10 Shows and Movies Similar to JAG (1995)

Description: SVU shares JAG's legal procedural format, though focused on civilian crimes rather than military justice. Both shows explore the legal process from investigation through prosecution, with strong ensemble casts. The dedication to justice and moral dilemmas faced by the characters create similar thematic resonance between the two series.

Fact: The longest-running primetime live-action series in U.S. television history. Based on real NYPD Special Victims Unit cases. Mariska Hargitay is the only original cast member remaining.

Description: NCIS is similar to JAG (1995) as both are military-themed procedural dramas focusing on investigations within the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. NCIS is actually a spin-off of JAG, inheriting its focus on military justice and expanding it into a more specialized investigative unit. Both shows blend action, drama, and elements of military life, appealing to fans of law enforcement and military storytelling.

Fact: NCIS stands for Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The character of Leroy Jethro Gibbs was originally introduced in JAG before getting his own show. NCIS has become one of the longest-running scripted primetime TV series in the U.S.

Description: While not military-focused, Criminal Minds shares JAG's procedural format and team-based investigation structure. Both shows feature specialized units solving complex cases, with Criminal Minds focusing on behavioral analysis rather than military law. The emphasis on teamwork and professional dedication creates a similar dynamic to JAG's JAG officers working together.

Fact: Originally developed as a spin-off from The Profiler. The show's technical advisor was a real FBI profiler. It has one of the largest main casts in TV procedural history.

Description: The Unit shares similarities with JAG in its military focus, though it centers on a covert special forces team rather than legal proceedings. Both shows explore the professional and personal lives of military personnel, blending action with human drama. The Unit's emphasis on military operations and their consequences mirrors JAG's exploration of military justice.

Fact: Created by David Mamet, known for his tough, masculine dialogue. The show was based on the real-life experiences of a Delta Force operator. It ran for four seasons on CBS.

Description: Blue Bloods shares JAG's focus on family dynamics within a professional context, following a multi-generational police family rather than military lawyers. Both shows blend professional cases with personal stories, and emphasize honor, duty, and service. The weekly family dinner scenes in Blue Bloods mirror JAG's exploration of military camaraderie.

Fact: Tom Selleck has starred in every episode as Police Commissioner Frank Reagan. The show films on location in New York City. The Reagan family dinners are improvised by the actors.

Description: Hawaii Five-0 shares JAG's military connections (through character Steve McGarrett's Navy SEAL background) and procedural format. Both shows feature strong leads solving cases with a team, often involving military or government elements. The tropical settings (Hawaii vs. JAG's various naval bases) provide similar visual appeal.

Fact: A reboot of the 1968 series of the same name. Features frequent cameos by original series cast members. The theme music is one of the most recognizable in TV history.

Description: The Blacklist shares JAG's government/military connections through its FBI focus, though with more serialized storytelling. Both shows feature charismatic leads (Harmon Rabb Jr. in JAG, Raymond Reddington in The Blacklist) navigating complex bureaucracies while solving cases. The mix of action, intrigue, and character drama creates similar appeal.

Fact: James Spader's performance as Reddington has earned critical acclaim. The show has spawned a spin-off, The Blacklist: Redemption. Many episodes reference real-world criminal organizations.

Description: Chicago P.D. shares JAG's focus on a specialized law enforcement unit, though in an urban police setting rather than military. Both shows explore the moral complexities of enforcing the law, with strong ensemble casts and serialized character development alongside procedural cases. The military-style discipline of the Intelligence Unit echoes JAG's naval hierarchy.

Fact: Part of Dick Wolf's Chicago franchise. Features crossover episodes with other Chicago series. Many storylines are inspired by real Chicago police cases.

Description: SEAL Team continues the military drama tradition of JAG, focusing on an elite Navy SEAL unit. While more action-oriented than JAG's legal focus, both shows examine the challenges of military service, the chain of command, and the personal sacrifices of service members. The procedural elements of mission execution in SEAL Team parallel JAG's case-of-the-week structure.

Fact: Features actual former Navy SEALs as technical advisors. The show moved from CBS to Paramount+ in its fifth season. David Boreanaz stars as team leader Jason Hayes.

Description: 24 shares JAG's military/government setting and action-oriented storytelling, though with a counterterrorism focus rather than legal. Both shows feature patriotic themes and protagonists dedicated to national security. The real-time format of 24 creates a different pace, but the high-stakes scenarios and military connections create thematic overlap with JAG.

Fact: Pioneered the real-time narrative format. Kiefer Sutherland won an Emmy for his role as Jack Bauer. The show's production influenced many subsequent action series.