Mon Jan 26 03:40:00 UTC 2026: ### NCIS Franchise Remains Strong as CBS Renews Flagship Series and Spinoffs

The Story:
CBS has announced the renewal of its flagship series, NCIS, for a 24th season, alongside renewals for NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney. This announcement, made on Thursday, January 22, 2026, signals the network’s continued confidence in the enduring popularity of the NCIS franchise. The renewal comes as NCIS approaches its 500th episode during its 23rd season, solidifying its status as one of television’s longest-running and most successful dramas.

Key Points:

  • NCIS has been renewed for Season 24.
  • The renewal was announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
  • Season 24 is expected to premiere in late September or early October 2026.
  • The main cast, including Sean Murray, Rocky Carroll, Gary Cole, Wilmer Valderrama, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover, and Katrina Law, is expected to return.
  • NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney have also been renewed for their third and fourth seasons, respectively.
  • NCIS: Tony & Ziva was not renewed past its first season.

Critical Analysis:

The simultaneous renewals of NCIS, NCIS: Origins, and NCIS: Sydney highlight CBS’s strategy of leveraging the established brand recognition of NCIS to maintain viewership and expand its audience reach through various spinoffs. The cancellation of NCIS: Tony & Ziva after only one season suggests that not all spinoffs are guaranteed success, and that the network is willing to make tough decisions based on performance. The death of Laura Adler, a casting director, could potentially impact casting decisions for the franchise, however its overall impact is likely minimal.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NCIS franchise remains a significant asset for CBS, demonstrating consistent viewership and brand loyalty.
  • CBS is strategically using spinoffs to broaden the NCIS universe and cater to different audience segments.
  • The network is actively monitoring the performance of spinoffs and making renewal decisions accordingly.
  • The flagship NCIS series has proven its longevity and staying power in a competitive television landscape.
  • Casting decisions have high visibility and importance in successful tv shows.

Impact Analysis:

The continued success of the NCIS franchise has several long-term implications:

  • Network Stability: The renewal provides CBS with a reliable source of viewership and advertising revenue.
  • Franchise Expansion: The ongoing success of the NCIS brand may encourage further spinoffs or expansions into other media formats.
  • Talent Development: The NCIS universe provides opportunities for actors, writers, and other creative professionals.
  • Genre Influence: The NCIS franchise has set a standard for procedural dramas and has influenced the development of similar shows.

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