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.
The NCIS franchise isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. CBS has officially renewed NCIS: Los Angeles for Season 13, while simultaneously giving a full series order to NCIS: Hawaii, a bold new spinoff led by a female Special Agent in Charge.
If you thought the NCIS universe had peaked, think again. This double announcement isn’t just good news—it’s a statement. CBS is betting big on one of television’s most reliable brands. And honestly? It’s a smart move. Let’s break down why this matters, what fans can expect, and how the franchise continues to reinvent itself without losing its DNA.
The Power of the NCIS Brand
Before diving into the renewal and the spinoff, let’s talk about the bigger picture.
The NCIS franchise, launched from JAG, has become one of the most durable television empires in modern broadcasting. Anchored by the flagship NCIS, the brand has expanded across cities, coastlines, and even continents.
Why does it work?
Because it blends procedural precision with emotional storytelling. It’s crime-solving with heart. Military backdrop meets personal drama. And viewers can’t get enough.
‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Season 13 — A Testament to Longevity
Thirteen seasons. Let that sink in.
In today’s streaming-dominated era, where shows disappear after a single season, hitting Season 13 is practically a miracle. But NCIS: Los Angeles has never been just another procedural.
What Makes the L.A. Team So Special?
The series carved its niche with high-stakes undercover operations, sleek cinematography, and a dynamic duo at its core. The chemistry between elite agents and the constant threat of international espionage keeps the adrenaline pumping.
It’s not just about solving cases—it’s about trust, loyalty, and teamwork under pressure.
Consistent Ratings and Loyal Viewers
CBS doesn’t renew shows out of nostalgia. Season 13 proves the numbers still make sense. Even as viewing habits shift, the show maintains a strong audience base—both on live TV and streaming platforms.
It’s comfort food television with a tactical edge.
Evolution Over Imitation
One reason the series survives? It evolves.
The storytelling matured. Characters grew. Relationships deepened. And the show embraced global storylines that feel timely and relevant.
Instead of recycling plots, it leaned into emotional arcs and moral dilemmas. That’s how you stay fresh after a decade.
Enter ‘NCIS: Hawaii’ — A Bold New Chapter
Now let’s talk about the big twist.
CBS didn’t just renew an old favorite. It launched something new.
NCIS: Hawaii introduces the franchise’s first female Special Agent in Charge leading a team. And that shift matters.
Breaking New Ground With a Female Lead
For years, the franchise centered on male leaders. Hawaii changes that narrative.
This isn’t token representation. It’s progression. It reflects the real-world evolution of leadership roles in law enforcement and the military.
And audiences are ready for it.
Why Hawaii Is the Perfect Setting
Think about it.
Sun-soaked beaches. Strategic military presence. Cultural richness. International crossroads between the U.S. and Asia-Pacific.
Hawaii isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character.
The Pacific setting allows for unique cases involving naval intelligence, global threats, and regional geopolitics. It adds flavor to the familiar formula.
Visual Storytelling at Its Best
Let’s be honest. Hawaii looks incredible on screen.
The contrast between paradise scenery and high-intensity investigations creates a cinematic balance. It’s beauty and danger sharing the same frame.
That visual hook alone sets it apart from its predecessors.
Expanding the NCIS Universe Strategically
CBS isn’t randomly adding spinoffs. This is strategic franchise building.
From Los Angeles to New Orleans to Hawaii, each iteration brings a distinct tone while maintaining core themes: teamwork, sacrifice, and justice.
That balance between familiarity and innovation keeps the brand alive.
Shared DNA, Different Identity
Every NCIS show shares the same backbone: elite agents protecting national security. But each location injects new cultural context.
Hawaii will likely lean into Pacific alliances and island-based operations. Los Angeles thrives on undercover tech and international espionage.
Same universe. Different flavor.
Representation Matters in 2020s Television
Television reflects culture—and culture is evolving fast.
Having a female Special Agent in Charge at the center of NCIS: Hawaii isn’t just symbolic. It sends a message about leadership diversity.
Audiences crave authenticity. They want characters who reflect the real world. And this move positions the franchise firmly in the present.
Franchise Fatigue? Not Here
You might wonder: Isn’t there too much NCIS?
Apparently not.
The key difference? Each show offers a slightly different emotional texture. Some lean heavier on family bonds. Others emphasize undercover intensity.
The franchise adapts instead of stagnating.
CBS’s Long-Term Vision
Let’s zoom out.
Broadcast networks face stiff competition from streaming giants. Renewing Season 13 and launching a new spinoff sends a clear message: CBS trusts its legacy properties.
It’s about stability in an unpredictable industry.
When viewers know what they’re getting—and love it—they stick around.
The Power of Franchise Television
Franchises reduce risk. Built-in audiences mean stronger premiere numbers and predictable advertising revenue.
But they only work if quality remains high.
So far, the NCIS machine keeps delivering.
What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward
Season 13 of NCIS: Los Angeles will likely continue its mix of personal stakes and global threats.
Meanwhile, NCIS: Hawaii introduces new dynamics:
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A fresh team structure
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A female leader balancing command and family life
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Unique island-based investigations
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Potential crossover events
And let’s be real—crossovers are ratings gold.
Could Crossovers Be on the Horizon?
Imagine the L.A. team collaborating with Hawaii on a Pacific-based case. The possibilities feel endless.
Shared universes thrive on these moments. They reward loyal fans and create buzz across social media.
Why This Announcement Matters for the Industry
Renewals aren’t just internal decisions. They reflect confidence.
CBS sees value in consistency. While streaming platforms chase experimental formats, broadcast networks double down on dependable storytelling.
And viewers? They benefit from both worlds.
The Emotional Core of the Franchise
Strip away the explosions and tactical gear, and what remains?
Family.
Every NCIS iteration revolves around a chosen family—agents who rely on each other in life-or-death situations.
That emotional anchor keeps audiences invested year after year.
A New Era for NCIS Begins
Season 13 represents endurance.
Hawaii represents evolution.
Together, they signal the next phase of the NCIS journey—one that honors tradition while embracing change.
That’s how franchises survive. They don’t cling to the past. They adapt.
Conclusion
CBS’s decision to renew NCIS: Los Angeles for Season 13 and pick up NCIS: Hawaii to series marks a defining moment for the franchise. One show proves the power of longevity. The other proves the courage to innovate.
It’s the perfect balance: stability and risk. Familiarity and freshness. Tradition and transformation.
For fans, it means more missions, more character growth, and more high-stakes storytelling. For CBS, it means reinforcing a television empire that shows no signs of slowing down.
The NCIS universe isn’t just expanding. It’s evolving—and that’s exactly why it continues to win.