Unlike many shows currently on air, "NCIS" draws both a younger and older audience. Most shows try to target a set demographic. For instance, shows like "Gossip Girl" are for the teen and college crowd. Shows like "Blue Bloods" target more of the 30 and older group. Still, some shows are able to blow past their target audience and become a true family affair. "NCIS" is for all audiences and continues to grow thanks to appealing to everyone.
Characters You Love
"NCIS" has the perfect set of characters. Abby Sciuto appeals to pretty much everyone. Her youthful exuberance is contagious. She proves you don't have to act your age. Tony DiNozzo is the guy most guys want to be. The bachelor with class with an awesome job. Then you add in Tim McGee who brings in the tech geeks. He proves geek speak is cool.
Frankly, Jethro Gibbs is the guy women want and men dream of someday becoming. He's strong, keeps the team together and manages to make it through any situation while still looking great. Add in Ziva David and you bring in the perfect tough girl for women to admire. She's hard, but emotional when need be. Everyone else adds their own little piece of the puzzle. Each character appeals to someone.
Age Appropriate
"NCIS" holds on the 8 PM EST time slot in large part thanks to its age-appropriate material. While they do investigate murders, nothing is extremely graphic. The drama is mixed with language and humor appropriate for most families with teens. Families can actually sit down and watch something together without worries.
Few Changes
Some shows try to appeal to different audiences by making major cast and story changes. "NCIS" has remained true to itself. While there have been cast changes, they all make sense to the storyline and have only improved the overall appeal of the show. "NCIS" sticks to a formula that has led them past 200 episodes. Sometimes change is great, sometimes it just means the show is at an end.
Storylines For Everyone
At any given time "NCIS" has numerous storylines going and evolving. For instance, those who love romance eagerly watch for when Tony and Ziva may hook up. Gibbs is constantly dealing with his own regret over his wife and child's deaths. Most of the storylines are stories people can relate to in some way.
Not Too Serious
"NCIS" has never taken itself too seriously. People can only take super serious and dramatic so long. For example, I used to like "Criminal Minds." Suddenly, the show became so serious it lost its appeal completely. Cases became more graphic and the characters suddenly had no chemistry at all, not even friendships. "NCIS" keeps the humorous edge, making the show truly enjoyable for all ages.
