Why NCIS: NOLA Is So Polarizing For Fans
Whether you're a long-time fan of CBS's hit dramedy "NCIS" — which has been steadily cranking out new episodes since its premiere via "JAG" in 2003 — or you've never watched it consistently, you're probably still aware of the many spin-offs the original investigative series has inspired. There's "NCIS: Los Angeles," the upcoming "NCIS: Hawaii," and the now cancelled "NCIS: New Orleans," otherwise known as "NCIS: NOLA."
You might think that any spin-off inspired by such a wildly successful television series would be an immediate hit with fans, but that's not always the case. In fact, "NCIS: NOLA" split fans so much that it was canceled after only seven seasons; the original show, by contrast, has 18 seasons under its belt and is still going strong.
While there are plenty of fans who love the spin-off set in the south, there are others who just can't stomach watching the show. Here's why "NCIS: NOLA" is so polarizing.
Some thought NCIS: NOLA was too similar to the original series
When something as successful as "NCIS" influences the creation of a whole new show, there's no doubt that viewers will compare the storylines, the acting, and the overall vibe of the spin-off to the original. Sometimes, in an effort to keep the magic of the original show alive, the spin-off can follow the winning formula a little too closely for the likes of fans.
As Redditor u/beckyelsie, who is a self-professed huge fan of the "NCIS" spin-off set in New Orleans, noted in a recent thread, there's a polarizing aspect of the show: the character of Dwayne Pride (Scott Bakula). Some viewers feel he's modeled too similarly after the long-running team leader of the original "NCIS" series, Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon). U/beckyelsie wrote in the thread, "I love the Pride saga and how similar but also different from Gibbs he is. ... I at first thought Pride was a Gibbs knock-off but I love that he has his own depth and storyline and shows his feelings and has shortcomings."
Another Redditor, u/Ada57, doesn't care about the similarities between the series and their characters: "I love both shows and I love Pride. I'm so angry they canceled that show."
Ultimately, it's a love it or hate it thing when it comes to NCIS: NOLA
While some shows seem to be an all-around hit and have long-term staying power — like the original "NCIS" — others split audiences into "love it" and "hate it" camps. "NCIS: NOLA" falls squarely into the latter category.
Some fans were quick to voice their sadness over the show being cancelled after seven seasons. For instance, Redditor u/VanDyneHope gushed, "Love NOLA!! I don't get why it gets trashed on so much," while user u/Lily_Of_The_Valley10 wrote, "I liked NCIS NOLA too, and I was sad when it ended."
Other viewers, however, just couldn't get into the New Orleans-set spin-off. As Reddit user u/Deathstroke870711 put it, "I tried it. I did not care for it. But everyone has different likes."
With this new perspective on why "NCIS: NOLA" is so polarizing for fans, we can't wait to binge watch the whole series again.