Unearthed: 11 Mind-Blowing Secrets of ‘NCIS’ That Will Leave You Speechless!

“NCIS,” the highly acclaimed television drama, is gearing up for its 14th season on CBS, featuring a stellar cast that includes Mark Harmon, Pauley Perrette, Sean Murray, David McCallum, as well as newcomers Wilmer Valderrama, Duane Henry, and Jennifer Esposito. Before the new season unfolds, delve into these 11 fascinating facts about this compelling crime drama:

1. ‘JAG’ Inspiration: “NCIS” is a spin-off of “JAG,” both crafted by Don Bellisario, a former Marine.
2. Original Title: Initially named “NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service” for clarity in the first season.
3. Namesake Gibbs: Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs is named after Bellisario’s father and grandfather.
4. Perrette’s Background: Pauley Perrette, portraying Abby Sciuto, studied criminal science in real life.
5. Family Ties: Sean Murray (Special Agent Timothy McGee) is Bellisario’s stepson, and Troian Bellisario (Sarah McGee) is his biological daughter.
6. Abby’s Caf-Pow: Abby’s energy drink doesn’t exist, but you can buy a Caf-Pow cup.
7. Most Wanted Wall: A changing display of 15 portraits representing the team’s targets.
8. De Pablo’s Dedication: Cote de Pablo, playing an Israeli Mossad agent, hired a language coach to speak Hebrew authentically.
9. Lauren Holly’s Audition: Lauren Holly auditioned for Kate but was cast as Director Jenny Shepard.
10. Flashbacks with Harmon’s Son: In Gibbs’ flashbacks as a young man, Mark Harmon’s real-life son, Sean, plays the role.
11. Real-life NCIS: Although set in D.C., “NCIS” is filmed in Santa Clarita, Calif. The real NCIS headquarters appears in at least one episode.

The one mystery yet to be unveiled is how Gibbs manages to move the boats he builds in his home’s basement.