Paramount+ has numerous crime procedurals and investigative dramas that appeal to NCIS fans. These shows feature the same elements that have made NCIS so enduring: a mix of weekly mysteries, humor, found-family relationships, military connections, and memorable characters. To feed that crime show craving, you can stream everything from spinoffs like NCIS: Sydney to FBI investigations like Criminal Minds: Evolution to modern mystery series like Elsbeth.
Read on for our recommendations for 10 other shows that deliver like NCIS. All of these shows are available on Paramount+. And don’t forget: NCIS returns for its 24th season starting Tuesday, Oct. 6. The show airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
What to watch if you love NCIS
- NCIS: Origins
- NCIS: Sydney
- FBI
- Tracker
- Elsbeth
- Criminal Minds: Evolution
- NCIS: Tony & Ziva
- Boston Blue
- NCIS: New Orleans
- Hawaii Five-0
Shows like NCIS
The following recommendations were chosen because they have storytelling, investigative style, interconnected characters, or a tone similar to NCIS. They also offer beloved stars and characters like Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw (in Tracker) and Carrie Preston’s Elsbeth Tascioni (in Elsbeth).
Note: New episodes of CBS shows stream on demand the next day on Paramount+ with a subscription (all plans). A subscription to the Paramount+ Premium plan is required to stream them live as they air on CBS.
1. NCIS: Origins
NCIS: Origins chronicles the early days of fan-favorite character Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he begins his career. Set in the 1990s, the show sees Gibbs (Austin Stowell) under the mentorship of Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid). The show offers serialized emotional storytelling.
NCIS fans can head here to learn how the legendary team began. All episodes of NCIS: Origins are now streaming on Paramount+. This fall, NCIS: Origins returns for its third season on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The show airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
WATCH NOW: NCIS: Origins
2. NCIS: Sydney
The first NCIS spin-off set outside the United States, NCIS: Sydney follows the agency’s joint U.S.-Australian investigations, led by Supervisory Special Agent Michelle Mackey (Olivia Swann). The show offers the familiar NCIS formula but with a fresh international cast, making it a great option for fans of the franchise.
All three seasons of NCIS: Sydney are now streaming on Paramount+. A recently announced fourth season will also be available to watch on CBS and will stream on Paramount+, and is slated to premiere in the 2026-2027 midseason.
WATCH NOW: NCIS: Sydney
3. FBI
Fast-paced federal investigations are the name of the game in FBI. Offering a procedural format and a strong ensemble cast similar to NCIS, as well as character-driven cases.
All eight seasons of FBI are now streaming on Paramount+. The show’s ninth season will premiere Monday, Oct. 5. The show airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
WATCH NOW: FBI
4. Tracker
One of the most popular shows on TV, Tracker charts the adventures of reward seeker Colter Shaw (played by Justin Hartley). With its case-of-the-week format and mystery-solving coupled with ongoing character development, the show is a strong fit for viewers who like procedural storytelling with a modern twist.
All three seasons of Tracker are now streaming on Paramount+. The show’s fourth season will premiere Sunday, Oct. 4. Tracker airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
WATCH NOW: Tracker
5. Elsbeth
With its unique investigative style, character-first storytelling, and clever mysteries, Elsbeth stars Carrie Preston as attorney turned detective Elsbeth Tascioni. A more lighthearted but still satisfying police procedural, Elsbeth is perfect for anyone who enjoys the occasionally humorous side of NCIS.
All three seasons of Elsbeth are now streaming on Paramount+. The show’s fourth season will premiere Thursday, Oct. 8. Elsbeth airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
WATCH NOW: Elsbeth
6. Criminal Minds: Evolution
The FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit is the focus of Criminal Minds: Evolution (and Criminal Minds). The show features a strong team dynamic led by Special Agent David Rossi (Joe Mantegna) and deals with psychological investigations. It’s sure to appeal to viewers who enjoy ensemble crime dramas.
All seasons of Criminal Minds: Evolution and Criminal Minds are now streaming on Paramount+. The Criminal Minds franchise was recently renewed for a 20th season, which is expected to premiere on Paramount+ in 2027.
WATCH NOW: Criminal Minds: Evolution
7. NCIS: Tony & Ziva
NCIS: Tony & Ziva is the long-awaited NCIS spinoff with fan-favorite agents Tony DiNozzo (played by Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo). The show follows the couple’s new life in Europe as they navigate parenthood while being pulled into an international conspiracy. An irresistible blend of action, espionage, and humor – along with the pair’s iconic chemistry – is in store for fans, who have been waiting over a decade for this reunion.
All episodes of NCIS: Tony & Ziva are now streaming on Paramount+. And for you Tony fans out there: Did you hear Michael Weatherly is returning as his beloved character in NCIS this fall? Get everything we know about NCIS Season 24.
WATCH NOW: NCIS: Tony & Ziva
8. Boston Blue
The Blue Bloods universe continues with Boston Blue, in which New York police detective Danny Reagan (played by Donnie Wahlberg) begins a new chapter in Boston. With a fresh setting, the series maintains the franchise’s focus on law enforcement, family, and justice. Fans who enjoy NCIS‘s blend of procedural cases and character relationships will appreciate another CBS crime drama centered on experienced investigators.
The first season of Boston Blue is now streaming on Paramount+. The show’s second season will premiere Oct. 9. Boston Blue airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
WATCH NOW: Boston Blue
9. NCIS: New Orleans
In NCIS: New Orleans, the franchise’s New Orleans-based field office investigates military crimes throughout the Gulf Coast. The show offers a distinctive setting, Southern culture, and charismatic leadership from Supervisory Special Agent Dwayne Pride (played by Scott Bakula). The show couples NCIS’s procedural structure with a warmer, more character-driven atmosphere, making it a natural next watch for fans looking to stay within the NCIS universe.
All seven seasons of NCIS: New Orleans are now streaming on Paramount+.
WATCH NOW: NCIS: New Orleans
10. Hawaii Five-0
Want to watch an elite task force solving major crimes across Hawaii? Hawaii Five-0 gives you action-heavy investigations balanced with humor, strong team chemistry, and serialized character arcs. Plus, it has crossover events with the NCIS franchise, making it an especially appealing recommendation for franchise fans. The show will appeal to viewers who enjoy fast-paced investigations paired with memorable relationships.
All 10 seasons of Hawaii Five-0 are now streaming on Paramount+.
WATCH NOW: Hawaii Five-0
If your favorite part was…
While every NCIS fan loves a good case, different viewers connect with different aspects of the show. You can determine the best next watch based on what you enjoyed most about NCIS.
If you love the NCIS universe
These shows are like NCIS in that they offer a similar world to explore.
- NCIS: Origins — Learn how Gibbs became the legendary agent fans know today.
- NCIS: Tony & Ziva — Continue one of the franchise’s most beloved character stories.
- NCIS: Sydney — Experience the NCIS formula with a fresh international setting.
- NCIS: New Orleans — Stay within the franchise while exploring a distinctive Gulf Coast office and cast.
If you loved the investigative teamwork
These shows, like NCIS, offer the dynamic and camaraderie of a team at work.
- FBI — Another ensemble of elite federal investigators tackling high-stakes cases.
- Criminal Minds: Evolution — Team-driven investigations with deeper serialized storytelling.
- Boston Blue — A character-focused police drama that balances crime-solving with strong interpersonal relationships.
If you loved the weekly mysteries
Get ready to do some NCIS-style sleuthing with these shows.
- Tracker — A new mystery every episode with an engaging lead solving complex cases.
- Elsbeth — Clever, character-driven investigations with a lighter, more unconventional approach.
- Hawaii Five-0 — Fast-paced procedural adventures set against Hawaii’s stunning backdrop.
If you want more action and suspense
Adrenaline junkies can get their next fix from these shows.
- Tracker — High-risk searches and survival-driven investigations.
- Hawaii Five-0 — Action-heavy crime fighting with plenty of chase sequences and tactical operations.
- FBI — National security threats, major criminal investigations, and high-pressure cases.
- NCIS: Tony & Ziva — International espionage and globe-trotting adventure mixed with the franchise’s signature humor and heart.
Keep watching on Paramount+
Paramount+ is the home of many of television’s most popular crime procedurals, including the NCIS Universe, Tracker, and Elsbeth.
Stream all of these crime shows on Paramount+ to discover your next TV addiction.
FAQ
What show is most like NCIS?
The show most like NCIS is NCIS: Origins. The two shows are very similar in tone, structure, and character dynamics.
Are all the NCIS series on Paramount+?
While not all of the NCIS series are currently available to stream on Paramount+, streaming libraries can change over time. As of publishing, you can now watch NCIS, NCIS: Origins, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Sydney, and NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
Is Tracker similar to NCIS?
Tracker is similar to NCIS in that both shows follow a procedural structure, feature weekly mysteries, and are focused on character. The two shows differ, however, in that Tracker features a solo investigator whereas NCIS focuses on a team of agents.
Which CBS crime drama should I watch after NCIS?
The CBS crime drama you should watch after NCIS depends on your preferences. For example, if you love team dynamics, watch FBI, Criminal Minds: Evolution, or Boston Blue. If you crave action, go for Tracker, Hawaii Five-0, or NCIS: Tony & Ziva. If you want a lighter, more humorous show, check out Elsbeth.
