From Real Cases to Prime Time: How Dave Brant Helped Launch NCIS on TV

Ever wonder how NCIS became the centerpiece of one of television’s most successful and longest-running crime dramas? In this episode of Fed Time Stories, hosts Dave Brant and John Gill dive into the real-life events that inspired the creation of the NCIS TV show and reveal how the agency’s work captivated Hollywood.

Dave Brant, former Director of NCIS and co-host of Fed Time Stories, recounts the early days when a surprising encounter led to a partnership with Hollywood and the launch of a show that would transform public perception of the agency. Throughout the episode, Dave and John explore the impact the show had on recruitment, the agency’s image, and even its day-to-day culture.

The conversation also gets into the show’s early casting choices, with Dave recalling the excitement of landing a big name like Mark Harmon to play the lead. He talks about how Harmon’s presence gave the show a sense of authenticity that connected with audiences and made NCIS’s work feel even more real.

Tune in to hear behind-the-scenes stories, unexpected challenges, and the fascinating journey of turning real cases into a primetime hit that continues to shape the agency’s legacy.

Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast