Explosive Crossover! ‘NCIS’ Teams Up with ’48 Hours’ for a New Podcast – Hosted by Natalie Morales!
Two iconic CBS primetime brands are joining forces in the podcast space. Paramount Audio is set to launch “48 Hours: NCIS,” a crossover series that blends elements from the long-running newsmagazine 48 Hours and the popular drama franchise NCIS.
The podcast, hosted by veteran journalist and The Talk host Natalie Morales, will focus on real-life cases investigated by Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents. The series premieres on October 29, with the first episode centered on the case of Erin Corwin, a Marine wife who disappeared in California’s Joshua Tree National Park at age 19. Her body was found in an abandoned mine two months later, and another Marine was identified as a suspect. The six-episode season of “48 Hours: NCIS” delves into this “twisted story of infidelity and betrayal that led to Erin’s tragic end.”
Steve Raizes, Executive Vice President of Podcasting and Audio at Paramount Global, expressed excitement about the new venture: “I can’t think of a better way to showcase the power of Paramount’s IP than by crossing over two of CBS’s most successful franchises to create new, original digital content. We are beyond thrilled to bring fans of NCIS a deep dive into the real cases investigated by the agents portrayed on the iconic TV show, and to provide the 48 Hours audience with even more premium storytelling aligned with what they expect from the brand.”
In addition to her role on The Talk, Morales is a CBS News correspondent who joined the network in 2021, contributing to programs including 48 Hours, CBS Mornings, CBS Sunday Morning, and others. Morales expressed her personal connection to the subject matter: “Growing up in a military family, I am honored to tell the stories of those who have and continue to serve our country, and to offer unique insights into the inner workings of the NCIS as they help solve cases. Erin Corwin’s story as a newly pregnant, young military wife is especially heartbreaking. It took the dedication of many NCIS agents to help find her in difficult desert conditions and to solve the mystery of how she died and who was responsible.”
“48 Hours: NCIS” is the latest expansion of the 48 Hours podcast line, which includes “Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings,” a podcast that debuted at No. 1 on the Apple podcast charts this spring. According to Paramount, this podcast contributed to a 985% increase in subscribers to the 48 Hours+ offering on Apple, which launched in 2023. Additionally, average monthly downloads of 48 Hours franchise podcasts increased by 116% from 2022 to 2023, while all CBS News podcasts, including 48 Hours, saw a 59% increase.
The NCIS franchise recently celebrated its 1,000th episode. Upcoming entries in the franchise include NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Tony & Ziva. NCIS will premiere its 22nd season on CBS on Monday, October 14, while the 37th season of 48 Hours premieres on Saturday, September 21.
