The NCIS franchise will be back to three series on CBS next season. The network has renewed veteran NCIS: Los Angeles for a 13th season and also has given a straight-to-series order to new offshoot NCIS: Hawaii, the first installment in the NCIS franchise with a female lead. They will join the mothership NCIS series, which was recently renewed for next season, its 19th. The addition of NCIS: Hawaii will fill the void from the pending departure of NCIS: New Orleans, which is wrapping its seven-season run. All NCIS series are produced by CBS Studios.
With the pickup of NCIS: Hawaii, CBS will be launching new installments of its three biggest procedural drama franchises of the past two decades next season, CSI: Vegas, NCIS: Hawaii and FBI: International. NCIS: LA was the only established, highly rated CBS drama series that was not part of the recent mass renewal at CBS, which included a pickup for NCIS with star/executive producer Mark Harmon set to come back.
The omission simply was due to some deals not being finalized. Those have now been completed, with stars LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell both set to return. Also back as executive producer/showrunner is R. Scott Gemmill. Created/executive produced by NCIS: New Orleans executive producers/showrunner Christopher Silber and Jan Nash as well as SEAL Team writer-producer Matt Bosack, NCIS: Hawaii already has been sending out feelers for the lead.
Set in the Aloha State, the series follows the first female Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor and her team as they balance duty to family and country, investigating high-stakes crimes involving military personnel, national security and the mysteries of the island itself.
Unlike fellow offshoots NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawaii was not introduced as a planted spinoff from one of the other NCIS series. CBS took a similar approach with FBI: International after taking the backdoor pilot route with FBI: Most Wanted. Larry Teng, who has an overall deal with CBS Studios and has directed five episodes of NCIS: LA, will direct and executive produce the opening episode. He has a deep connection to Hawaii.
The NCIS franchise is stronger than ever. With CBS confirming NCIS: Los Angeles for a thrilling Season 13 and greenlighting the much-anticipated spinoff NCIS: Hawai’i, the universe of crime-solving drama continues to grow. What makes this expansion even more exciting? The Hawai’i spinoff introduces the franchise’s first-ever female lead, making history in the process.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know—why NCIS: Los Angeles is still going strong, what to expect from NCIS: Hawai’i, and how CBS is reshaping the future of its flagship franchise.
The Everlasting Popularity of NCIS
For nearly two decades, NCIS has been a cornerstone of television drama. What began as a backdoor pilot from JAG grew into a cultural phenomenon. Today, it’s not just one show—it’s an entire universe spanning multiple series, beloved by millions worldwide.
So, why does NCIS keep thriving? Simple: compelling characters, gripping mysteries, and just the right balance between heart and humor. Fans are emotionally invested, and CBS knows exactly how to keep them hooked.
‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Secures Season 13
A Proven Success Story
When NCIS: Los Angeles premiered in 2009, many doubted it could live up to the original. Fast-forward to today, and it has carved out its own identity as a high-octane drama filled with action, tech-savvy investigations, and fan-favorite characters.
Why Fans Keep Coming Back
Audiences love the mix of military-inspired cases, undercover operations, and personal storylines. Characters like G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) bring both toughness and vulnerability, making viewers feel connected on a deeper level.
What to Expect in Season 13
Season 13 promises more intense missions, emotional twists, and team dynamics that will test loyalty and trust. CBS’s renewal is proof that this show isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Enter ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ – The New Spinoff
A Fresh Setting
Hawai’i offers more than just postcard-worthy beaches. It’s a unique backdrop that brings a mix of cultural richness, military presence, and international intrigue—perfect for NCIS storytelling.
The First Female Lead in NCIS History
This is groundbreaking. For the first time in franchise history, a female character will take charge of an NCIS team. This shift signals CBS’s commitment to diversity, representation, and fresh perspectives.
What We Know So Far
The spinoff will feature a new cast, thrilling investigations, and a focus on how the NCIS team protects America’s interests in the Pacific. Expect high-stakes drama with a modern twist.
Why CBS Is Expanding the NCIS Universe
A Ratings Powerhouse
NCIS consistently dominates in ratings. With such strong viewership, expanding the brand is a no-brainer for CBS.
Global Appeal
NCIS isn’t just big in the U.S.—it’s huge internationally. By adding a Hawai’i spinoff, CBS can attract a global audience hungry for fresh stories set in exotic locations.
Franchise Strategy
Think of it like Marvel. Just as the MCU keeps growing with new characters and storylines, NCIS continues to evolve while staying true to its core identity.
The Evolution of NCIS Spinoffs
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NCIS: Los Angeles (2009) – Action-packed and adrenaline-driven.
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NCIS: New Orleans (2014–2021) – Southern charm with deep character arcs.
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NCIS: Hawai’i (2021) – A new era with a female-led team.
Each spinoff keeps the NCIS DNA intact while adding unique flavors, ensuring the franchise stays relevant and engaging.
