NCIS’s latest spin-off will be set in Sydney

One of the world’s most popular and long-running shows has announced another spin-off, and it’s going to be set in Sydney.

One of the world’s most successful TV franchises, NCIS, is expanding to Australia.

NCIS: Sydney will be the long-running police procedural’s latest spin-off, following instalments in Los Angeles, New Orleans and Hawaii. It will be the first international version of NCIS.

Production will start later this year against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, with the series set to debut in 2023. In Australia, it will launch on Channel 10 and its streaming platform, Paramount+.

Casting for the Australian series has not been revealed. NCIS: Los Angeles creator Shane Brennan, an Australian who was written for A Country Practice, Blue Heelers and Stingers, will be the executive producer.

It’s not clear how a series based on criminal investigators for the American navy will work in an Australian setting.

Mark Harmon was an original cast member of NCIS.

NCIS premiered in 2003 as a spin-off from American courtroom drama JAG and is now one of the longest running scripted dramas on TV. The original cast included Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly and Sasha Alexander.

In its 19 years on air, the cast has changed over many times, including the exit of Harmon as a regular lead, replaced by Gary Cole in the current season. The only original cast member that remains is David McCallum as Ducky.

NCIS: Los Angeles was the first spin-off, debuting in 2009 with Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J, followed by NCIS: New Orleans with Scott Bakula in 2014 and NCIS: Hawaii with Vanessa Lachey in 2021.

Despite its longevity, NCIS continues to be one of the most watched programs on American broadcast TV. The franchise is particularly popular among older viewers.