The NCIS Star Who Quietly Surpassed Gibbs and Tony in Episode Count

While Gibbs and Tony got the spotlight, it was someone else who stayed the longest—and quietly made NCIS history.

6 months ago

Sean Murray as McGee stands in focus with Gibbs and Ducky in the background, symbolizing his record-breaking episode count on NCIS.

Not Who You’d Expect

NCIS has been on the air since 2003, and with 22 seasons and counting, it’s one of the longest-running scripted dramas in American television history. When fans think of the show’s legacy, names like Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) usually come to mind.

But when it comes to episode count, neither of them takes the crown.

A Quiet Constant

Surprisingly, the original forensic medical examiner, Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, played by David McCallum, once held the record for most appearances. Known for his bow ties, storytelling, and warm rapport with the team, Ducky was a staple from the very beginning.

McCallum appeared in a remarkable 457 episodes before his final appearance in Season 21. That’s more than Gibbs (Mark Harmon), who departed the series in Season 19 after 435 episodes, and far more than Tony, who left after Season 13 with 305 episodes.

A heartwarming image of David McCallum as Ducky Mallard, possibly in his lab or interacting with another character in a friendly way. — David McCallum Ducky Mallard

David McCallum passed away in 2023 at the age of 90, just a week after his birthday. His legacy—on screen and off—remains one of the most respected in the NCIS franchise.

The Real Episode King

But there’s someone else who’s quietly surpassed them all.

Sean Murray, who plays Timothy McGee, joined the series in Season 1 as a recurring character and was promoted to a main cast member in Season 2. He’s never left.

Sean Murray in a recent NCIS episode, looking confident and in charge. — Sean Murray NCIS season 22

As of Season 22 (which premiered in 2024), Sean Murray has now appeared in over 470 episodes—making him the current record-holder for the most episodes of NCIS.

It’s a quiet triumph for a character who started out as the team’s tech-savvy rookie, often underestimated and lightly teased by his colleagues. Over time, McGee evolved into a core figure—trusted, steady, and integral to the team’s heart.

More Than Just Numbers

McGee’s rise to the top of the episode count isn’t just trivia—it’s a testament to the staying power of a character who never needed flash to stand out. His loyalty, growth, and quiet competence earned him the top spot without the fanfare that followed other exits or dramatic storylines.

It also highlights just how much NCIS has changed over the years—and how a quiet presence can sometimes leave the deepest impression.

Did you guess it would be McGee? Share this surprising NCIS stat with your fellow fans—and tell us your favorite McGee moment.

Sources: IMDb , chicagocenter.com