For nearly two decades, “NCIS” has been more than just a crime procedural—it’s been a television institution, a comfort show, and, for many, a weekly ritual. But beneath the surface of the show’s signature banter and high-stakes investigations, there’s another drama that’s played out for years—not on screen, but in the hearts and minds of its fiercely loyal fanbase. It’s a debate as old as the show itself: Who is the greatest female character to ever grace the hallowed halls of NCIS headquarters?

Ask a room full of fans and you’ll get a dozen different answers, each delivered with the kind of passion usually reserved for championship sports or political campaigns. Some will tell you, without a hint of hesitation, that the answer is Caitlin “Kate” Todd, the original special agent whose intelligence and wit set the standard for all who followed. Others will argue, with equal fervor, that no one can touch the legendary Ziva David, whose blend of strength, vulnerability, and razor-sharp humor turned her into an instant icon. And then there are those who champion the underdogs—the quirky, brilliant Abby Sciuto, or the steadfast, quietly resilient Ellie Bishop—characters whose contributions may not always make the highlight reels, but whose presence has left an indelible mark on the show’s DNA.

It’s a debate that’s never really been settled, and maybe that’s the point. NCIS, after all, has always thrived on the chemistry of its ensemble cast, on the way each new addition brings a fresh dynamic to the team. But if you spend any time in the online trenches—Reddit threads, Facebook groups, Twitter hashtags—you’ll see just how fiercely these allegiances run. The question of favorite female character isn’t just a matter of taste; it’s a battle for the soul of the show.

Take, for example, the recent Reddit poll launched by u/Ncisroleplayer97—a simple question with not-so-simple consequences. Ziva David, unsurprisingly, ran away with the top spot, racking up nearly 500 votes and reminding everyone why her name is still spoken with reverence in NCIS circles. But the poll also sparked a flurry of outrage, not because of who won, but because of who was left out. Where, fans demanded to know, were Ellie Bishop and Abby Sciuto? How could a poll about NCIS’s best women ignore two of its most beloved—and, in the eyes of many, underappreciated—characters?

The comments section became a battleground. “Bishop deserves more love! She brought a quiet strength to the team,” wrote u/5klm, echoing a sentiment shared by many. Others, like u/PandasNPenguins, rushed to Abby’s defense, pointing out that her unique blend of goth style and forensic genius was a breath of fresh air in a world of suits and badges. “Abby was the heart of the lab and the show,” one user insisted, “and she never got the recognition she deserved.”

Meanwhile, the inclusion of characters like Jeanne Benoit—whose storyline was memorable but brief—raised eyebrows and tempers. Some fans questioned why she made the cut over more central figures like Diane Gibbs-Fornell-Sterling, whose complicated relationship with Gibbs and Fornell provided years of comic relief and emotional depth. The debates raged on, with each comment thread spinning off into its own sub-arguments, alliances, and inside jokes that only true fans could appreciate.

But for all the disagreement, there was one thing everyone seemed to agree on: Ziva David’s legacy is untouchable. Her chemistry with Tony DiNozzo, her struggle to reconcile her Mossad training with her new life as an NCIS agent, her moments of vulnerability and fierce loyalty—they all combined to create a character who felt as real and complex as anyone you might meet in the real world. Fans still talk about her goodbye episode as if it were a personal loss, and when she made her surprise return, social media exploded with joy, relief, and a few happy tears.

Still, the passion for other characters hasn’t faded. Kate Todd, for instance, remains a sentimental favorite for many, her tragic d3ath in season two a wound that never quite healed. Fans remember her as the original “one of the guys,” a woman who gave as good as she got, whether she was trading barbs with Tony or holding her own in the field. Her blend of professionalism and dry humor set a template for every female agent who followed, and her absence is still felt in the show’s DNA.

Then there’s Abby Sciuto, the show’s resident goth genius, whose pigtails, Caf-Pow! cups, and boundless enthusiasm made her one of television’s most unique and beloved characters. For years, Abby was the heart of the lab and, in many ways, the heart of the show itself. Her relationships with Gibbs, McGee, and even the famously prickly Ducky Mallard were the emotional glue that held the team together. When Pauley Perrette announced her departure, fans mourned as if they were losing a friend—and in a way, they were.

Ellie Bishop, too, has her share of di3-hard supporters. Introduced as a fresh-faced NSA analyst, Bishop brought a different energy to the team—less swagger, more quiet determination. She wasn’t trying to be Kate or Ziva; she was carving out her own space, and over time, fans came to appreciate her intelligence, her empathy, and her willingness to stand her ground. “Bishop is the most relatable,” one fan wrote. “She’s smart, she’s awkward, and she’s real.”

What’s remarkable is how these debates have kept the NCIS fandom so vibrant, even as the show itself has evolved and changed. Cast members have come and gone, storylines have twisted and turned, and yet the conversation about favorite characters remains as lively as ever. It’s a testament to the show’s writers, who have consistently crafted female characters who are more than just sidekicks or love interests—they’re fully realized people, with strengths, flaws, and stories of their own.

Of course, not every character gets the same level of love. Jeanne Benoit, for instance, is often cited as a divisive figure—memorable for her romance with Tony, but not quite as central to the show’s core as others. Diane Gibbs-Fornell-Sterling, on the other hand, is remembered fondly for her comedic timing and her complicated, very human relationships with the show’s leading men. Even minor characters like Jackie Vance or Paula Cassidy have their own devoted followings, proof that in the world of NCIS, no one is ever truly forgotten.

At the end of the day, the debate over NCIS’s best female character is more than just a popularity contest. It’s a reflection of what the show means to its fans—a source of comfort, excitement, and, above all, connection. These characters aren’t just figures on a screen; they’re friends, role models, and, in some cases, inspirations. The passion with which fans defend their favorites is a sign of just how deeply the show has touched their lives.

As NCIS heads into yet another season, the debates will no doubt continue. New characters will arrive, old favorites will return (if only in flashbacks), and the conversation will keep evolving. But one thing is certain: whether you’re Team Ziva, Team Kate, Team Abby, or Team Bishop, there’s room for everyone in the NCIS family. And as long as the show keeps giving us strong, complex, unforgettable women, fans will keep watching, keep debating, and, most of all, keep caring.

So next time you find yourself in the middle of an NCIS character debate, remember: it’s not just about who’s the best, or who gets the most votes. It’s about the stories we love, the characters we root for, and the community we’ve built along the way. And in that sense, every fan—and every character—has already won.