NCIS actually reminds me of the old 70's show, CHiPS, for all the reasons described by LC. Other crime shows that I like, besides Law & Order and CSI, are Fringe and Criminal Minds. They seem a lot more "grounded" and better directed.
so chips was bad? - I never watched the show myself but vaguely remember my parents watching it in the early 80s... there was a disco-themed title track if I'm not mistaken :)
haven't seen the other shows you've mentioned but yes, for law & order, it's certainly very "grounded"... most episodes are pretty good.