The first international edition of NCIS will also get a berth in the United States.
CBS will air NCIS: Sydney, an Australia-based installment of its multi-show franchise, beginning in November. The series, announced in early 2022, will also run on Paramount+ in its home country and debut on the streamer in other markets later.
NCIS: Sydney is part of an effort from Paramount+ to expand local offerings in markets outside the United States as it attempts to scale up the streamer internationally. Like its franchise mates — which have proven enduringly popular in international markets — the series comes from CBS Studios along with Endemol Shine Australia and Paramount Australia.
The show will make its debut on Paramount+ in Australia on Nov. 10, with its stateside premiere set for 10 p.m. Nov. 13 on CBS. NCIS: Sydney will also be the only first-run scripted show on the network in the fall as media companies have yet to reach a deal with striking writers and actors. CBS has upped its unscripted load for the fall and will bring over previously aired episodes of Yellowstone (from Paramount Network) and SEAL Team (from Paramount+), along with the British version of its comedy Ghosts, to help fill out the lineup.
In an earlier version of its fall schedule, CBS had a TBD Paramount+ show penciled in for the final hour of primetime on Mondays. Sources say NCIS: Sydney was that show, but the announcement was held until the premiere date was announced in Australia.
“NCIS is one of the most popular series in the world and we’re thrilled to expand this franchise with a uniquely Australian twist,” CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach said in a statement. “With the addition of NCIS: Sydney, our studio and network footprint continues to grow in this fascinating world that has been a proven winner with viewers on both linear and streaming platforms. Featuring the stunning backdrop of Australia, the new series will incorporate the high-stakes intrigue, humor and camaraderie that have kept fans captivated by the NCIS teams for over two decades.”
Added Marco Nobili, executive vp and international general manager of Paramount+, “Bringing NCIS: Sydney to Paramount+ international markets is a true testament to the power of One Paramount across our content and platforms. With this exciting new chapter of one of the world’s most successful TV dramas, we unveil new characters and incredible locations to the eager NCIS fandom on Paramount+, broadening our reach and fulfilling our mission to entertain audiences around the world.”
NCIS: Sydney will follow a team of American NCIS agents who form a multinational task force with members of the Australian Federal Police “to keep naval crimes in check in the most contested patch of ocean on the planet,” according to the show’s logline. The cast features Olivia Swann, Todd Lasance, Sean Sagar, Tuuli Narkle, Mavournee Hazel and William McInnes.
Morgan O’Neill created the series and executive produces with Sara Richardson and Sue Seeary.
Source: Hollywood
