From Wikipedia…
“After working under such television producers as Glen A. Larson and Stephen J. Cannell, Bellisario adopted some of their production techniques, most notably utilizing a small “pool” of actors which he uses for his many productions.

He has created several successful TV series, including Magnum, P.I., Tales of the Gold Monkey, Airwolf, Quantum Leap, JAG, and NCIS. Less-known creations include Tequila & Bonetti and First Monday. He was also writer/producer on Black Sheep Squadron and the original Battlestar Galactica.”

Intro

Dead guy found with a toiletbrush in his brain…

The chief says something smart…And looks in the camera..

Then the intro music with scenery starts playing. Who are you too too too too…bla bla bla …

The show starts, and you see the body laying on a table, for investigation. Smart remarks by the chief again….

Then they go to the crime scene, and investigate that…

Then they switch to the lab where they examine evidence…

Then they find evidence and arrest the person(S)behind the murder.

The end.

Boring.”

That’s why they call it a “procedural.” LOL.

Re the OP’s comparison to JAG. My wife was similarly addicted to JAG, but she loves the procedurals. Bones, JAG, NCIS, CSI, CSI:Miami, House, etc.

..on the subject of NCIS, it`s not my favorite show but it`s at least better than a whole lot of the dross that airs these days.

People should reserve their venom for shows that deserve it like Top Model and Big Bang Theory.

Just like “Law & Order!”

About ten years ago, I began telling my friends why, as an attorney, I respected the legal accuracy of the show “Law & Order” but found it to be far too repetitive, predictable & boring.

Since the formula’s damn near identical, I can paraphrase from your post:

Setup:

One minute of alternate story line ends abruptly with…something like…

Dead guy found with a toiletbrush in his brain…

Cue partial “Dum Dum” theme…

Detectives arrive, says something glib about the crime — Cut to intro music with scenery starts playing full “Dum Dum” theme…

“Dum, de, dum dum dum…”

Detectives check with chief, begin canvassing neighborhood, find witness reluctant to talk, bring in for questioning.

“Dum Dum”

Commercial

Questining and investigation resumes; A.D.A. warns detectives about lack of evidence/method of investigation; fortuitous piece of evidence lands in detectives laps, arrest made…

“Dum Dum” theme

Commercial

“Dum Dum” INT. NY Crim Court, (name your part here)

Arraignment, motion to suppress, hearing on motion to suppress.

Conference with A.D.A.’s, perp & perp’s attorney.

Offer made

Offer rejected.

A.D.A’s conference with veteran D.A. for few pearls of wisdom.

A.D.A. resumes prosecution with new found purpose.

New evidence lands in A.D.A’s lap;

Detectives make another arrest of soon to be actual culprit

“Dum Dum” theme

Commercial.

Mini trial, short cross, semi-trite closing arguments…”has the jury reached a verdict?”

Glib remark by D.A. or A.D.A.’s while in office or walking out of court.

Roll final credits.

NCIS is not only technically accurate, but procedurally accurate with regards to the interplay between Local Law Enforcement, Naval Civilian/Military Law Enforcement, Fed Law Enforcement & Military.

NCIS has a far deeper character development than most other shows.

And most importantly:

THE F’N STORY IS NOT PREDICTABLE DOWN TO THE QUARTER HOUR AS TO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!

That’s my two cents.

This is an example of a typical CSI episode—

Intro

Dead guy found with a toiletbrush in his brain…

The chief says something smart…And looks in the camera..

Then the intro music with scenery starts playing. Who are you too too too too…bla bla bla …

The show starts, and you see the body laying on a table, for investigation. Smart remarks by the chief again….

Then they go to the crime scene, and investigate that…

Then they switch to the lab where they examine evidence…

Then they find evidence and arrest the person(S)behind the murder.

The end.

Boring.