What Major Update and All the Details Does the Much-Anticipated New Spin-Off of NCIS Provide?
NCIS: Los Angeles recently concluded its impressive 14-season run with a two-part series finale in May. However, the NCIS franchise isn’t slowing down, and preparations for its first global spin-off, NCIS: Sydney, are well underway.
Over a year after the announcement of the Australian spin-off, reports indicate that the show has now cast its special agents and established a central cast list, which was shared on CBS’s social media platform. Olivia Swann takes on the role of NCIS Special Agent Michelle Mackey, while Todd Lasance portrays Sergeant Jim ‘JD’ Dempsey, leading the team.
The cast also includes Sean Sagar as NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson, Tuuli Narkle as AFP Liaison Officer Constable Evie Cooper, Mavournee Hazel as AFP Forensic Scientist Bluebird ‘Blue’ Gleeson, and William McInnes as AFP Forensic Pathologist Dr. Roy Penrose.
Filming for the series has already begun in Sydney, and, following the tradition of the franchise, NCIS: Sydney will follow a group of intrepid special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they tackle crimes and navigate their interpersonal relationships.
ViacomCBS, Network 10 Australia, and Paramount Plus Australia have partnered to bring the show to international markets. Paramount Australia and New Zealand’s Head of Drama, Rick Maier, expressed excitement about the project and its potential to be one of the most anticipated commissions of the year.
Lindsey Martin, Head of International Co-Productions and Development at CBS Studios, emphasized the expansion of the NCIS franchise into Australia as a significant milestone. Beverley McGarvey, Chief Content Officer and Executive Vice President of ViacomCBS Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the privilege of continuing the legacy of the show while introducing new Australian characters and locations.
NCIS: Los Angeles creator Shane Brennan, an Australian himself, is attached to the project and will direct this iteration. The spin-off will air on Network 10 in Australia and be available globally on Paramount Plus Australia. In the United States, CBS will broadcast the show alongside the main franchise and another spin-off, NCIS: Hawai’i, allowing American viewers to follow the adventures of the special agents from Down Under. Although the premiere date has not been finalized, the network has indicated that it will be released later this year.
