Are we content with 'NCIS' crime?

"NCIS"? The biggest (scripted) show on TV, with 23 million viewers? How in heaven's name did this happen? Today, some answers - and a departure. We're sharing this page with "NCIS" fans to get to the core of the mystery of how an eight-season-old series that struggled in its early years and was spurned by critics and the rest of the chattering classes turned into a major phenom.

For starters, here are my three reasons why "NCIS" is the king:

1. Harmon, Harmon, Harmon Mark Harmon - Special Agent Jethro Gibbs of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service - is one of the small screen's classic actors and he's molded Gibbs into a TV character for the ages. While blue of eye and square of jaw, Gibbs is far from merely a just-the-facts stiff with a badge trying to channel Gary Cooper. Cool yet quirky, Gibbs' gaudiest sartorial flourish is a white undershirt, while his intricate back story is nearly as enigmatic as Don Draper's: Four ex-wives with red hair? What is that all about?

2. TV the old-fashioned way The average age of the "NCIS" viewer is 57, which means most grew up with this ironclad procedural formula: "A" and "B" story lines, which coalesce, then resolve before the final commercial break. These viewers don't watch their TV via Hulu like some 25-year-old fanboy. They watch in real time. The enduring presence of that wonderful TV chestnut David McCallum, who plays Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, drives home the nostalgia factor. And the violence - hence body count - is relatively low.

3. Family TV cast Yes, this very much is a family. A comfortable, happy, old-fashioned family, just like the Waltons, with "dad" (Gibbs), jokester oldest bro Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly), artsy kid sis Abby (Pauley Perrette), grandpa Ducky, middle bro tech-geek McGee (Sean Murray), and the Lisa Simpson of our happy clan, Ziva David (Cote de Pablo). And we mustn't forget cranky uncle and killjoy, Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll).

And you say . . . you really like it

And now, here are your thoughts:

"Great chemistry between all of the characters. Each have very different personalities and interests. But they all mesh together, beautifully."

- Toni Pressimone, Oakdale

"Clever plots interfere with the playful interaction among the 'NCIS' team."

- Tom Guida, Ridge

"Abby is smart and captivating."

- Barbara Harkins, Cutchogue

" . . . like watching a family you love at work."

- Terry Scarangella, Sea Cliff

" . . . have tried over the years to try new shows, but I haven't found characters that you can warm up to or embrace like the 'NCIS' characters."

- Terry Miller, Sea Cliff

" . . . characters that are intelligent, likable and well-rounded. The show sticks to the cases, doesn't talk down to the audience."

- Stephen Grossman, Bohemia

" . . . a big fan of Team Jethro, Tony and Ziva, Abby and McGee . . . Please don't forget the all-knowing, Ducky. They solve all their cases with teamwork and fun."

- Joan Perrin, Port Jefferson Station

"Refreshing to have a television program that shows respect for our servicemen, love for our country, reverence for the deceased, and patriotism, without endorsing any political party. It is possible to have entertainment without cursing, sex or sappy music! The 'NCIS' team is a mix of believable, quirky, dedicated, witty, intelligent characters who respect each other's strengths."

- Jeanette Vicari, Oyster Bay