Celebrity Extra

Q: What is the name of the show that preceded “NCIS”? It had a very handsome leading man, but I’m blanking on the show and the star. -- K.L.

A: “JAG,” which is a United States military acronym that stands for Judge Advocate General, debuted on NBC in 1995, but the show moved to CBS a year later and lasted another nine seasons. The handsome leading man was played by David James Elliott, who was previously known as one of Elaine’s boyfriends on the “Seinfeld” episode titled “The Couch.”

“JAG” also starred Catherine Bell, Patrick Labyorteaux and John M. Jackson, all of whom have guest-starred on its very successful spin-off “NCIS.” Mark Harmon, Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly launched the original “NCIS” series, which was currently just renewed for its 22nd season.

Elliott and Bell have both moved on from the show, working steadily since. Elliott starred alongside Jennifer Finnigan in another legal drama “Close to Home,” from 2005 to 2007, and Bell starred in “Army Wives” for seven seasons. She’s since acted in several TV movies for Lifetime and Hallmark. Elliott can be seen in the upcoming film “Harvest Moon,” written by and starring Paul Bettany (“Wandavision”).

“JAG” ultimately led to five “NCIS” series in total, each set in a different city. Unfortunately, “NCIS: Hawai’i” -- the first one with a female headliner (Vanessa Lachey) -- was recently canceled after three seasons. It was axed days before the network was planning to announce its fall schedule. Its series finale will air on May 6.