The NCIS franchise, which first launched on CBS in 2003, has grown into a massive and enduring success, spawning eight different shows and celebrating the milestone of 1000 episodes across its various iterations. Despite the longevity and strong track record of the original series, many of the spinoffs that helped build the franchise’s legacy have faced cancellations in recent years. This trend of discontinuing certain spinoff series has me concerned about the future of one of the newer additions to the NCIS universe, NCIS: Sydney.
With the 2024-2025 TV season on the horizon, only one of the earlier spinoff series will continue airing, while the franchise as a whole is pivoting towards new content that is reshaping its future. In contrast to the original spinoffs, which were heavily location-based, the current direction seems to be moving away from that approach. This shift makes me particularly nervous for NCIS: Sydney, a show that follows the traditional location-centric formula of past NCIS spinoffs.
Premiering in 2023, NCIS: Sydney arrived at a unique moment. The ongoing writer’s strike had halted production on many regular fall shows, leaving CBS in need of fresh content. NCIS: Sydney stepped in to fill that gap, offering a visually stunning series set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbor. Its premise brought together American and Australian agents as part of the AFP/NCIS Sydney Task Force, capturing the spirit of the original NCIS while leveraging the local scenery and assets to its advantage.
However, despite the show’s impressive use of location and its timely relevance, I can sense a mixed reception from audiences. While NCIS: Sydney does a commendable job of emulating the classic NCIS formula—reminiscent of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ early team—it lacks the distinctive character connections that have made other spinoffs more deeply rooted in the NCIS universe. This could be a significant factor that jeopardizes its future.
As NCIS continues to evolve and explore new directions, I worry that NCIS: Sydney might not survive the changing landscape. Despite its strong debut and relevance in a challenging TV season, its adherence to the older, location-focused model might ultimately work against it as the franchise moves forward. With the franchise’s new trend of canceling similar spinoffs, the fate of NCIS: Sydney remains uncertain.
