NCIS Returns to Netflix: What Fans Need to Know About the January 2025 Update
For years, NCIS has quietly been one of Netflixβs most-watched shows, consistently ranking high on Nielsenβs year-end charts. While it may not dominate headlines, its loyal fan base ensures its enduring popularity. Netflix has had a complicated history with the streaming rights to NCIS, and 2024 was no exception. The platform added two newer seasons earlier this year but lost access to older onesβa situation about to change in January 2025.
Who Will Be Affected by This Update?
First, this news applies only to Netflix users in the United States. Fans in other countries will not see any changes, as streaming rights for NCIS remain tied up elsewhere, such as with Sky in the UK.
A Brief History of NCIS on Netflix
Up until 2018, Netflix enjoyed a steady stream of NCIS seasons thanks to an output deal with CBS. This allowed new seasons to arrive annually on the platform. However, that deal ended with Season 15, and from 2019 onward, new seasons became exclusive to Paramount+.
Netflix retained rights to Seasons 1 through 15 until mid-2024, but as their contract neared expiration, the platform struck a new deal. This agreement came with trade-offs: Seasons 17 and 18 were added to Netflixβs library, but Seasons 1 through 11 were removed. This left fans with only Seasons 12 through 18, frustrating those who prefer to watch from the beginning.
Whatβs Changing in January 2025?
Netflix has announced that it will add some earlier seasons of NCIS back to its catalog starting January 23, 2025. However, the selection will be limited to Seasons 1 through 5. While this may seem like an odd move, itβs likely part of a strategy to entice new viewers by offering the seriesβ origins while maintaining later seasons like Seasons 12 through 18.
Starting January 23, Netflix US will stream:
- Seasons 1-5
- Seasons 12-18
Seasons 6 through 11 and 19 through 22 will remain exclusive to Paramount+.
What About Future Updates?
The next refresh for NCIS on Netflix is expected in mid-2025. This could mean newer seasons being added, older seasons departing, or potentially, the show disappearing entirely from the platform. Whether Seasons 19, 20, 21, or the currently airing Season 22 will join Netflix remains uncertain.
Final Thoughts
While itβs great news that some older NCIS seasons are returning to Netflix, the fragmented availability across platforms is a reminder of the challenges in the streaming landscape. For now, fans can look forward to revisiting the early days of Gibbs and the team starting January 23, 2025. But if youβre craving a more complete NCIS experience, Paramount+ remains the go-to destination.
