Jump to content

NCIS season 18: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
 
(409 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{short description|Season of television series}}
{{Infobox television season
{{Infobox television season
| bgcolour = #7532a8
| bgcolour = #5AA498
| season_number = 18
| season_number = 18
| image =
| image = NCIS,_The_Eighteenth_Season.jpg
| image_alt =
| caption = Season 18 U.S. DVD cover
| caption =
| starring = {{Plainlist|
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Mark Harmon]]
* [[Mark Harmon]]
* [[Sean Murray (actor)|Sean Murray]]
* [[Sean Murray (actor)|Sean Murray]]
Line 16: Line 17:
* [[David McCallum]]
* [[David McCallum]]
}}
}}
| num_episodes = 16<!--Only increment as a new episode premieres, per the documentation of the template.-->
| country = United States
| network = [[CBS]]
| num_episodes = 1<!--Only increment as a new episode premieres, per the documentation of the template.-->
| first_aired = {{Start date|2020|11|17}}
| network = [[CBS]]
| first_aired = {{Start date|2020|11|17}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2021|5|25}}
| episode_list = List of NCIS episodes
| last_aired = {{End date|present}}
| episode_list = List of NCIS episodes
}}
}}


The eighteenth season of ''[[NCIS (TV series)|NCIS]]'', an American [[Police procedural|police procedural drama]] television series, premiered on November 17, 2020, on [[CBS]],<ref name="PremiereDate"/> and is set to contain sixteen episodes,<ref name="EpisodeCount"/> including the series 400th episode. The season is set to be produced by Belisarius Productions and [[CBS Television Studios]].<ref name="renewal"/>
The eighteenth season of ''[[NCIS (TV series)|NCIS]]'', an American [[Police procedural|police procedural drama]] television series, originally aired on CBS from November 17, 2020 through May 25, 2021.<ref name="PremiereDate"/> The season only contained 16 episodes,<ref name="EpisodeCount"/> making it the second shortest in the series behind [[NCIS season 21|season 21]], and includes the series' 400th episode. This is the first season to not premiere in the usual September. The season was produced by Belisarius Productions and [[CBS Studios]].<ref name="renewal"/>


''NCIS'' revolves around a fictional team of [[special agent]]s from the [[Naval Criminal Investigative Service]], which conducts criminal investigations involving the [[U.S. Navy]] and [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]]. The series stars [[Mark Harmon]], [[Sean Murray (actor)|Sean Murray]], [[Wilmer Valderrama]], [[Emily Wickersham]], [[Maria Bello]], [[Brian Dietzen]], [[Diona Reasonover]], [[Rocky Carroll]], and [[David McCallum]]. The season will be Bello's last season as a series regular, as she is set to leave after eight episodes.<ref name="Bello"/>
''NCIS'' revolves around a fictional team of [[special agent]]s from the [[Naval Criminal Investigative Service]], which conducts criminal investigations involving the [[U.S. Navy]] and [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]]. The series stars [[Mark Harmon]], [[Sean Murray (actor)|Sean Murray]], [[Wilmer Valderrama]], [[Emily Wickersham]], [[Maria Bello]], [[Brian Dietzen]], [[Diona Reasonover]], [[Rocky Carroll]], and [[David McCallum]]. The season is Bello's last as a series regular, as she left after eight episodes.<ref name="Bello"/> The season finale serves as Wickersham's final appearance as Eleanor Bishop, leaving the series after 8 years.<ref name="Wickersham"/> Several late-season episodes feature [[Pam Dawber]], Harmon's real-life spouse.


==Cast and characters==
==Cast and characters==
Line 32: Line 32:


===Main===
===Main===
* [[Mark Harmon]] as [[Leroy Jethro Gibbs]], NCIS Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) of Major Case Response Team (MCRT) assigned to Washington's Navy Yard
* [[Mark Harmon]] as [[Leroy Jethro Gibbs]], NCIS Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) of the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) assigned to Washington's Navy Yard (episodes 1–10) / suspended (episodes 11–16)
* [[Sean Murray (actor)|Sean Murray]] as [[Timothy McGee]], NCIS Senior Special Agent, second in command of MCRT
* [[Sean Murray (actor)|Sean Murray]] as [[Timothy McGee]], NCIS Senior Special Agent, Second in Command of MCRT
* [[Wilmer Valderrama]] as Nicholas "Nick" Torres, NCIS Special Agent and former Undercover Agent
* [[Wilmer Valderrama]] as [[List of NCIS characters#Nick Torres|Nick Torres]], NCIS Special Agent
* [[Emily Wickersham]] as Eleanor "Ellie" Bishop, NCIS Special Agent
* [[Emily Wickersham]] as [[List of NCIS characters#Ellie Bishop|Eleanor "Ellie" Bishop]], NCIS Special Agent
* [[Maria Bello]] as Dr. Jacqueline "Jack" Sloane, NCIS Senior Resident Agent and operational psychologist
* [[Maria Bello]] as [[List of NCIS characters#Dr. Jacqueline Sloane|Dr. Jacqueline "Jack" Sloane]], NCIS Senior Resident Agent and Operational Psychologist (episodes 1–8)
* [[Brian Dietzen]] as Dr. Jimmy Palmer Chief Medical Examiner for NCIS
* [[Brian Dietzen]] as [[List of NCIS characters#Jimmy Palmer|Dr. Jimmy Palmer]], Chief Medical Examiner for NCIS
* [[Diona Reasonover]] as Kasie Hines, Forensic Scientist for NCIS
* [[Diona Reasonover]] as [[List of NCIS characters#Kasie Hines|Kasie Hines]], Forensic Specialist for NCIS
* [[Rocky Carroll]] as Leon Vance, NCIS Director
* [[Rocky Carroll]] as [[List of NCIS characters#Leon Vance|Leon Vance]], NCIS Director
* [[David McCallum]] as Dr. Donald Mallard, NCIS Historian and former Chief Medical Examiner
* [[David McCallum]] as [[List of NCIS characters#Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard|Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard]], NCIS Historian

<!--
===Recurring===
===Recurring===
* [[Joe Spano]] as [[List of NCIS characters#Tobias Fornell|Tobias Fornell]], Private Detective and former FBI agent
-->
* [[Margo Harshman]] as [[List of NCIS characters#Delilah Fielding|Delilah Fielding-McGee]], DoD Intelligence Analyst and McGee's wife
* [[Pam Dawber]] as Marcie Warren, investigative journalist
* [[Laura San Giacomo]] as [[List of NCIS characters#Grace Confalone|Dr. Grace Confalone]], psychotherapist
* [[Nick Boraine]] as Merriweather, NCIS target
* [[Adam Campbell (actor)|Adam Campbell]] as [[List of NCIS characters#Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard|Young Ducky]]
* Sean Harmon as [[Leroy Jethro Gibbs|Young Gibbs]]
* Hugo Armstrong as Eugene Coyle, from the NCIS Inspector General's office
* Juliette Angelo as [[List of NCIS characters#Emily Fornell|Emily Fornell]], Tobias Fornell's daughter
* Elayn J. Taylor as Odette Malone, owner of Ziva's private office and former CIA Operative
* [[Victoria Platt]] as Veronica Tyler, NCIS Special Agent
* Jack Fisher as [[List of NCIS characters#Phineas|Phineas]], Gibbs' former neighbor
* [[Karri Turner]] as Micki Kaydar, Phineas' aunt


===Guest Stars===
===Guest stars===
* [[Thomas F. Wilson]] as Angus DeMint, author "Journey of Adventure."
* [[Joe Spano]] as Tobias Fornell
* [[Steven Bauer]] as Miguel Torres, Nick Torres' father
* Sean Harmon as young Gibbs<ref name="Sean">{{cite web|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/947451/ncis-episode-400-outlander-season-6-supernatural-final-episodes/|title=Inside Scoop on What's Ahead for 'NCIS,' 'Supernatural' & 'Outlander'|date=September 9, 2020|author=TV Insider Staff|work=TVInsider|accessdate=September 14, 2020}}</ref>
* [[William Allen Young]] as Moses McClaine, U.S. Secretary of Defense
* [[Adam Campbell (actor)|Adam Campbell]] as young Ducky<ref name="Campbell">{{cite web|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/953313/ncis-episode-400-mark-harmon-david-mccallum-preview/|title=Inside 'NCIS' Episode 400: Gibbs & Ducky's Meet-Cute, Personal Choices & More|date=October 21, 2020|last=Hahn|first=Kate|work=TV Insider|access-date=October 30, 2020}}</ref>
* [[Zane Holtz]] as Dale Sawyer, NCIS Special Agent
* [[Tijuana Ricks]] as Pamela Walsh, CIA Agent
* [[Chris Browning]] as Tom Dalton, NCIS REACT Special Agent
* [[Katrina Law]] as [[List of NCIS characters#Jessica Knight|Jessica Knight]], NCIS REACT Special Agent<!--Katrina Law only appeared in T W O episodes and therefore does not meet the requirement to be listed as a recurring character, which should be 5-7 episodes (or 3 minimum depending on the series / local consensus). Any edit that moves her to the recurring section will be reverted!-->


==Episodes==
==Episodes==
{{See also|List of NCIS episodes}}
{{see also|List of NCIS episodes}}
<onlyinclude>{{#invoke:Episode table|main |background=#5AA498 |overall=5 |season=5 |title=16 |director=14 |writer=30 |airdate=14 |prodcode=7 |viewers=9 |country=U.S. |dontclose=y}}
The number in the "No. overall" column refers to the episode's number within the overall series, whereas the number in the "No. in season" column refers to the episode's number within this particular season. "U.S. viewers (millions)" refers to the number of viewers in the U.S. in millions who watched the episode as it was aired.
<onlyinclude>{{#invoke:Episode table|main
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|background = #7532a8
|overall = 5
|season = 5
|title = 24
|director = 15
|writer = 32
|airdate = 12
|viewers = 8
|country = U.S.
|dontclose = y
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS (season 18)
|EpisodeNumber = 399
|EpisodeNumber = 399
|EpisodeNumber2 = 1
|EpisodeNumber2 = 1
Line 72: Line 76:
|WrittenBy = [[Scott A. Williams|Scott Williams]]
|WrittenBy = [[Scott A. Williams|Scott Williams]]
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|11|17}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|11|17}}
|ProdCode = 1801
|Viewers = 10.35<ref name="18.01">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-11-17-2020.html|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.17.2020|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=November 18, 2020|work=Showbuzz Daily|accessdate=November 18, 2020}}</ref>
|Viewers = 10.35<ref name="18.01">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-11-17-2020.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118211214/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-11-17-2020.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 18, 2020|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.17.2020|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=November 18, 2020|work=[[Showbuzz Daily]]|access-date=November 18, 2020}}</ref>
|ShortSummary =
|ShortSummary = While the team tries to figure out the whereabouts of a missing body, Gibbs assists Fornell in tracking down the leader of the drug ring that supplied opioids to Fornell's daughter Emily.
|LineColor = 7532a8
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS (season 18)
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|EpisodeNumber = 400
|EpisodeNumber = 400
|EpisodeNumber2 = 2
|EpisodeNumber2 = 2
|Title = Everything Starts Somewhere
|Title = Everything Starts Somewhere
|RTitle = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings/20201113cbs01/|title=(#404) "Everything Starts Somewhere"|date=November 13, 2020|work=[[The Futon Critic]]|access-date=November 16, 2020}}</ref>
|DirectedBy = [[Terrence O'Hara]]
|DirectedBy = [[Terrence O'Hara]]
|WrittenBy = [[Steven D. Binder]]
|WrittenBy = [[Steven D. Binder]]
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|11|24}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|11|24}}
|Viewers =
|ProdCode = 1802
|Viewers = 10.15<ref name="18.02">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-11-24-2020.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125211254/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-11-24-2020.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 25, 2020|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.24.2020|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=November 25, 2020|work=[[Showbuzz Daily]]|access-date=November 25, 2020}}</ref>
|ShortSummary =
|ShortSummary = The discovery of a dead body in the basement of NCIS headquarters is linked to a group Gibbs investigated in his past. Flashbacks reveal how Gibbs was introduced to Ducky and the agency. The episode ends with Gibbs accepting invitations from the team to go out for drinks.
|LineColor = 7532a8
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS (season 18)
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|EpisodeNumber = 401
|EpisodeNumber = 401
|EpisodeNumber2 = 3
|EpisodeNumber2 = 3
|Title = Blood and Treasure
|Title = Blood and Treasure
|RTitle = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings/20201116cbs01/|title=Blood and Treasure |publisher=[[The Futon Critic]]|accessdate=November 17, 2020}}</ref>
|DirectedBy = Diana Valentine
|DirectedBy = Diana Valentine
|WrittenBy = Christopher J. Walid
|WrittenBy = [[Christopher J. Waild]]
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|12|8}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|12|8}}
|Viewers =
|ProdCode = 1803
|Viewers = 8.53<ref name="18.03">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-12-8-2020.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209231755/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-12-8-2020.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 9, 2020|title=Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 12.8.2020|work=[[Showbuzz Daily]]|first=Mitch|last=Metcalf|author-link=Mitch Metcalf|date=December 9, 2020|access-date=December 9, 2020}}</ref>
|ShortSummary =
|ShortSummary = A murder investigation is linked to a years-long treasure hunt. The team investigates while recovering from their night of drinking. Also, Gibbs and Fornell continue their secret investigation into the drug ring, with Fornell going undercover as a fast food restaurant employee.
|LineColor = 7532a8
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
{{end|html=y}}</onlyinclude>
|EpisodeNumber = 402
|EpisodeNumber2 = 4
|Title = Sunburn
|DirectedBy = [[Rocky Carroll]]
|WrittenBy = Marco Schnabel
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|1|19}}
|ProdCode = 1804
|Viewers = 9.63<ref name="18.04&18.05">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-1-19-2021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121153326/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-1-19-2021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 21, 2021|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.19.2020|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=January 21, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=January 21, 2021}}</ref>
|ShortSummary = McGee and Delilah's vacation in the Bahamas turns into a high-risk mission when a case NCIS is tracking from a dead escape room manager has ties to the island. Gibbs fears the worst when his search for Fornell leads to blood.
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|EpisodeNumber = 403
|EpisodeNumber2 = 5
|Title = Head of the Snake
|DirectedBy = [[Tawnia McKiernan]]
|WrittenBy = Brendan Fehily & David J. North
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|1|19}}
|ProdCode = 1805
|Viewers = 8.74<ref name="18.04&18.05"/>
|ShortSummary = Gibbs and Fornell's crusade to find the head of the drug gang responsible for Fornell's daughter Emily's overdose, climaxes. In addition, Gibbs and Vance finally inform the team about a case that has dangerous implications.
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|EpisodeNumber = 404
|EpisodeNumber2 = 6
|Title = 1mm
|DirectedBy = Diana Valentine
|WrittenBy = Gina Lucita Monreal
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|1|26}}
|ProdCode = 1806
|Viewers = 10.02<ref name="18.06">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-1-26-2021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127222817/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-1-26-2021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 27, 2021|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.26.2020|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=January 27, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=January 27, 2021}}</ref>
|ShortSummary = Following a lead on arms smuggling, Bishop and Torres engage in a shootout at the home of a former sheriff which is now a historic site, only to find themselves locked in abandoned cells there.
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|EpisodeNumber = 405
|EpisodeNumber2 = 7
|Title = The First Day
|DirectedBy = [[James Whitmore Jr.]]
|WrittenBy = Margaret Rose Lester
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|2|9}}
|ProdCode = 1807
|Viewers = 9.74<ref name="18.07">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-2-9-2021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210225604/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-2-9-2021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 10, 2021|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.9.2020|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=February 10, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=February 10, 2021}}</ref>
|ShortSummary = While the team investigates the murder of a Navy officer who was killed while driving home a recently released inmate, Palmer grieves the loss of his wife Breena from COVID-19. In addition, Sloane confides in Gibbs that she is "ready for a change", hinting she may leave the team.
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|EpisodeNumber = 406
|EpisodeNumber2 = 8
|Title = True Believer
|DirectedBy = Terrence O'Hara
|WrittenBy = Jill Weinberger
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|3|2}}
|ProdCode = 1808
|Viewers = 9.60<ref name="18.08">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-2-2021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303221205/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-2-2021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 3, 2021|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.2.2020|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=March 3, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=March 3, 2021}}</ref>
|ShortSummary = "Sloane NCIS" is written on an abandoned school bus in Afghanistan that contained girls thought to have been kidnapped by the Taliban. At NCIS, Sloane admits to Gibbs that she wants to put an offer down on a house in Costa Rica. Their conversation is interrupted by Vance, who gives them the green light to search for the missing girls in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the rest of the team tries to determine who killed a "hacktivist" suspected of providing GPS coordinates of the bus to the Taliban. In Afghanistan, Sloane is reacquainted with Darya, a woman who helped Sloane during her torturous time there. Darya’s death at the hands of terrorists is the last straw for an emotionally exhausted Sloane, the stress of one bad guy taking the place of another having built up over time. After rescuing the girls, Sloane voices her intention to stay in Afghanistan to help other young girls in similar predicaments and shares a goodbye kiss with Gibbs.

'''Note:''' Final appearance of Maria Bello as Jacqueline Sloane.
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|EpisodeNumber = 407
|EpisodeNumber2 = 9
|Title = Winter Chill
|DirectedBy = Michael Zinberg
|WrittenBy = Scott Williams
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|3|9}}
|ProdCode = 1809
|Viewers = 9.77<ref name="18.09">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-9-2021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310211729/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-9-2021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2021|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.9.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=March 10, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=March 10, 2021}}</ref>
|ShortSummary = When a Navy Officer is found dead in a freezer truck, the team get stuck in the middle of a battle between two competing food trucks. Meanwhile, after Sloane's departure from NCIS, Gibbs comforts Fornell when his daughter Emily unexpectedly dies from a drug relapse.
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|EpisodeNumber = 408
|EpisodeNumber2 = 10
|Title = Watchdog
|DirectedBy = Diana Valentine
|WrittenBy = Brendan Fehily & David J. North
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|3|16}}
|ProdCode = 1810
|Viewers = 9.98<ref name="18.10">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-16-2021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210317205927/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-16-2021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 17, 2021|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.16.2020|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=March 17, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=March 17, 2021}}</ref>
|ShortSummary = When a stray pitbull accidentally tumbles a navy convoy with a missile carried on, the team discovers the dog was abused. Gibbs confronts the abuser, Luke Stana, with force, which has him arrested. The rest of the team tries to prove Gibbs’ innocence and arrest Stana, but although they are successful, Gibbs confesses his role in the attack to Inspector General [[Eugene Coyle]]. As such, Vance is forced to suspend Gibbs indefinitely. Additionally, Gibbs takes the abused dog, Lucy, home with him.
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|EpisodeNumber = 409
|EpisodeNumber2 = 11
|Title = Gut Punch
|DirectedBy = Rocky Carroll
|WrittenBy = Christopher J. Waild
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|4|6}}
|ProdCode = 1811
|Viewers = 10.26<ref name="18.11">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-6-2021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407212634/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-6-2021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 7, 2021|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.6.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=April 7, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=April 7, 2021}}</ref>
|ShortSummary = As punishment for their actions in the case against Gibbs, the team is assigned to be [[COVID-19]] officers for an event the Secretary of Defense is hosting with the Yemeni Government, while night shift agents spearhead a murder investigation. McGee, Bishop, and Torres discover a link between that case and the SecDef's event, and later have to intervene when they find out that the SecDef has been targeted by a hitman. Meanwhile, Gibbs is met at the diner by investigative reporter Marcie Warren ([[Pam Dawber]], Harmon's real life spouse) and reluctantly tells her the truth about his confrontation with Stana. With the story out there for the public, Vance visits Gibbs and tells him he cannot save him from the fallout this time.
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|EpisodeNumber = 410
|EpisodeNumber2 = 12
|Title = Sangre
|DirectedBy = James Whitmore Jr.
|WrittenBy = Marco Schnabel
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|4|27}}
|ProdCode = 1812
|Viewers = 8.56<ref name="18.12">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-27-2021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428201034/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-27-2021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 28, 2021|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.27.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=April 28, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=April 28, 2021}}</ref>
|ShortSummary = The lead suspect in the death of a Marine sergeant in an open house is Torres' father, who walked out on Torres when he was young. Meanwhile, Gibbs takes the opportunity to get caught up on household chores while suspended from the agency. He is visited by Marcie Warren, who asks him to review some of her work.
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|EpisodeNumber = 411
|EpisodeNumber2 = 13
|Title = Misconduct
|DirectedBy = Tawnia McKiernan
|WrittenBy = Brendan Fehily & Margaret Rose Lester & David J. North
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|5|4}}
|ProdCode = 1813
|Viewers = 9.70<ref name="18.13">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-4-2021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505203334/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-4-2021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 5, 2021|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.4.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=May 5, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=May 5, 2021}}</ref>
|ShortSummary = While biking with a friend, a petty officer is killed in a hit-and-run. The team comes to realize the friend was the intended target, as he was an accountant set to testify against Parker James, accused of a Ponzi scheme against sailors. The team later finds the witness dead, and though Gibbs testifies against James, the prosecutor is reluctant to put him on the stand due to his suspension from NCIS. James' lawyer attacks Gibbs' credibility, and the jury finds the defendant not guilty. However, NCIS is able to arrest him and his estranged wife for ordering the hit on his accountant.
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|EpisodeNumber = 412
|EpisodeNumber2 = 14
|Title = Unseen Improvements
|DirectedBy = Diana Valentine
|WrittenBy = Steven D. Binder & Scott Williams
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|5|11}}
|ProdCode = 1814
|Viewers = 8.94<ref name="18.14">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-11-2021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512201734/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-11-2021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 12, 2021|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.11.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=May 12, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=May 12, 2021}}</ref>
|ShortSummary = NCIS' investigation into the murder of a captain in the National Military Command Center leads them to Hassan Sayegh, the biological uncle of Gibbs' former neighbor Phineas (Jack Fisher). Hassan was after the captain's laptop to hack into NCIS case history so he can get to Phineas after causing his foster parents' car to crash. Phineas runs to Gibbs' house and bonds with Lucy. The team arrests Hassan, but not before he reveals his own son needs a bone marrow transplant, which Phineas agrees to donate, and Gibbs allows Phineas to take Lucy home. Elsewhere, Torres and Bishop agree to discuss their apparent feelings for each other after questioning by Palmer and Kasie.
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|EpisodeNumber = 413
|EpisodeNumber2 = 15
|Title = Blown Away
|DirectedBy = Michael Zinberg
|WrittenBy = Marco Schnabel & Christopher J. Waild
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|5|18}}
|ProdCode = 1815
|Viewers = 8.73<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-lakers-technology-entertainment-sports-nba-96fd259f28418539af05715b7590bbf1|title=Triumph of the unhip: 'NCIS' tops TV, streaming rankings|last=Bauder|first=David|date=May 25, 2021|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=May 25, 2021|archive-date=May 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531032815/https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-lakers-technology-entertainment-sports-nba-96fd259f28418539af05715b7590bbf1|url-status=live}}</ref>
|ShortSummary = NCIS REACT agent Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) successfully talks down a hostage situation, but then an explosion kills her team. Knight joins in the investigation, which leads to the revelation that the REACT team was the target all along. Elsewhere, Gibbs and Marcie Warren investigate a cold case off the books.
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 18
|EpisodeNumber = 414
|EpisodeNumber2 = 16
|Title = Rule 91
|DirectedBy = Diana Valentine
|WrittenBy = Brendan Fehily & David J. North
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|5|25}}
|ProdCode = 1816
|Viewers = 8.96<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-television-entertainment-business-804fbdd417093715611a385399eda323|title=CBS is champ of television season for 13th consecutive year|last=Bauder|first=David|date=June 2, 2021|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=June 2, 2021|archive-date=June 14, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210614004837/https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-television-entertainment-business-804fbdd417093715611a385399eda323|url-status=live}}</ref>
|ShortSummary = While pursuing a dangerous arms dealer, the team is shocked when Bishop is implicated in an old NSA leak. McGee and Knight attempt to prove her innocence, but ultimately Bishop reveals her complicity and quits. Torres realizes that Bishop's exit was a planned maneuver between her and Odette Malone ([[Ziva David|Ziva David's]] contact), so as to set Bishop up on a long-term, undercover mission which required her to be a "disgraced NCIS agent." The two share a goodbye kiss after an intense argument, and Bishop leaves. Meanwhile, Gibbs and Marcie realize that the killer they've been tracking may be on to them. The episode ends with Gibbs' newly completed boat, named "Rule 91", blowing up and Gibbs swimming away from the wreckage.

'''Note:''' Final appearance of Emily Wickersham as Eleanor Bishop.
|LineColor = 5AA498
}}
{{End|Episode table|html=y}}</onlyinclude>


==Production==
==Production==
===Development===
===Development===
The season was ordered on May 6, 2020.<ref name="renewal">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/cbs-renewals-1202927097/|title=CBS Renews 18 Series, Including Freshmen 'FBI: Most Wanted', 'Bob ♥ Abishola', 'All Rise' & 'The Unicorn'|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|first1=Peter|last1=White|first2=Nellie|last2=Andreeva|date=May 6, 2020|accessdate=May 6, 2020}}</ref> On June 3, 2020, [[Steven D. Binder]] announced that the writers had begun working on the season.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=stevebinder|number=1268047908282101760|title=Stay turned. We are in the (z)room working on the next season as we speak.|date=June 3, 2020|access-date=August 14, 2020}}</ref> On August 12, 2020, it was announced that [[CBS Television Studios]] had signed a deal with the law enforcement advisory group 21CP Solutions, to consult on its crime and legal dramas, which includes ''NCIS''. 21CP Solutions, will help the series' to move accurately portray law enforcement This comes after the [[George Floyd Protests]], which caused the television industry to rethink their portrayal of law enforcement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cbs-tv-studios-brings-advisory-group-cop-shows-1307148|title=CBS TV Studios Brings on Advisory Group for Crime and Legal Shows|date=August 12, 2020|last=Porter|first=Rick|accessdate=August 14, 2020|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> On September 21, 2020, it was announced that the season would start by exploring where [[Leroy Jethro Gibbs|Gibbs]], played by series star [[Mark Harmon]], disappeared to during [[NCIS (season 17)#ep386|the episode "Musical Chairs" from the previous season]], before returning to the present day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2020/09/21/ncis-season-18-backwards-time-jump-gibbs-secret-mission/|title=NCIS Will Start Season 18 With a Backwards Time Jump — Find Out Why|date=September 21, 2020|last=Mitovich|first=Matt Webb|work=[[TV Line]]|access-date=October 14, 2020}}</ref> On October 27, 2020, it was announced that season would contain sixteen episodes.<ref name="EpisodeCount">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/cbs-cuts-episode-orders-ncis-blue-bloods-the-neighborhood-bull-covid-impact-2020-21-season-1234603767/|title=CBS Trims Episode Orders As Broadcast Series On All Nets Face Abbreviated Runs In COVID Impacted 2020-21 Season|date=October 27, 2020|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=October 27, 2020}}</ref>
The season was ordered on May 6, 2020.<ref name="renewal">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/cbs-renewals-1202927097/|title=CBS Renews 18 Series, Including Freshmen 'FBI: Most Wanted', 'Bob ♥ Abishola', 'All Rise' & 'The Unicorn'|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|first1=Peter|last1=White|first2=Nellie|last2=Andreeva|date=May 6, 2020|access-date=May 6, 2020|archive-date=May 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506203757/https://deadline.com/2020/05/cbs-renewals-1202927097/|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 3, 2020, [[Steven D. Binder]] announced that the writers had begun working on the season.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=stevebinder|number=1268047908282101760|title=Stay turned. We are in the (z)room working on the next season as we speak.|date=June 3, 2020|access-date=August 14, 2020}}</ref> Scripts initially written for cancelled Season 17 episodes were integrated into this season's second and fourth episodes, "Everything Starts Somewhere" and "Sunburn." The exit of [[Maria Bello]]'s Jacqueline Sloane, which would have occurred in the unproduced Season 17 finale, was integrated into the season's eighth episode, "True Believer," though similarities to the originally planned storyline remain undetermined. On August 12, 2020, it was announced that [[CBS Television Studios]] had signed a deal with the law enforcement advisory group 21CP Solutions, to consult on its crime and legal dramas, which includes ''NCIS''. 21CP Solutions would help the series to more accurately portray law enforcement; this comes after the [[George Floyd protests]], which caused the television industry to rethink their portrayal of law enforcement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cbs-tv-studios-brings-advisory-group-cop-shows-1307148|title=CBS TV Studios Brings on Advisory Group for Crime and Legal Shows|date=August 12, 2020|last=Porter|first=Rick|access-date=August 14, 2020|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|archive-date=September 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917084232/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cbs-tv-studios-brings-advisory-group-cop-shows-1307148|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 21, 2020, it was announced that the season would start by exploring where [[Leroy Jethro Gibbs|Gibbs]], played by series star [[Mark Harmon]], disappeared to during [[NCIS season 17#ep386|the episode "Musical Chairs" from the previous season]], before returning to the present day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2020/09/21/ncis-season-18-backwards-time-jump-gibbs-secret-mission/|title=NCIS Will Start Season 18 With a Backwards Time Jump — Find Out Why|date=September 21, 2020|last=Mitovich|first=Matt Webb|work=[[TVLine]]|access-date=October 14, 2020|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013094539/https://tvline.com/2020/09/21/ncis-season-18-backwards-time-jump-gibbs-secret-mission/|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 27, 2020, it was announced that season would comprise sixteen episodes.<ref name="EpisodeCount">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/cbs-cuts-episode-orders-ncis-blue-bloods-the-neighborhood-bull-covid-impact-2020-21-season-1234603767/|title=CBS Trims Episode Orders As Broadcast Series On All Nets Face Abbreviated Runs In COVID Impacted 2020-21 Season|date=October 27, 2020|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116175500/https://deadline.com/2020/10/cbs-cuts-episode-orders-ncis-blue-bloods-the-neighborhood-bull-covid-impact-2020-21-season-1234603767/|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Filming===
===Filming===
The planned twenty-first episode of the seventeenth season, which was postponed due to production on the season being shutdown due to the [[COVID-19 Pandemic]], is set to be the first episode filmed of season eighteen. The planned twenty-second episode of season seventeen, which would have been the series 400th episode, is set to be filmed and aired second, which will keep it as the 400th episode.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2020/07/24/ncis-maria-bello-leaving-season-18-jack-sloane/|title=Maria Bello Exiting NCIS in Season 18|date=July 24, 2020|last=Mitovich|first=Matt Webb|accessdate=August 14, 2020|work=[[TVLine]]}}</ref> On August 13, 2020, it was announced that ''NCIS'' had been assigned the tentative start date of September 9, 2020 to begin production on the season. Production will be done under strict [[COVID-19]] protocols, and the series will continue to be filmed in [[Los Angeles]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/ncis-ncis-los-angeles-set-tentative-start-dates-bull-magnum-pi-cbs-tv-studios-dramas-go-ahead-resume-filming-cbs-fall-lineup-take-shape-1203013083/|title='NCIS' & 'NCIS: Los Angeles' Set Tentative Start Dates; 2 More CBS TV Studios Dramas Get Go-Ahead To Resume Filming As CBS' Fall Lineup Begins To Take Shape|date=August 13, 2020|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|accessdate=August 14, 2020|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]}}</ref>
The planned twenty-first episode of the seventeenth season, which was postponed due to production on the season being shut down due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States]], was the first episode filmed of season eighteen. The planned twenty-second episode of season seventeen, which would have been the 400th episode of the series, was filmed and aired second, which kept it as the 400th episode.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2020/07/24/ncis-maria-bello-leaving-season-18-jack-sloane/|title=Maria Bello Exiting NCIS in Season 18|date=July 24, 2020|last=Mitovich|first=Matt Webb|access-date=August 14, 2020|work=[[TVLine]]|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414144714/https://tvline.com/2020/07/24/ncis-maria-bello-leaving-season-18-jack-sloane/|url-status=live}}</ref> Production on the eighteenth season began on September 9, 2020, and the series continued to be filmed in [[Los Angeles]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/ncis-ncis-los-angeles-set-tentative-start-dates-bull-magnum-pi-cbs-tv-studios-dramas-go-ahead-resume-filming-cbs-fall-lineup-take-shape-1203013083/|title='NCIS' & 'NCIS: Los Angeles' Set Tentative Start Dates; 2 More CBS TV Studios Dramas Get Go-Ahead To Resume Filming As CBS' Fall Lineup Begins To Take Shape|date=August 13, 2020|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|access-date=August 14, 2020|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|archive-date=January 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103132059/https://deadline.com/2020/08/ncis-ncis-los-angeles-set-tentative-start-dates-bull-magnum-pi-cbs-tv-studios-dramas-go-ahead-resume-filming-cbs-fall-lineup-take-shape-1203013083/|url-status=live}}</ref> Filming for season 18 wrapped up on March 29, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|title=Instagram: Brian Dietzen: Aaaaaaand that's a wrap!|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CNBYZMxBFpd/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CNBYZMxBFpd |archive-date=2021-12-24 |url-access=limited|access-date=October 21, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


===Casting===
===Casting===
On May 6, 2020, it was announced that Harmon, had closed a new deal with CBS Television Studios.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/ncis-stars-mark-harmon-scott-bakula-ll-cool-j-chris-odonnell-new-deals-return-ncis-new-orleans-ncis-los-angeles-renewed-cbs-contracts-1202925748/|title='NCIS' Franchise Stars Mark Harmon, Scott Bakula, LL Cool J & Chris O'Donnell Close New Deals To Return As All 3 Series Are Renewed By CBS|date=May 6, 2020|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|accessdate=August 14, 2020|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]}}</ref> On July 24, 2020, it was announced that series regular [[Maria Bello]] is set to leave the show during the season, and will appear in eight episodes to wrap up her character's storyline.<ref name="Bello">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/maria-bello-signs-gersh-nears-exit-from-ncis-season-18-jack-sloane-1202991597/|title=Maria Bello Signs With Gersh As She Nears Exit From 'NCIS'|date=July 24, 2020|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|accessdate=August 14, 2020|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]}}</ref> On September 9, 2020, it was announced that Harmon's son Sean, would return in episode two as a younger version of his father's character.<ref name="Sean"/> On October 21, 2020, it was announced that [[Adam Campbell (actor)|Adam Campbell]] would also return in episode two, as a younger version of Ducky.<ref name="Campbell"/>
On May 6, 2020, it was announced that Harmon had closed a new deal with CBS Television Studios.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/ncis-stars-mark-harmon-scott-bakula-ll-cool-j-chris-odonnell-new-deals-return-ncis-new-orleans-ncis-los-angeles-renewed-cbs-contracts-1202925748/|title='NCIS' Franchise Stars Mark Harmon, Scott Bakula, LL Cool J & Chris O'Donnell Close New Deals To Return As All 3 Series Are Renewed By CBS|date=May 6, 2020|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|access-date=August 14, 2020|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029021842/https://deadline.com/2020/05/ncis-stars-mark-harmon-scott-bakula-ll-cool-j-chris-odonnell-new-deals-return-ncis-new-orleans-ncis-los-angeles-renewed-cbs-contracts-1202925748/|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 24, 2020, it was announced that series regular [[Maria Bello]] is set to leave the show during the season, and appear in eight episodes to wrap up her character's storyline.<ref name="Bello">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/maria-bello-signs-gersh-nears-exit-from-ncis-season-18-jack-sloane-1202991597/|title=Maria Bello Signs With Gersh As She Nears Exit From 'NCIS'|date=July 24, 2020|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|access-date=August 14, 2020|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415001501/https://deadline.com/2020/07/maria-bello-signs-gersh-nears-exit-from-ncis-season-18-jack-sloane-1202991597/|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 9, 2020, it was announced that Harmon's son Sean, would return in episode two as a younger version of his father's character.<ref name="Sean">{{cite web|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/947451/ncis-episode-400-outlander-season-6-supernatural-final-episodes/|title=Inside Scoop on What's Ahead for 'NCIS,' 'Supernatural' & 'Outlander'|date=September 9, 2020|author=TV Insider Staff|work=TVInsider|access-date=September 14, 2020|archive-date=September 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910223017/https://www.tvinsider.com/947451/ncis-episode-400-outlander-season-6-supernatural-final-episodes/|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 21, 2020, it was announced that [[Adam Campbell (actor)|Adam Campbell]] would also return in episode two, as a younger version of Ducky.<ref name="Campbell">{{cite web|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/953313/ncis-episode-400-mark-harmon-david-mccallum-preview/|title=Inside 'NCIS' Episode 400: Gibbs & Ducky's Meet-Cute, Personal Choices & More|date=October 21, 2020|last=Hahn|first=Kate|work=TV Insider|access-date=October 30, 2020|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031103808/https://www.tvinsider.com/953313/ncis-episode-400-mark-harmon-david-mccallum-preview/|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2021, [[Katrina Law]] was cast in the role of Jessica Knight.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2021/03/10/ncis-katrina-law-season-18-cast-recurring/|title=Katrina Law Joins NCIS as Potential Series Regular for Season 19|last=Iannucci|first=Rebecca|date=March 10, 2021|accessdate=March 11, 2021|work=[[TVLine]]|archive-date=March 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311011807/https://tvline.com/2021/03/10/ncis-katrina-law-season-18-cast-recurring/|url-status=live}}</ref> Law appeared in the final two episodes of the season with the potential to become a series regular if the series is renewed for a nineteenth season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/ncis-katrina-law-cbs-series-recurring-1234711878/|title='NCIS': Katrina Law Joins CBS Series As Recurring|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=March 10, 2021|accessdate=March 11, 2021|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|archive-date=March 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311004904/https://deadline.com/2021/03/ncis-katrina-law-cbs-series-recurring-1234711878/|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 26, 2021, it was confirmed that series regular [[Emily Wickersham]] would leave the series after 8 years.<ref name="Wickersham">{{cite web|title='NCIS': Longtime Series Regular Confirms Exit Following Season 18 Finale|url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/ncis-longtime-series-regular-confirms-exit-season-18-finale-emily-wickersham-1234764359/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=May 26, 2021|access-date=May 26, 2021|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526145227/https://deadline.com/2021/05/ncis-longtime-series-regular-confirms-exit-season-18-finale-emily-wickersham-1234764359/|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Release===
===Release===
The season is set to premiere during the [[2020–21 United States network television schedule|2020–21 television season]] as part of CBS's Tuesday lineup with ''[[FBI (TV series)|FBI]]'' and ''[[FBI: Most Wanted]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|title=CBS Plots Business as Usual Fall Schedule — For Now|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cbs-plots-business-as-usual-fall-schedule-now-1295186|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=May 19, 2020}}</ref> On August 26, 2020, it was announced that CBS hoped to begin airing the season in November 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/cbs-fall-schedule-star-trek-discovery-one-day-at-a-time-manhunt-1203023900/|title=CBS Adds ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, ‘One Day At A Time’ & ‘Manhunt: Deadly Games’ To Fall Schedule As Net Eyes November Launch For Scripted Originals|date=August 26, 2020|last=White|first=Peter|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|accessdate=August 27, 2020}}</ref> On October 13, 2020, it was announced that the season would premiere on November 17, 2020.<ref name="PremiereDate">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/cbs-premiere-dates-scripted-series-ncis-young-sheldon-bob-hearts-abishola-all-rise-1234596461/|title=CBS Sets Premiere Dates For 10 Scripted Series Including 'NCIS' Trio, 'Young Sheldon' & 'S.W.A.T'|date=October 13, 2020|last1=Andreeva|first=Nellie|last2=Petski|first2=Denise|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|access-date=October 14, 2020}}</ref>
The season is set to premiere during the [[2020–21 United States network television schedule|2020–21 television season]] as part of CBS's Tuesday lineup with ''[[FBI (TV series)|FBI]]'' and ''[[FBI: Most Wanted]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|title=CBS Plots Business as Usual Fall Schedule — For Now|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cbs-plots-business-as-usual-fall-schedule-now-1295186|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=May 19, 2020|access-date=August 14, 2020|archive-date=July 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709193538/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cbs-plots-business-as-usual-fall-schedule-now-1295186|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 26, 2020, it was announced that CBS hoped to begin airing the season in November 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/cbs-fall-schedule-star-trek-discovery-one-day-at-a-time-manhunt-1203023900/|title=CBS Adds 'Star Trek: Discovery', 'One Day At A Time' & 'Manhunt: Deadly Games' To Fall Schedule As Net Eyes November Launch For Scripted Originals|date=August 26, 2020|last=White|first=Peter|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=August 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826224626/https://deadline.com/2020/08/cbs-fall-schedule-star-trek-discovery-one-day-at-a-time-manhunt-1203023900/|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 13, 2020, it was announced that the season would premiere on November 17, 2020.<ref name="PremiereDate">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/cbs-premiere-dates-scripted-series-ncis-young-sheldon-bob-hearts-abishola-all-rise-1234596461/|title=CBS Sets Premiere Dates For 10 Scripted Series Including 'NCIS' Trio, 'Young Sheldon' & 'S.W.A.T'|date=October 13, 2020|last1=Andreeva|first=Nellie|last2=Petski|first2=Denise|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|access-date=October 14, 2020|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013175500/https://deadline.com/2020/10/cbs-premiere-dates-scripted-series-ncis-young-sheldon-bob-hearts-abishola-all-rise-1234596461/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was also announced that this will be the final season on the Tuesday timeslot, it will be moved on Mondays on its 19th season leading into its new spinoff series ''[[NCIS: Hawaiʻi]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2021/05/19/cbs-fall-lineup-2021-schedule-ncis-monday-season-19/|title=CBS Fall Schedule Shocker: NCIS Exits Tuesdays After 18 Years Amid Dramatic, Multi-Night Overhaul at Eye Network|work=[[TVLine]]|accessdate=May 19, 2021|date=May 20, 2021|archive-date=May 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519140032/https://tvline.com/2021/05/19/cbs-fall-lineup-2021-schedule-ncis-monday-season-19/|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Ratings==
<!--
==Reception==
===Critical reception===

===Ratings===
{{Television episode ratings
{{Television episode ratings
|noshare = y
| width = 99
| fontsize = 90


| title1 = [[#ep399|Sturgeon Season]]
| title1 = [[#ep399|Sturgeon Season]]
| date1 =
| date1 = November 17, 2020
| rs1 =
| rs1 = 0.9/6<ref name="18.01"/>
| viewers1 =
| viewers1 = 10.35<ref name="18.01"/>
| dvr1 =
| dvr1 = 0.4
| dvrv1 =
| dvrv1 = 2.97
| total1 =
| total1 = 1.4
| totalv1 = 13.37<ref>{{cite web|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|title=Tuesday Final Ratings: 'Big Sky' Series Premiere on ABC Tops its Hour Among Adults 18-49 and 18-34|url=https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-final-ratings-big-sky-series-premiere-on-abc-tops-its-hour-among-adults-18-49-and-18-34/|work=Programming Insider|date=November 19, 2020|access-date=March 6, 2021|archive-date=January 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120233637/https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-final-ratings-big-sky-series-premiere-on-abc-tops-its-hour-among-adults-18-49-and-18-34/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| totalv1 =


| title2 = [[#ep400|Everything Starts Somewhere]]
| date2 = November 24, 2020
| rs2 = 0.9/6<ref name="18.02"/>
| viewers2 = 10.15<ref name="18.02"/>
| dvr2 = n/a
| dvrv2 = n/a
| total2 = n/a
| totalv2 = n/a

| title3 = [[#ep401|Blood and Treasure]]
| date3 = December 8, 2020
| rs3 = 0.7/4<ref name="18.03"/>
| viewers3 = 8.53<ref name="18.03"/>
| dvr3 = 0.5
| dvrv3 = 3.21
| total3 = 1.2
| totalv3 = 11.74<ref>{{cite web|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|title=Live+7 Weekly Ratings: ABC Murder Mystery 'Big Sky' Leads Delayed Viewing in Total Audience|url=https://programminginsider.com/abc-murder-mystery-big-sky-leads-delayed-viewing-in-total-audience/|work=Programming Insider|date=December 23, 2020|access-date=March 6, 2021|archive-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112171923/https://programminginsider.com/abc-murder-mystery-big-sky-leads-delayed-viewing-in-total-audience/|url-status=live}}</ref>

| title4 = [[#ep402|Sunburn]]
| date4 = January 19, 2021
| rs4 = 0.8/5<ref name="18.04&18.05"/>
| viewers4 = 9.63<ref name="18.04&18.05"/>
| dvr4 = n/a
| dvrv4 = n/a
| total4 = n/a
| totalv4 = n/a

| title5 = [[#ep403|Head of the Snake]]
| date5 = January 19, 2021
| rs5 = 0.8/5<ref name="18.04&18.05"/>
| viewers5 = 8.74<ref name="18.04&18.05"/>
| dvr5 = n/a
| dvrv5 = n/a
| total5 = n/a
| totalv5 = n/a

| title6 = [[#ep404|1mm]]
| date6 = January 26, 2021
| rs6 = 1.0/6<ref name="18.06"/>
| viewers6 = 10.02<ref name="18.06"/>
| dvr6 = n/a
| dvrv6 = n/a
| total6 = n/a
| totalv6 = n/a

| title7 = [[#ep405|The First Day]]
| date7 = February 9, 2021
| rs7 = 0.9/6<ref name="18.07"/>
| viewers7 = 9.74<ref name="18.07"/>
| dvr7 = 0.5
| dvrv7 = 3.37
| total7 = 1.4
| totalv7 = 13.12<ref>{{cite web|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|title=Live+7 Weekly Ratings: 'Clarice' Series Premiere More Than Doubles its Same-Day Adults 18-49|url=https://programminginsider.com/live7-weekly-ratings-clarice-series-premiere-more-than-doubles-its-same-day-adults-18-49/|work=Programming Insider|date=March 1, 2021|access-date=March 6, 2021|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309195931/https://programminginsider.com/live7-weekly-ratings-clarice-series-premiere-more-than-doubles-its-same-day-adults-18-49/|url-status=live}}</ref>

| title8 = [[#ep406|True Believer]]
| date8 = March 2, 2021
| rs8 = 0.8/5<ref name="18.08"/>
| viewers8 = 9.60<ref name="18.08"/>
| dvr8 = 0.4
| dvrv8 = 3.18
| total8 = 1.3
| totalv8 = 12.79<ref>{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/live7-weekly-ratings-new-amsterdam-third-season-premiere-moves-in-to-total-viewer-gains-lead-position/|title=Live+7 Weekly Ratings: 'New Amsterdam' Third Season Premiere Moves in to Total Viewer Gains Lead Position|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|work=Programming Insider|date=March 22, 2021|access-date=May 28, 2021|archive-date=March 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326121758/https://programminginsider.com/live7-weekly-ratings-new-amsterdam-third-season-premiere-moves-in-to-total-viewer-gains-lead-position/|url-status=live}}</ref>

| title9 = [[#ep407|Winter Chill]]
| date9 = March 9, 2021
| rs9 = 0.8/6<ref name="18.09"/>
| viewers9 = 9.77<ref name="18.09"/>
| dvr9 = 0.5
| dvrv9 = 3.27
| total9 = 1.3
| totalv9 = 13.14<ref>{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/live-7-weekly-ratings-abc-nbc-and-fox-each-have-three-programs-apiece-in-top-nine-gainers-among-adults-18-49/|title=Live+ 7 Weekly Ratings: ABC, NBC and Fox Each Have Three Programs Apiece in Top Nine Gainers Among Adults 18-49|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|work=Programming Insider|date=April 15, 2021|accessdate=April 16, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415214253/https://programminginsider.com/live-7-weekly-ratings-abc-nbc-and-fox-each-have-three-programs-apiece-in-top-nine-gainers-among-adults-18-49/|url-status=live}}</ref>

| title10 = [[#ep408|Watchdog]]
| date10 = March 16, 2021
| rs10 = 0.9/6<ref name="18.10"/>
| viewers10 = 9.98<ref name="18.10"/>
| dvr10 = n/a
| dvrv10 = n/a
| total10 = n/a
| totalv10 = n/a

| title11 = [[#ep409|Gut Punch]]
| date11 = April 6, 2021
| rs11 = 1.0/7<ref name="18.11"/>
| viewers11 = 10.26<ref name="18.11"/>
| dvr11 = 0.4
| dvrv11 = 2.82
| total11 = 1.3
| totalv11 = 13.08<ref>{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-clean-sweep-for-cbs-pooch-perfect-declines-considerably-on-abc/|title=Tuesday Ratings: Clean Sweep for CBS; 'Pooch Perfect' Declines Considerably on ABC|last=Berman|first=Marc|work=Programming Insider|date=April 7, 2021|access-date=May 28, 2021|archive-date=May 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505113013/https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-clean-sweep-for-cbs-pooch-perfect-declines-considerably-on-abc/|url-status=live}}</ref>

| title12 = [[#ep410|Sangre]]
| date12 = April 27, 2021
| rs12 = 0.6/4<ref name="18.12"/>
| viewers12 = 8.56<ref name="18.12"/>
| dvr12 = 0.3
| dvrv12 = 2.24
| total12 = 0.9
| totalv12 = 10.75<ref>{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-clean-sweep-for-cbs/|title=Tuesday Ratings: Clean Sweep for CBS|last=Berman|first=Marc|work=Programming Insider|date=April 28, 2021|access-date=May 27, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512201542/https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-clean-sweep-for-cbs/|url-status=live}}</ref>

| title13 = [[#ep411|Misconduct]]
| date13 = May 4, 2021
| rs13 = 0.8/6<ref name="18.13"/>
| viewers13 = 9.70<ref name="18.13"/>
| dvr13 = 0.3
| dvrv13 = 2.80
| total13 = 1.1
| totalv13 = 12.44<ref>{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-clean-sweep-for-cbs-2/|title=Tuesday Ratings: Clean Sweep for CBS|date=May 5, 2021|first=Marc|last=Berman|website=Programming Insider|access-date=May 22, 2021|archive-date=May 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522191257/https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-clean-sweep-for-cbs-2/|url-status=live}}</ref>

| title14 = [[#ep412|Unseen Improvements]]
| date14 = May 11, 2021
| rs14 = 0.7/5<ref name="18.14"/>
| viewers14 = 8.94<ref name="18.14"/>
| dvr14 = 0.4
| dvrv14 = 3.02
| total14 = 1.1
| totalv14 = 11.96<ref>{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-diluted-remains-the-observation-on-the-broadcast-networks/|title=Tuesday Ratings: Diluted Remains the Observation on the Broadcast Networks|last=Berman|first=Marc|work=Programming Insider|date=May 12, 2021|access-date=May 26, 2021|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521230155/https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-diluted-remains-the-observation-on-the-broadcast-networks/|url-status=live}}</ref>

| title15 = [[#ep413|Blown Away]]
| date15 = May 18, 2021
| rs15 = 0.7/5<ref name="18.15"/>
| viewers15 = 8.73<ref name="18.15">{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-abcs-pooch-perfect-and-mixed-ish-and-foxs-prodigal-son-earn-their-cancellation-stripes/|title=Tuesday Ratings: ABC's 'Pooch Perfect' and 'Mixed-ish' and Fox's 'Prodigal Son' Earn Their Cancellation Stripes|last=Berman|first=Marc|date=May 19, 2021|work=Programming Insider|access-date=June 5, 2021|archive-date=June 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605163501/https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-abcs-pooch-perfect-and-mixed-ish-and-foxs-prodigal-son-earn-their-cancellation-stripes/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| dvr15 = 0.4
| dvrv15 = 3.09
| total15 = 1.1
| totalv15 = 11.82<ref name="18.15"/>

| title16 = [[#ep414|Rule 91]]
| date16 = May 25, 2021
| rs16 = 0.7/5
| viewers16 = 8.96<ref name="18.16">{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-scorecard-a-night-of-season-enders-leads-cbs-and-nbc-to-victory/|title=Tuesday Ratings Scorecard: A Night of Season-Enders Leads CBS and NBC to Victory|last=Berman|first=Marc|date=May 26, 2021|work=Programming Insider|access-date=June 5, 2021|archive-date=June 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603090124/https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-scorecard-a-night-of-season-enders-leads-cbs-and-nbc-to-victory/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| dvr16 = 0.4
| dvrv16 = 3.14
| total16 = 1.1
| totalv16 = 12.10<ref name="18.16"/>
}}
}}

-->
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
Line 141: Line 437:
[[Category:NCIS (TV series) seasons|NCIS 18]]
[[Category:NCIS (TV series) seasons|NCIS 18]]
[[Category:2020 American television seasons]]
[[Category:2020 American television seasons]]
[[Category:2021 American television seasons]]
[[Category:Television productions postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic]]
[[Category:Television productions postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic]]
[[Category:Television shows about the COVID-19 pandemic]]

Latest revision as of 22:58, 7 January 2025

NCIS
Season 18
Season 18 U.S. DVD cover
Starring
No. of episodes16
Release
Original networkCBS
Original releaseNovember 17, 2020 (2020-11-17) –
May 25, 2021 (2021-05-25)
Season chronology
← Previous
Season 17
Next →
Season 19
List of episodes

The eighteenth season of NCIS, an American police procedural drama television series, originally aired on CBS from November 17, 2020 through May 25, 2021.[1] The season only contained 16 episodes,[2] making it the second shortest in the series behind season 21, and includes the series' 400th episode. This is the first season to not premiere in the usual September. The season was produced by Belisarius Productions and CBS Studios.[3]

NCIS revolves around a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which conducts criminal investigations involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The series stars Mark Harmon, Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Emily Wickersham, Maria Bello, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover, Rocky Carroll, and David McCallum. The season is Bello's last as a series regular, as she left after eight episodes.[4] The season finale serves as Wickersham's final appearance as Eleanor Bishop, leaving the series after 8 years.[5] Several late-season episodes feature Pam Dawber, Harmon's real-life spouse.

Cast and characters

[edit]
Main article: List of NCIS characters

Main

[edit]

Recurring

[edit]

Guest stars

[edit]

Episodes

[edit]
See also: List of NCIS episodes
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateProd.
code		U.S. viewers
(millions)
3991"Sturgeon Season"Michael ZinbergScott WilliamsNovember 17, 2020 (2020-11-17)180110.35[6]
While the team tries to figure out the whereabouts of a missing body, Gibbs assists Fornell in tracking down the leader of the drug ring that supplied opioids to Fornell's daughter Emily.
4002"Everything Starts Somewhere"Terrence O'HaraSteven D. BinderNovember 24, 2020 (2020-11-24)180210.15[7]
The discovery of a dead body in the basement of NCIS headquarters is linked to a group Gibbs investigated in his past. Flashbacks reveal how Gibbs was introduced to Ducky and the agency. The episode ends with Gibbs accepting invitations from the team to go out for drinks.
4013"Blood and Treasure"Diana ValentineChristopher J. WaildDecember 8, 2020 (2020-12-08)18038.53[8]
A murder investigation is linked to a years-long treasure hunt. The team investigates while recovering from their night of drinking. Also, Gibbs and Fornell continue their secret investigation into the drug ring, with Fornell going undercover as a fast food restaurant employee.
4024"Sunburn"Rocky CarrollMarco SchnabelJanuary 19, 2021 (2021-01-19)18049.63[9]
McGee and Delilah's vacation in the Bahamas turns into a high-risk mission when a case NCIS is tracking from a dead escape room manager has ties to the island. Gibbs fears the worst when his search for Fornell leads to blood.
4035"Head of the Snake"Tawnia McKiernanBrendan Fehily & David J. NorthJanuary 19, 2021 (2021-01-19)18058.74[9]
Gibbs and Fornell's crusade to find the head of the drug gang responsible for Fornell's daughter Emily's overdose, climaxes. In addition, Gibbs and Vance finally inform the team about a case that has dangerous implications.
4046"1mm"Diana ValentineGina Lucita MonrealJanuary 26, 2021 (2021-01-26)180610.02[10]
Following a lead on arms smuggling, Bishop and Torres engage in a shootout at the home of a former sheriff which is now a historic site, only to find themselves locked in abandoned cells there.
4057"The First Day"James Whitmore Jr.Margaret Rose LesterFebruary 9, 2021 (2021-02-09)18079.74[11]
While the team investigates the murder of a Navy officer who was killed while driving home a recently released inmate, Palmer grieves the loss of his wife Breena from COVID-19. In addition, Sloane confides in Gibbs that she is "ready for a change", hinting she may leave the team.
4068"True Believer"Terrence O'HaraJill WeinbergerMarch 2, 2021 (2021-03-02)18089.60[12]

"Sloane NCIS" is written on an abandoned school bus in Afghanistan that contained girls thought to have been kidnapped by the Taliban. At NCIS, Sloane admits to Gibbs that she wants to put an offer down on a house in Costa Rica. Their conversation is interrupted by Vance, who gives them the green light to search for the missing girls in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the rest of the team tries to determine who killed a "hacktivist" suspected of providing GPS coordinates of the bus to the Taliban. In Afghanistan, Sloane is reacquainted with Darya, a woman who helped Sloane during her torturous time there. Darya’s death at the hands of terrorists is the last straw for an emotionally exhausted Sloane, the stress of one bad guy taking the place of another having built up over time. After rescuing the girls, Sloane voices her intention to stay in Afghanistan to help other young girls in similar predicaments and shares a goodbye kiss with Gibbs.

Note: Final appearance of Maria Bello as Jacqueline Sloane.
4079"Winter Chill"Michael ZinbergScott WilliamsMarch 9, 2021 (2021-03-09)18099.77[13]
When a Navy Officer is found dead in a freezer truck, the team get stuck in the middle of a battle between two competing food trucks. Meanwhile, after Sloane's departure from NCIS, Gibbs comforts Fornell when his daughter Emily unexpectedly dies from a drug relapse.
40810"Watchdog"Diana ValentineBrendan Fehily & David J. NorthMarch 16, 2021 (2021-03-16)18109.98[14]
When a stray pitbull accidentally tumbles a navy convoy with a missile carried on, the team discovers the dog was abused. Gibbs confronts the abuser, Luke Stana, with force, which has him arrested. The rest of the team tries to prove Gibbs’ innocence and arrest Stana, but although they are successful, Gibbs confesses his role in the attack to Inspector General Eugene Coyle. As such, Vance is forced to suspend Gibbs indefinitely. Additionally, Gibbs takes the abused dog, Lucy, home with him.
40911"Gut Punch"Rocky CarrollChristopher J. WaildApril 6, 2021 (2021-04-06)181110.26[15]
As punishment for their actions in the case against Gibbs, the team is assigned to be COVID-19 officers for an event the Secretary of Defense is hosting with the Yemeni Government, while night shift agents spearhead a murder investigation. McGee, Bishop, and Torres discover a link between that case and the SecDef's event, and later have to intervene when they find out that the SecDef has been targeted by a hitman. Meanwhile, Gibbs is met at the diner by investigative reporter Marcie Warren (Pam Dawber, Harmon's real life spouse) and reluctantly tells her the truth about his confrontation with Stana. With the story out there for the public, Vance visits Gibbs and tells him he cannot save him from the fallout this time.
41012"Sangre"James Whitmore Jr.Marco SchnabelApril 27, 2021 (2021-04-27)18128.56[16]
The lead suspect in the death of a Marine sergeant in an open house is Torres' father, who walked out on Torres when he was young. Meanwhile, Gibbs takes the opportunity to get caught up on household chores while suspended from the agency. He is visited by Marcie Warren, who asks him to review some of her work.
41113"Misconduct"Tawnia McKiernanBrendan Fehily & Margaret Rose Lester & David J. NorthMay 4, 2021 (2021-05-04)18139.70[17]
While biking with a friend, a petty officer is killed in a hit-and-run. The team comes to realize the friend was the intended target, as he was an accountant set to testify against Parker James, accused of a Ponzi scheme against sailors. The team later finds the witness dead, and though Gibbs testifies against James, the prosecutor is reluctant to put him on the stand due to his suspension from NCIS. James' lawyer attacks Gibbs' credibility, and the jury finds the defendant not guilty. However, NCIS is able to arrest him and his estranged wife for ordering the hit on his accountant.
41214"Unseen Improvements"Diana ValentineSteven D. Binder & Scott WilliamsMay 11, 2021 (2021-05-11)18148.94[18]
NCIS' investigation into the murder of a captain in the National Military Command Center leads them to Hassan Sayegh, the biological uncle of Gibbs' former neighbor Phineas (Jack Fisher). Hassan was after the captain's laptop to hack into NCIS case history so he can get to Phineas after causing his foster parents' car to crash. Phineas runs to Gibbs' house and bonds with Lucy. The team arrests Hassan, but not before he reveals his own son needs a bone marrow transplant, which Phineas agrees to donate, and Gibbs allows Phineas to take Lucy home. Elsewhere, Torres and Bishop agree to discuss their apparent feelings for each other after questioning by Palmer and Kasie.
41315"Blown Away"Michael ZinbergMarco Schnabel & Christopher J. WaildMay 18, 2021 (2021-05-18)18158.73[19]
NCIS REACT agent Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) successfully talks down a hostage situation, but then an explosion kills her team. Knight joins in the investigation, which leads to the revelation that the REACT team was the target all along. Elsewhere, Gibbs and Marcie Warren investigate a cold case off the books.
41416"Rule 91"Diana ValentineBrendan Fehily & David J. NorthMay 25, 2021 (2021-05-25)18168.96[20]

While pursuing a dangerous arms dealer, the team is shocked when Bishop is implicated in an old NSA leak. McGee and Knight attempt to prove her innocence, but ultimately Bishop reveals her complicity and quits. Torres realizes that Bishop's exit was a planned maneuver between her and Odette Malone (Ziva David's contact), so as to set Bishop up on a long-term, undercover mission which required her to be a "disgraced NCIS agent." The two share a goodbye kiss after an intense argument, and Bishop leaves. Meanwhile, Gibbs and Marcie realize that the killer they've been tracking may be on to them. The episode ends with Gibbs' newly completed boat, named "Rule 91", blowing up and Gibbs swimming away from the wreckage.

Note: Final appearance of Emily Wickersham as Eleanor Bishop.

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

The season was ordered on May 6, 2020.[3] On June 3, 2020, Steven D. Binder announced that the writers had begun working on the season.[21] Scripts initially written for cancelled Season 17 episodes were integrated into this season's second and fourth episodes, "Everything Starts Somewhere" and "Sunburn." The exit of Maria Bello's Jacqueline Sloane, which would have occurred in the unproduced Season 17 finale, was integrated into the season's eighth episode, "True Believer," though similarities to the originally planned storyline remain undetermined. On August 12, 2020, it was announced that CBS Television Studios had signed a deal with the law enforcement advisory group 21CP Solutions, to consult on its crime and legal dramas, which includes NCIS. 21CP Solutions would help the series to more accurately portray law enforcement; this comes after the George Floyd protests, which caused the television industry to rethink their portrayal of law enforcement.[22] On September 21, 2020, it was announced that the season would start by exploring where Gibbs, played by series star Mark Harmon, disappeared to during the episode "Musical Chairs" from the previous season, before returning to the present day.[23] On October 27, 2020, it was announced that season would comprise sixteen episodes.[2]

Filming

[edit]

The planned twenty-first episode of the seventeenth season, which was postponed due to production on the season being shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, was the first episode filmed of season eighteen. The planned twenty-second episode of season seventeen, which would have been the 400th episode of the series, was filmed and aired second, which kept it as the 400th episode.[24] Production on the eighteenth season began on September 9, 2020, and the series continued to be filmed in Los Angeles.[25] Filming for season 18 wrapped up on March 29, 2021.[26]

Casting

[edit]

On May 6, 2020, it was announced that Harmon had closed a new deal with CBS Television Studios.[27] On July 24, 2020, it was announced that series regular Maria Bello is set to leave the show during the season, and appear in eight episodes to wrap up her character's storyline.[4] On September 9, 2020, it was announced that Harmon's son Sean, would return in episode two as a younger version of his father's character.[28] On October 21, 2020, it was announced that Adam Campbell would also return in episode two, as a younger version of Ducky.[29] In March 2021, Katrina Law was cast in the role of Jessica Knight.[30] Law appeared in the final two episodes of the season with the potential to become a series regular if the series is renewed for a nineteenth season.[31] On May 26, 2021, it was confirmed that series regular Emily Wickersham would leave the series after 8 years.[5]

Release

[edit]

The season is set to premiere during the 2020–21 television season as part of CBS's Tuesday lineup with FBI and FBI: Most Wanted.[32] On August 26, 2020, it was announced that CBS hoped to begin airing the season in November 2020.[33] On October 13, 2020, it was announced that the season would premiere on November 17, 2020.[1] It was also announced that this will be the final season on the Tuesday timeslot, it will be moved on Mondays on its 19th season leading into its new spinoff series NCIS: Hawaiʻi.[34]

Ratings

[edit]
Viewership and ratings per episode of NCIS season 18
No. Title Air date Rating/share
(18–49)		 Viewers
(millions)		 DVR
(18–49)		 DVR viewers
(millions)		 Total
(18–49)		 Total viewers
(millions)
1 "Sturgeon Season" November 17, 2020 0.9/6[6] 10.35[6] 0.4 2.97 1.4 13.37[35]
2 "Everything Starts Somewhere" November 24, 2020 0.9/6[7] 10.15[7] — — — —
3 "Blood and Treasure" December 8, 2020 0.7/4[8] 8.53[8] 0.5 3.21 1.2 11.74[36]
4 "Sunburn" January 19, 2021 0.8/5[9] 9.63[9] — — — —
5 "Head of the Snake" January 19, 2021 0.8/5[9] 8.74[9] — — — —
6 "1mm" January 26, 2021 1.0/6[10] 10.02[10] — — — —
7 "The First Day" February 9, 2021 0.9/6[11] 9.74[11] 0.5 3.37 1.4 13.12[37]
8 "True Believer" March 2, 2021 0.8/5[12] 9.60[12] 0.4 3.18 1.3 12.79[38]
9 "Winter Chill" March 9, 2021 0.8/6[13] 9.77[13] 0.5 3.27 1.3 13.14[39]
10 "Watchdog" March 16, 2021 0.9/6[14] 9.98[14] — — — —
11 "Gut Punch" April 6, 2021 1.0/7[15] 10.26[15] 0.4 2.82 1.3 13.08[40]
12 "Sangre" April 27, 2021 0.6/4[16] 8.56[16] 0.3 2.24 0.9 10.75[41]
13 "Misconduct" May 4, 2021 0.8/6[17] 9.70[17] 0.3 2.80 1.1 12.44[42]
14 "Unseen Improvements" May 11, 2021 0.7/5[18] 8.94[18] 0.4 3.02 1.1 11.96[43]
15 "Blown Away" May 18, 2021 0.7/5[44] 8.73[44] 0.4 3.09 1.1 11.82[44]
16 "Rule 91" May 25, 2021 0.7/5 8.96[45] 0.4 3.14 1.1 12.10[45]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie; Petski, Denise (October 13, 2020). "CBS Sets Premiere Dates For 10 Scripted Series Including 'NCIS' Trio, 'Young Sheldon' & 'S.W.A.T'". Deadline. Archived from the original on October 13, 2020. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (October 27, 2020). "CBS Trims Episode Orders As Broadcast Series On All Nets Face Abbreviated Runs In COVID Impacted 2020-21 Season". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  3. ^ a b White, Peter; Andreeva, Nellie (May 6, 2020). "CBS Renews 18 Series, Including Freshmen 'FBI: Most Wanted', 'Bob ♥ Abishola', 'All Rise' & 'The Unicorn'". Deadline. Archived from the original on May 6, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (July 24, 2020). "Maria Bello Signs With Gersh As She Nears Exit From 'NCIS'". Deadline. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  5. ^ a b Petski, Denise (May 26, 2021). "'NCIS': Longtime Series Regular Confirms Exit Following Season 18 Finale". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 26, 2021. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
  6. ^ a b c Metcalf, Mitch (November 18, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.17.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  7. ^ a b c Metcalf, Mitch (November 25, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.24.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
  8. ^ a b c Metcalf, Mitch (December 9, 2020). "Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 12.8.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on December 9, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Metcalf, Mitch (January 21, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.19.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on January 21, 2021. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
  10. ^ a b c Metcalf, Mitch (January 27, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.26.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on January 27, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  11. ^ a b c Metcalf, Mitch (February 10, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.9.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 10, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  12. ^ a b c Metcalf, Mitch (March 3, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.2.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 3, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  13. ^ a b c Metcalf, Mitch (March 10, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.9.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 10, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  14. ^ a b c Metcalf, Mitch (March 17, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.16.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 17, 2021. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  15. ^ a b c Metcalf, Mitch (April 7, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.6.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 7, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  16. ^ a b c Metcalf, Mitch (April 28, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.27.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
  17. ^ a b c Metcalf, Mitch (May 5, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.4.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  18. ^ a b c Metcalf, Mitch (May 12, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.11.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  19. ^ Bauder, David (May 25, 2021). "Triumph of the unhip: 'NCIS' tops TV, streaming rankings". Associated Press. Archived from the original on May 31, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  20. ^ Bauder, David (June 2, 2021). "CBS is champ of television season for 13th consecutive year". Associated Press. Archived from the original on June 14, 2021. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  21. ^ @stevebinder (June 3, 2020). "Stay turned. We are in the (z)room working on the next season as we speak" (Tweet). Retrieved August 14, 2020 – via Twitter.
  22. ^ Porter, Rick (August 12, 2020). "CBS TV Studios Brings on Advisory Group for Crime and Legal Shows". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 17, 2020. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  23. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (September 21, 2020). "NCIS Will Start Season 18 With a Backwards Time Jump — Find Out Why". TVLine. Archived from the original on October 13, 2020. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  24. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (July 24, 2020). "Maria Bello Exiting NCIS in Season 18". TVLine. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  25. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (August 13, 2020). "'NCIS' & 'NCIS: Los Angeles' Set Tentative Start Dates; 2 More CBS TV Studios Dramas Get Go-Ahead To Resume Filming As CBS' Fall Lineup Begins To Take Shape". Deadline. Archived from the original on January 3, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  26. ^ "Instagram: Brian Dietzen: Aaaaaaand that's a wrap!". Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  27. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 6, 2020). "'NCIS' Franchise Stars Mark Harmon, Scott Bakula, LL Cool J & Chris O'Donnell Close New Deals To Return As All 3 Series Are Renewed By CBS". Deadline. Archived from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  28. ^ TV Insider Staff (September 9, 2020). "Inside Scoop on What's Ahead for 'NCIS,' 'Supernatural' & 'Outlander'". TVInsider. Archived from the original on September 10, 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  29. ^ Hahn, Kate (October 21, 2020). "Inside 'NCIS' Episode 400: Gibbs & Ducky's Meet-Cute, Personal Choices & More". TV Insider. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
  30. ^ Iannucci, Rebecca (March 10, 2021). "Katrina Law Joins NCIS as Potential Series Regular for Season 19". TVLine. Archived from the original on March 11, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  31. ^ Petski, Denise (March 10, 2021). "'NCIS': Katrina Law Joins CBS Series As Recurring". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 11, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  32. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (May 19, 2020). "CBS Plots Business as Usual Fall Schedule — For Now". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 9, 2020. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  33. ^ White, Peter (August 26, 2020). "CBS Adds 'Star Trek: Discovery', 'One Day At A Time' & 'Manhunt: Deadly Games' To Fall Schedule As Net Eyes November Launch For Scripted Originals". Deadline. Archived from the original on August 26, 2020. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
  34. ^ "CBS Fall Schedule Shocker: NCIS Exits Tuesdays After 18 Years Amid Dramatic, Multi-Night Overhaul at Eye Network". TVLine. May 20, 2021. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  35. ^ Pucci, Douglas (November 19, 2020). "Tuesday Final Ratings: 'Big Sky' Series Premiere on ABC Tops its Hour Among Adults 18-49 and 18-34". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  36. ^ Pucci, Douglas (December 23, 2020). "Live+7 Weekly Ratings: ABC Murder Mystery 'Big Sky' Leads Delayed Viewing in Total Audience". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on January 12, 2021. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  37. ^ Pucci, Douglas (March 1, 2021). "Live+7 Weekly Ratings: 'Clarice' Series Premiere More Than Doubles its Same-Day Adults 18-49". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on March 9, 2021. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  38. ^ Pucci, Douglas (March 22, 2021). "Live+7 Weekly Ratings: 'New Amsterdam' Third Season Premiere Moves in to Total Viewer Gains Lead Position". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on March 26, 2021. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  39. ^ Pucci, Douglas (April 15, 2021). "Live+ 7 Weekly Ratings: ABC, NBC and Fox Each Have Three Programs Apiece in Top Nine Gainers Among Adults 18-49". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  40. ^ Berman, Marc (April 7, 2021). "Tuesday Ratings: Clean Sweep for CBS; 'Pooch Perfect' Declines Considerably on ABC". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  41. ^ Berman, Marc (April 28, 2021). "Tuesday Ratings: Clean Sweep for CBS". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  42. ^ Berman, Marc (May 5, 2021). "Tuesday Ratings: Clean Sweep for CBS". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  43. ^ Berman, Marc (May 12, 2021). "Tuesday Ratings: Diluted Remains the Observation on the Broadcast Networks". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
  44. ^ a b c Berman, Marc (May 19, 2021). "Tuesday Ratings: ABC's 'Pooch Perfect' and 'Mixed-ish' and Fox's 'Prodigal Son' Earn Their Cancellation Stripes". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on June 5, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2021.
  45. ^ a b Berman, Marc (May 26, 2021). "Tuesday Ratings Scorecard: A Night of Season-Enders Leads CBS and NBC to Victory". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2021.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=NCIS_season_18&oldid=1268046426"