The following contains spoilers from NCIS Season 20, Episode 10, "Too Many Cooks," NCIS: Hawai'i Season 2, Episode 10, "Deep Fake" and NCIS: Los Angeles Season 14, Episode 10, "A Long Time Coming," all of which debuted Monday, Jan. 9 on CBS.

The NCIS franchise has been a fixture in TV's procedural lineup since it debuted in 2003. The CBS brand is such a staple that other procedural dramas like The Rookie take notes from it. But while NCIS and NCIS Hawai'i cross over quite frequently, a three-show NCIS crossover had never happened until 2023. Fortunately, the event delivers on all accounts.

The long-awaited NCIS crossover has plenty of easter eggs for longtime fans of the franchise and includes plenty of memorable (and some unexpected) dynamics. However, the crossover's appeal lies in how accessible it is for even the most casual viewers. A crossover of this magnitude is a smart way to boost ratings across the board, but it's also the perfect way to pull in more people who are on the fence about investing in a universe that spans two decades.

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The NCIS Crossover's Structure Elevates the Franchise's Appeal

Alden Parker, Sam Hanna, Jane Tennant, and Jesse Boone in the NCIS Crossover

Because of its structure, the NCIS crossover works as a renewed entry point for prospective fans. For example, even though it has an established (and growing) viewership, it's clever to situate NCIS: Hawai'i between the two longer-running shows. While NCIS unpacks the inciting incident of Professor Dale Harding's death in "Too Many Cooks," NCIS: Hawai'i's "Deep Fake" serves as the crossover's climax as the truth about Simon Williams comes to light. That placement emphasizes the newest show's significance to this crossover and solidifies the relevance the series could hold in future crossovers.

For example, one of the NCIS crossover's best moments is how it establishes the chain of command by asserting NCIS: Hawai'i's Jane Tennant as Special Agent in Charge of the entire Pacific Rim. That impressive professional status specifies rank within this crossover and informs the audience of Jane's leadership. Also, Jane isn't the only NCIS: Hawai'i character to appear. The event dodges complaints of not actually crossing the shows over because there are always at least two characters from every series in each episode, like NCIS: Los Angeles' Callen and Sam being present in the NCIS hour.

The crossover's script also successfully delivers appropriate exposition for the characters and the plot without being heavy-handed. Instead, the show uses the characters' (sometimes newfound) dynamics to lay out their shared histories and connections to the case or the larger NCIS shared universe. It's evident from Callen, Sam Hanna and Timothy McGee's interaction during "Too Many Cooks" that NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles have crossed over, but it's been a while. Moreover, the latter hour provides effective descriptors about the significance of the boathouse, establishing its role on the L.A.-based show. The crossover notably adheres to each show's tone rather than creating a uniform one to tie the shows together.

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The NCIS Crossover Celebrates the Characters Who Crack the Case

NCSI-Tennant-Knight

NCIS' three-show crossover doesn't need to create new ways to bind the shows because the characters do it independently. This crossover crosses a name off of NCIS' Most Wanted wall, but it also seamlessly brings three casts together and creates opportunities for audiences to invest in their characters. "Too Many Cooks" teases the potential for a romantic relationship between Jane Tennant and NCIS' Nick Torres. The characters' endearing interactions create real stakes in the kidnappings of Jane and Dr. Jimmy Palmer, even for first-time viewers. "Deep Fake" makes it simple to root for an Ernie Malik and Jimmy-centric crossover.

The possibilities are endless for building or strengthening dynamics, and the crossover uses that knowledge to its advantage. It even leans into meme culture when NCIS: Hawai'i's Kai Holman and Kate Whistler and NCIS: Los Angeles' Callen put their spin on the iconic Spider-Man meme. The NCIS: Los Angeles hour also provides a much-needed check-in with Lucy Tara since she became a Special Agent Afloat. "A Long Time Coming" brings the crossover to its resolution and a new crescendo as the teams settle into their teamwork. It's an energizing finale that inspires new fans to leap into the NCIS universe.

NCIS and NCIS: Hawai'i air Mondays at 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. on CBS, while NCIS: Los Angeles airs on Sundays at 10:00 p.m. on CBS.