The 10 Best NCIS Characters of All Time, According to Reddit

If there is one TV genre audiences never get tired of, it is crime drama. While dozens of police procedurals have come and gone, few have reached the legendary status of NCIS. The show has been keeping viewers hooked for decades, launching multiple spinoffs and introducing a massive roster of memorable faces along the way.

With hundreds of episodes to choose from, fans have strong opinions about who truly carries the series. Here are the 10 best NCIS characters of all time, based on discussions from the passionate community on Reddit (in no particular order).

---

10. Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon)

The longtime leader of the Major Case Response Team, Gibbs is famous for his strict rules, serious attitude, endless cups of coffee, and trademark back-of-the-head slaps. For millions of viewers, he is the show. As Reddit user johninga put it: “Gibbs is one of the reasons the show lasted as long as it did.”

9. Nicholas Torres (Wilmer Valderrama)

Torres joined the team in later seasons, and while viewers were split on him at first, many now consider him an acquired taste who grew into a fantastic agent. Redditor lifesariskcarnal1 pointed out that Torres became much tougher, more mature, and easier to root for following the tragic death of Clayton Reeves.

8. Diane Sterling (Melinda McGraw)

An IRS criminal investigator—and the chaotic ex-wife shared by both Gibbs and Tobias Fornell—Diane was never a series regular, but she stole every scene she appeared in. Over on r/NCIS, user whatitdewwbabyyyy praised her as an underrated gem who brought sharp, laugh-out-loud comedy whenever she showed up to annoy her ex-husbands.

7. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen)

Starting out as Ducky’s nervous assistant, Dr. Jimmy Palmer slowly evolved into the team’s Chief Medical Examiner and emotional heart. Fans on Reddit adore him because his growth felt completely earned over the years. User Classic-Bowl-9940 noted that there is far more depth to Jimmy than meets the eye, especially as the writers gave him more serious, grounded storylines in recent seasons.

6. Clayton Reeves (Duane Henry)

Clayton Reeves, an MI6 officer working alongside NCIS, only appeared in seasons 13 through 15, but he made a huge impression. Fans were heartbroken by his sudden exit. Reddit user Frod02000 shared what many viewers felt: it was tough to see such a promising, charming character get written off before reaching his full potential.

5. Tobias Fornell (Joe Spano)

FBI Agent Tobias Fornell is practically an honorary NCIS team member at this point. His grumpy, brotherly banter with Gibbs is legendary among longtime fans. Redditor LikelyTrisaccharide called their back-and-forth one of the greatest character dynamics in the entire history of the show.

4. Kate Todd (Sasha Alexander)

Before joining NCIS, Caitlin “Kate” Todd protected the President on Air Force One. Even though she was only on the show for the first two seasons, her tragic departure left a permanent mark on the team’s history. User allenknott3 reflected on how vital she was to the early days, even imagining what the squad might have looked like if she had stayed to eventually take over.

3. Ziva David (Cote de Pablo)

Stepping into Kate’s shoes was no easy task, but the former Mossad officer quickly became one of the most iconic characters on television. Redditors consistently place Ziva near the very top of their tier lists. According to user Komedian83, what makes Ziva so special is the balance: she is an absolute powerhouse in combat, but she also has a genuine emotional vulnerability underneath it all.

2. Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll)

Taking over the director’s chair in season 5, Leon Vance had big shoes to fill after Jenny Shepard’s exit. Fans took some time to warm up to his strict, political style, but he eventually won them over. User ptazdba noted that the mystery and quiet tension behind Vance’s backstory made him one of the most compelling figures in the building.

1. Anthony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly)

Charming, goofy, movie-obsessed, and fiercely loyal, “Very Special Agent” Tony DiNozzo is a fan favorite across the board. While he started as the team’s comic relief, his journey into a mature, deeply protective investigator gave the show some of its best moments. As user HarleyQueen95 summed up: “DiNozzo’s character development is what makes him so popular.”