NCIS is probably one of the most popular TV shows on the air right now; everyone either watches it religiously or has, at the very least, heard of it! There is a reason it’s one of the longest-running scripted US shows in history!
The show is a military procedural that revolves around the titular Naval Criminal Investigative Service and a team of its special agents. As the law enforcement arm of the US Navy and Marine Corps, the NCIS investigates criminal activities within this jurisdiction.
The original series first aired in 2003 and has since turned into a full media franchise, with three spin-offs with locations all around the United States.
Now, however, NCIS is going international with its first overseas location: Australia!
This is the first that one of CBS’ franchises is going international, with the producers, actors, and film locations all local.
In February 2022, NCIS: Sydney was commissioned by Paramount+ Australia and Network 10 (which is owned by ViacomCBS).
The series will be one of the first originals from Paramount+ Australia. Rick Maier, Paramount Australia and New Zealand Head of Drama, even expressed his excitement and hope that it would be “one of the most eagerly anticipated commissions of the year.”
With that, here’s what we know about NCIS: Sydney so far!
Who’s in charge?
Endemol Shine Australia is the production company behind the show, produced for CBS Studios and Paramount Australia.
Fans can be reassured that this spin-off will retain everything that makes NCIS so iconic because the Australian version will be led by Shane Brennan, an alum of the franchise, who is both the creator of NCIS: Los Angeles and former executive producer/showrunner for NCIS and NCIS: LA.
The show is created by Morgan O’Neill, who also executive produces alongside Sara Richardson and Ten Pound Poms’ Sue Seeary.
What’s it about?
Yes, the real-life NCIS does actually have a field office in Australia – although it’s in Perth, not Sydney!
In this fictional representation, a team of field agents are tasked with overseeing the criminal activities within the Indo-Pacific region – a tough job considering they are operating within “the most contested patch of ocean on the planet” (Deadline, 2023).
The NCIS agents work closely with the Australian Federal Police on a specialized task force to investigate each case.
Who are we going to see on NCIS: Sydney?
Heading the NCIS: Sydney team is Special Agent Michelle Mackey, played by Olivia Swann, and her AFP counterpart Sergeant Jim “JD” Dempsey, played by Todd Lasance.
Another member of the team from the NCIS is Special Agent DeShawn Jackson, played by Sean Sagar.
On the other hand, from the local AFP side of the team are AFP Liaison Officer Constable Evie Cooper (played by Tuuli Narkle), AFP Forensic Scientist Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson (played by Mavournee Hazel), and AFP Forensic Pathologist Dr. Roy Penrose (played by William McInnes).
NCIS: Sydney is set to premiere on November 10, 2023 on Paramount+ Australia, with the US premiere (on CBS) slated for November 13 (the episodes will also be available to stream on Paramount+ the next day).