The NCIS franchise has been a television powerhouse since 2003, spanning over 1,000 episodes across eight shows. But as the franchise evolves, one worrying trend has emerged – the end of its location-based spinoffs. This shift raises concerns about the future of NCIS: Sydney, the franchise’s last remaining location-focused series.
When NCIS: Sydney premiered in 2023, it filled a major programming gap caused by the writers’ strike. Set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbor, the show blended American and Australian agents in a new AFP/NCIS task force. It captured the classic NCIS spirit – teamwork, mystery, and strong leadership – while standing out through its international setting and serialized storytelling.
However, NCIS: Sydney may be fighting an uphill battle. CBS has already canceled every other location-based spinoff:
- NCIS: New Orleans ended in 2021 after seven seasons.
- NCIS: Los Angeles concluded in 2023 after 14 seasons.
- NCIS: Hawai’i was canceled in 2024 after just three seasons, despite breaking ground with Vanessa Lachey as the first female and Asian American lead in the franchise.
With Hawai’i gone, Sydney now stands as the last NCIS series centered around a city – and its only female-led one, starring Olivia Swann as Special Agent Michelle Mackey.
Meanwhile, the franchise is shifting its focus to nostalgia-driven series. NCIS: Origins will serve as a prequel exploring a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, with Mark Harmon narrating, and NCIS: Tony & Ziva will reunite Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo for a new chapter in their beloved love story on Paramount+.
Both of these new shows move away from the franchise’s location-based roots, emphasizing emotional connections and fan-favorite characters instead.
As NCIS: Sydney prepares to return for Season 2 in the 2024–2025 TV season, replacing Blue Bloods mid-year, fans can’t help but wonder: Will it survive this trend? The series’ international flair and serialized format may give it an edge, but history suggests that location-based NCIS spinoffs rarely last.
For now, Sydney remains the franchise’s final outpost – and its fate could define the next chapter of the NCIS universe.
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