“The NCIS Universe: A Look at Its Expansion and Future Plans”
The NCIS franchise has been a staple of television for years, but not every spinoff can stand the test of time like the original. NCIS: Hawai’i, currently in its third season, is set to conclude with its May 6 episode, much to the surprise of NCIS star Rocky Carroll.
Carroll expressed shock at the news of Hawai’i’s cancellation, highlighting the recent celebration of the NCIS universe with co-stars Vanessa Lachey and LL COOL J. However, he remains optimistic about the future, suggesting that characters from Hawai’i could potentially appear in other NCIS series.
Despite the end of NCIS: Hawai’i, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. With two more series on the horizon—an Origins prequel featuring a younger Gibbs and a spinoff with Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo reprising their roles as Tony and Ziva—Carroll sees the expansion as a testament to CBS Paramount’s commitment and staying power.
As for his own involvement, Carroll hinted at the possibility of appearing alongside Weatherly and de Pablo in a video check-in, adding a fun dynamic to the storyline. He also mused about potential spinoff ideas, suggesting that exploring other divisions of the agency could offer fresh storytelling opportunities.
While not every spinoff has been a hit, Carroll believes that the NCIS universe’s solid foundation allows for experimentation and growth. With the focus shifting from star-driven narratives to the agency itself, CBS has found continued success with the franchise, even after the departure of lead actors like Mark Harmon.
What do you think about the current state of the NCIS franchise? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Catch the Season 21 finale of NCIS on Monday, May 6, at 9/8c on CBS.