‘NCIS’: Your Guide to Gibbs’ Rules

Mark Harmon - NCIS
Cliff Lipson/CBS

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If you’re going to be on Gibbs’ (Mark Harmon) team on NCIS, live by these.

Rule #1: Never let suspects sit together.

Other Rule #1: Never screw over your partner.

Rule #2: Always wear gloves at a crime scene.

Rule #3: Never believe what you are told. Double-check.

Other Rule #3: Never be unreachable.

Rule #4: Best way to keep a secret: Keep it to yourself. Second best: Tell one other person—if you must. There is no third best.

Rule #5: You don’t waste good.

Rule #6: Never say you’re sorry.

Rule #7: Always be specific when you lie.

Rule #8: Never take anything for granted.

Rule #9: Never go anywhere without a knife.

Rule #10: Never get involved personally on a case.

Rule #11: When the job is done, walk away.

Michael Weatherly, Cote de Pablo in NCIS

Richard Foreman/CBS

Rule #12: Never date a coworker.

Rule #13: Never involve lawyers.

Rule #14: Bend the line, don’t break it.

Rule #15: Always work as a team.

Rule #16: If someone thinks he has the upper hand, break it.

Rule #18: It’s better to seek forgiveness than ask permission.

Rule #20: Always look under.

Rule #22: Never, ever bother Gibbs in interrogation.

Rule #23: Never mess with a Marine’s coffee if you want to live.

Rule #27: Two ways to follow someone. First way, they never notice you. Second way, they only notice you.

Rule #28: When you need help, ask.

Rule #35: Always watch the watchers.

Rule #36: If it feels like you’re being played, you probably are.

Rule #38: Your case, you’re lead.

Rule #39: There is no such thing as a coincidence.

Rule #40: If it seems like someone’s out to get you, they are.

Rule #42: Never accept an apology from somebody who just sucker punched you.

Rule #44: First things first, hide the women and children.

Rule #45: Left a mess I gotta clean up.

Rule #51: Sometimes you’re wrong.

Rule #62: Always give people space when they get off an elevator.

Rule #69: Never trust a woman who doesn’t trust her man.

Rule #91: When you decide to walk away, never look back.

NCIS, Mondays, 9/8c, CBS

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  1. P

    PurpleBottleOpener

    Gibbs is a brilliant man

    49

  2. G

    GoldChilli

    Don’t forget tulle 99. Don’t tell Gibbs he’s being audited.

    30 5

  3. G

    GoldBottleOpener

    I stopped watching NCIS when Mark Harmon left. One of our channels carries old NCIS episodes all day Sunday. I love it!!

    23 1

  4. B

    BlueBeer

    there is no such thing as an EX Marine... it's a FORMER Marine...

    21

  5. O

    OliveBoomerang

    Terriblely terrifying yet accurate advice

    21 2

  6. P

    PurpleTeepee

    Mark Harmon was a great actor, but its obvious from the last 3 seasons he;s grown tired of the role. Probably one of the most devastating blows to the show was Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette) being written out of the show.That signals that this season will probably be the final season

    I've been a fan since the pilot episodes when Mark Harmon first appeared on JAG

    27 12

  7. B

    BlueFlower

    Just watched Ncis Hawaii and Gibbs was mentioned along with a rule...

    Rule 72...Always be open to new ideas

    16 1

  8. O

    OrangeBus

    I think the show can go on without Gibbs. I think he’s marvellous, both the character and the actor. However, like other work places, people leave and new people come in. Personally I like Gary Cole.

    27 15

    1. R

      Reader

      Agree there is no NCIS without Gibbs. Any other thought just means you do not understand it

      1

  9. R

    RedCupcake

    GREAT advice!!!

    14 3

  10. P

    PurplePopsicle

    Those who knew Pam Dawber is Mark Harmon's wife would have seen her entering the show at that point was a serious indication that Gibbs was about to leave. But look at the series as a whole. How many greatly loved characters have come and gone? NCIS continues to go on.

    10

  11. G

    GreenPlane

    Gibbs rules have amazing advice

    8

  12. R

    RedApple

    And yes Ziva is my real name I am from Israel and yes my daughters name is Tali and yes me and Very special Agent Anthony (tony) DiNozzo are married yes we love each other very much and no all you other girls can’t have him.

    17 10

    1. G

      GoldDucky

      Send me a photo of your wedding, love both of you my favourite 2 people, ❤❤❤

      1 4

  13. P

    PurpleBottleOpener

    no such thing as a former marine, their just M

    arines.

    5

  14. B

    BlueCone

    Just passed a car with the vanity plate ‘Rule 13’. Gotta love Gibbs!

    5

  15. P

    PurpleMustache

    4

  16. G

    GoldRing

    Yes, yes it is. The first time he uses it was S16 Ep15. 😐

    3

  17. G

    GreenRocket

    A Marine Friend Used to Say:

    "There are two types of warriors in the Universe. United States Marines. And people who wish they were."

    The Marines

    'The Most Dangerous Thing In The Known Universe Is A United States Marine.

    The Only Thing More Dangerous Than A United States Marine, Is An ARMED United States Marine.

    The Only Thing More Dangerous Than An Armed United States Marine. Is An ANGRY Armed United States Marine.

    Anything more dangerous than an Angry Armed United States Marine. God is saving for the day he goes after Satan. It should be easy to find. It'll be behind The United States Marines.'

    (author Unknown)

    4 1

  18. B

    BlueSailboat

    Gary Cole was a very good choice, I like his character a lot! I think it would be really cool to bring back a character from the past who was a child on a previous episode and was inspired by Gibbs and the team to become an agent. I would also like to see Ellie Bishop come so there would be closure for Torres.

    2

  19. O

    OliveBoomerang

    I have been very ill for several years. I watch NCIS everytime it is on, if I not at the doctor, as I have had 2 strokes and I can't drive yet. I really hope that they leave NCIS on all the time and not NCIS Sydney. I really don't like it. Thanks.

    2

  20. G

    GoldCorn

    Gibbs burnt Rule 10 - Season 16, when Ellie Bishop got personally involved in one of Ziva's old cases and Gibbs had to finally admit he was wrong 🙂

    2

  21. C

    CyanBus

    Rule 72: Always be open to new ideas.

    2

  22. G

    GoldButterfly

    “So, Gibbs, if you could go ahead and never leave NCIS, that would be great!”

    4 2

  23. O

    OliveFan

    Gibbs is the best boss ever

    2

  24. G

    GoldMustache

    Gibbs saved me

    2

  25. O

    OliveBeer

    Once a Marine, always a marine!

    2

  26. B

    BlueSword

    You too, Bill? Thought I was alone out here!

    2

  27. O

    OrangePopcorn

    Special mention: You do what you have to do for family.

    2

  28. G

    GoldHammer

    No, you're not.

    1

  29. P

    PurpleMustache

    1

  30. P

    PurpleMustache

    1

  31. G

    GoldBottleOpener

    I have been a fan since JAG tv show and watched all NCIS spinoff and CSI Shows.I read every Hardy boys mysteries and Nancy Drew!

    1

  32. O

    OliveBox

    Yeah

    1

  33. O

    OlivePlanet

    I want to know who’s car that is they are genius for putting it on there plate

    1

  34. O

    OlivePlanet

    No there is no such thing as an EX marine they are always a marine.

    1

  35. B

    BlueSword

    72 or 79? See above.

    1

  36. B

    BlueSword

    Ooh Rah!

    1

  37. C

    CyanCherries

    THIS IS WRONG!!!! MISSING A RULE!!!

    Rule 73: Never meet your heroes

    Season 16 Episode 7

    17:10

    1

  38. R

    RedCarrot

    I love his rules.

    Make good sense 👌

    1

  39. P

    PurpleBlowdryer

    Gibb's aint in Hawaii !!!

    2 1

  40. G

    GibbszivaAbby

    I think the show can go on withOut gibbs but I really miss him andHe's amazing part of it and I missed Abby too

  41. Y

    YO!

    The bastards The Corps drum out with a bad conduct discharge are no longer Marines

  42. J

    JordanFan2012

    Rule #24 "There's no such thing as perfect timing"

  43. P

    PurpleBlowdryer

    yeah we should

  44. B

    BlueSailboat

  45. B

    BlueSailboat

    And Gibbs, if you could make sure to use the new cover sheet on your TPS reports that would be great too! Because we're using the new cover sheet on ALL the TPS reports from now on. Mmmm'kay?!

  46. B

    BlueSailboat

    The rules that I have leaned on most are #s 4,5,8, 18, 36, 40, 51 and of course Number Nine!!!

  47. R

    RedBone

    Live ur life gibbs

  48. G

    GreenRocket

    My favorite rules of all frickin' time

    GIBBS IS (mostly) AKWAYS RIGHT!

  49. O

    OrangeBus

    Think the rules are pretty cool rules to live by! 😎

  50. B

    BlueTooth

    Should we make up the rules inbetween? Like 19 is gone and almost the entire 70's

  51. B

    BlueTooth

    Me too

  52. G

    GreenBone

    New rule on NCIS-Origins...Rule #29: "Learn to obey before you command."

  53. G

    GoldRing

    Gibbs has the best advice! he is truly brills!

  54. P

    PurplePopsicle

    I am currently watching NCIS and Gibbs is definitely my favorite character in the show

  55. O

    OrangeCoathanger

    Rule #29: Learn to Obey Before You Command. (As seen on NCIS Origins: Episode 3)

    Rule #21: No Man is Ever Above or Below The Law. (Same Source)

  56. B

    BlueDice

    rule #29 never command til you first learn to obey

    According to NCIS Origins 2024

  57. O

    OliveGrapes

    i started watching this when i was 5

  58. C

    CyanCherries

    Gibbs is a brilliant man

  59. R

    Reader

    I love gibbs hes my hero and i know all his rules by heart im a little crazy about him

  60. G

    GoldGlasses

    There is no “Rule 99 Never tell Gibbs he’s being audited”

  61. G

    GoldHammer

    slay ig

  62. O

    OrangeScissors

    They break his rules sometimes

  63. O

    OrangeScissors

    Yes but these are good earthly rules for us to follow because these can keep us true to the Lord

  64. P

    PurpleMustache

  65. P

    PurpleMustache

    Anyone remember this? River made a joke on season ten saying 'I always keep my toe in the POND'

  66. P

    PurpleMustache

    I have been watching NCIS since I was 4, and I am 13. So almost my whole life. I recently got a spoiler saying that Ziva died. Sorry to all!! Love Ziva very much, but why I am telling you this is so you can be mentally prepared when Tony leaves to take care of their daughter. HOPE YOU HAVE TISSUES READY🫡🥲

  67. C

    CyanBus

    Rule Number 70: Keep digging 'til you hit bottom

    1. R

      Reader

      Actually, rule 70 wasn't a Gibbs rule. In the episode The San Dominic, Mcgee was left in charge and made up Mcgee's rule #70, which you did get correct.Timothy McGee : Rule Number 70: Keep digging 'til you hit bottom.Abby Sciuto : McGee! There is no Rule 70.Timothy McGee : Well, I...Abby Sciuto : You just made up a rule. This... McGibbs thing has really gone to your head.[forlornly] Abby Sciuto : I don't even recognize you right now.

  68. B

    BluePaw

    the show could go on without gibbs but could never go without palmer

    1 1

  69. B

    BlueDice

    Why are there missing rules on this list?

    41,43,46-50, 52-61, 63-68

    70-90

    Plus the last one "Don't look back"

  70. O

    OliveBox

    ...

  71. O

    OliveBox

    It can't go on without Gibbs! 😭

    1 1

  72. O

    OrangeStrawberry

    Excellent Rules!

  73. O

    OrangeAirBalloon

    Ziva I love u so much I hope u have a happy marriage with Tony and u are such a great actor in NCIS in fact I’m watching it right now

    2 2

  74. O

    OlivePlanet

    I don't think so since rule #31's missing afaik🤔🤷‍♂️🤨HMM..!!??

  75. O

    OlivePlanet

    NOPE THAT'S RULE #9

  76. O

    OrangeFish

    Where is always have a knife? Thought it was #7

  77. O

    OliveSword

    why does the article say it was posted yesterday (8/21/22) when obviously it was originally posted in December 2021?

    (Click-bait, that's why.)

  78. G

    GreenTurtle

    That's the way to live. if possible..

  79. G

    GoldHammer

    Thanks for posting the list, but clearly it's incomplete, why?

  80. P

    PurpleCocktail

    Funny when u have the picture of ziva and tony dancing and rule 12 is never date a coworker.

  81. R

    RedApple

    Yes they did it’s “never go anywhere without a knife.”

  82. G

    GreenElephant

    I care and so do other people maybe you should fallow his rules because I fallow all of his rules mabe you could learn a thing or two

  83. C

    CyanDog

    Are these all of them

  84. J

    Jena

    I am, actually. Thanks!

    1 1

  85. B

    BlueSnow

    That's not a Gibbs rule

    1

  86. B

    BlueSword

    Are you and Tony coming back to NCIS? You’ve been missed.

    1 2

  87. O

    OliveRadio

    Rule 70 Keep digging until you hit bottom.

    1

  88. C

    CyanAirBalloon

    All of you are very awesome.

    Wish I could meet you

    Love all you guys

    Please send me a picture of everyone

    Thank you

    1 2

  89. P

    PurpleFlame

    Rule #73 "Never meet your hero's " season 16 episode 07

    1

  90. G

    GreenElephant

    I think that Gibbs is one of the best actors on NCIS and he is an amazing person but don’t mess with an ex marine who had a drug dealer kill his wife and daughter.(shannan,Kelly).My real name is Ziva David and I am from Israel this whole series of the character ziva is like how my life is i am a trained assassins and I’m only 13 years old my brother is ARI Amy father is Eli and my mother is Maria we are the David family.

    13 14

  91. R

    RedElephant

    You forgot rule #79. It was recently on NCIS Hawaii “ always be to new ideas. “

    1 2

  92. C

    CyanCherries

    only follow Jesus's rules not Gibbs

    2 4

  93. C

    CyanAirBalloon

    Dear Ziva

    Are you the true Ziva David

    3

  94. C

    CyanController

    You forgot "Always carry a knife"

    3 6

    1. O

      OrangeFish

      Rule #9: Never go anywhere without a knife.

      10

    2. G

      GoldBattery

      No they didn't it's# 9

      2

  95. J

    Jena

    Who cares?

    1 32

    1. G

      GreenSeahorse

      NCIS fans. That's how this works.

      1