tony DiNozzo, was notorious for pranking his co-stars. One famous prank involved convincing Cote de Pablo that her script had major changes, sending her into a frenzy. - Abby’s Caf-Pow! Secret
Abby’s signature neon-red drink wasn’t actually the energy drink it appeared to be. Pauley Perrette revealed that it was often cranberry juice or another harmless liquid used during filming. - Cote de Pablo’s Departure Explained
Though creative differences were initially cited, Cote de Pablo later revealed that she left the show to pursue roles that offered deeper character development and personal growth. - Linda Hunt Almost Joined NCIS
Before landing her role as Hetty Lange on NCIS: Los Angeles, Linda Hunt was considered for a recurring role on NCIS. Scheduling conflicts ultimately prevented her from joining the original series.
Which of these behind-the-scenes secrets shocked you the most? Let me know if you’d like more details on any of them!
