The NCIS: Tony & Ziva casting update confirms a significant trend that will transform the nature of the NCIS franchise. Changing an institution like NCIS, which has been airing its original series for 21 years, is no small feat. Despite the rotating ensemble cast of NCIS characters, the original show’s format has remained largely unchanged. As NCIS returns for its 22nd season, it stays true to the formula that has made it great. However, CBS is implementing major changes in their other series.
The franchise is introducing substantial changes throughout its spinoff series, with NCIS: Tony & Ziva being the most notable example. This series will embrace the serialized storytelling style tested in NCIS: Sydney, reflecting a trend seen across most current NCIS shows. In fact, the franchise has canceled many shows that don’t follow this trend. These changes are set to completely alter the nature of the NCIS franchise, which began as a U.S.-based police procedural.