With more than two decades on the air, NCIS is more than just a military detective series. Behind the complex murder cases and sharp investigations, NCIS is also a humane story about teamwork, sacrifice and inconsolable loss.
There are episodes that have gone beyond the expectations of an investigative drama – leaving scars in the hearts of the audience, making them cry because of too many emotions.
Below are the episodes that made the audience cry the most in the history of NCIS.
1. “Twilight” (Season 2, Episode 23) – The death of Caitlin Todd
“Twilight” ended season 2 with a wordless shock: Caitlin “Kate” Todd, one of the most beloved characters, was shot in the head by terrorist Ari Haswari right after the group thought they were safe.
That sudden, brutal death not only broke the NCIS members but also pushed Gibbs into the most brutal manhunt of his life.
Emotions: Shock, anger, deep loss.
2. “Hiatus” (Season 3, Episodes 23–24) – When Gibbs lost his memory
After a ship explosion, Gibbs fell into a coma and lost his memory, forgetting all the people he loved and fought with.
The most heartbreaking thing was when Tony, Abby and McGee tried to move him with sincere feelings – but only received strange looks in return.
Emotions: Heartbroken, helpless, pain because the camaraderie was erased.
3. “Judgment Day” (Season 5, Episodes 18–19) – The sacrifice of Jenny Shepard
Director Jenny Shepard, the strongest woman in NCIS, died in a shootout at a remote cafe.
The episode was heartbreaking not only because of Jenny’s death, but also because of the way Team Gibbs had to pick themselves up and face the harsh reality of losing a leader they respected.
Emotions: Loss, regret, sense of injustice.
4. “Aliyah” (Season 6, Episode 25) – Ziva David: Betrayed and Left Behind
On a fateful trip to Israel, Ziva David was betrayed, imprisoned, and brutally tortured by her own father.
The moment Tony was forced to confront Ziva and indirectly led to her being left alone was one of the most emotionally devastating scenes for the audience.
Emotions: Betrayal, despair, heartbreak.
5. “Swan Song” + “Pyramid” (Season 8, Episodes 23–24) – The Death of Mike Franks
Mike Franks, Gibbs’s mentor and closest friend, was murdered by the killer known as the “Port-to-Port Killer.”
The image of Gibbs standing silently by Mike’s grave – in the wind and the afternoon sunlight – deeply engraves loneliness and sadness.
Emotions: Mourning, emptiness, gratitude.
6. “The Arizona” (Season 17, Episode 20) – Memories of war and honor at the end of life
The episode revolves around Joe Smith, an old man who claims to be a veteran of the USS Arizona, wishing to be buried with his fallen comrades at Pearl Harbor.
The truth about the loyalty, honor and nameless sacrifice of the soldiers left many viewers speechless.
Emotions: Tragic, touching, grateful for history.
Why Do These Episodes Make Viewers Cry?
The surprise: NCIS is famous for letting the main character die suddenly, without warning.
Team spirit: Friendship and silent sacrifice between members are always at the center.
The harsh truth: Whether soldier or civilian, no one can avoid loss and tragedy.
Touching instinctive fears: Fear of losing loved ones, fear of being forgotten, fear of not fulfilling one’s duty.
NCIS teaches us that emotional wounds sometimes never fully heal – but those losses also define us.
The tears that fall with each episode are not weakness, but the way we appreciate the stories and characters that have entered our hearts.
“Semper Fidelis – Always loyal.”
Just like how NCIS viewers have remained loyal to the series for decades, despite all the losses along the way.
