All three dramas have been picked up for new seasons.
CBS has renewed NCIS, NCIS: Hawaii and NCIS: Los Angeles for the upcoming 2022-23 TV broadcast season, the network announced Thursday. With news of the pickups, NCIS will return for its 20th season, while spinoffs Hawaii and Los Angeles will return for seasons 2 and 14, respectively.
“NCIS, one of the most popular and enduring series in the world, and fan favorite NCIS: Los Angeles have been hugely successful on the CBS schedule for years,” said Kelly Kahl, president of CBS Entertainment, in a statement. “With the strong new addition of NCIS: Hawaii, we are able to expand the strength of this formidable franchise across our schedule. We couldn’t be more excited to have all three talented casts and creative teams back to bring more compelling NCIS stories to viewers in the U.S. and around the globe.”
The news comes several weeks after it was announced that CBS Studios was developing the franchise’s first international edition, NCIS: Sydney, for Australia to be broadcast by Network 10 and Paramount+ Australia.
NCIS stars Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover, Katrina Law, David McCallum, Rocky Carroll and Gary Cole. Hawaii is led by Vanessa Lachey, Alex Tarrant, Noah Mills, Yasmine Al-Bustami, Jason Antoon, Tori Anderson and Kian Talan. Los Angeles stars Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J, Linda Hunt, Daniela Ruah, Eric Christian Olen, Medalion Rahimi, Caleb Castille and Gerald McRaney.
Few television franchises have achieved the cultural longevity of NCIS. Over the years, the series has grown into a massive universe that continues to captivate viewers worldwide. Now, fans have even more reason to celebrate. CBS has officially renewed not only the flagship show but also two of its popular spinoffs — NCIS: Hawaii and NCIS: Los Angeles.
For longtime viewers and newcomers alike, the announcement reinforces one simple truth: the NCIS franchise remains one of the most powerful brands in television history. But what exactly does this renewal mean for fans, the network, and the future of the franchise? Let’s break it all down.
The Legacy of the NCIS Franchise
How NCIS Became a Television Powerhouse
When NCIS first premiered in 2003, few predicted it would evolve into a global phenomenon. What began as a procedural drama about a team of investigators solving crimes connected to the U.S. Navy quickly became a staple of primetime television.
With its blend of mystery, character-driven storytelling, and moments of humor, the show created a formula that audiences couldn’t get enough of.
Over time, the series expanded into a full franchise with multiple successful spinoffs, including NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawaii.
Why Audiences Keep Coming Back
The magic of the NCIS universe lies in its balance. Each episode offers suspenseful investigations while still allowing viewers to build emotional connections with the characters.
Think of it like a well-crafted puzzle. Every week, the team pieces together clues until the full picture emerges. And fans love being part of that journey.
CBS Doubles Down on Its Biggest Franchise
The Importance of the Renewals
By renewing NCIS, NCIS: Hawaii, and NCIS: Los Angeles, CBS is making a clear statement: the franchise still delivers huge ratings and loyal audiences.
In an era dominated by streaming platforms and shifting viewing habits, maintaining a dependable hit series is incredibly valuable for traditional networks.
And NCIS continues to do exactly that.
A Strategic Move by CBS
Television networks constantly search for reliable programming that can anchor their schedules. The NCIS shows do more than just fill airtime—they bring in consistent viewership and strong advertising revenue.
Simply put, renewing the trio is not just about fan demand. It’s also smart business.
Inside the Success of ‘NCIS’
A Storytelling Formula That Works
At its core, NCIS thrives on a storytelling structure that feels familiar yet engaging.
Each episode typically includes:
-
A compelling crime mystery
-
A detailed investigation
-
Character interactions that reveal deeper emotional layers
This combination creates a viewing experience that feels both comforting and exciting.
Memorable Characters Drive the Show
Fans don’t just watch NCIS for the cases. They watch for the people solving them.
Characters across the franchise have become household names, giving viewers a reason to return week after week.
‘NCIS: Hawaii’ Brings a Fresh Island Energy
A Unique Setting
Unlike its counterparts, NCIS: Hawaii takes place in a vibrant tropical environment. The beautiful island landscapes create a distinctive tone for the series.
But don’t let the scenery fool you—the cases remain just as intense and complex.
Why the Spinoff Works
The show successfully blends the classic NCIS investigative style with new characters and fresh perspectives.
It feels both familiar and new, which is exactly what a successful spinoff should accomplish.
‘NCIS: LA’ Keeps the Action High
A More Tactical Approach
NCIS: Los Angeles adds a slightly different flavor to the franchise.
While still focused on investigations, the series leans heavily into undercover missions, espionage, and high-stakes operations.
This gives it a faster, more action-packed tone compared to the flagship show.
Long-Running Popularity
Even after many seasons, the series continues to maintain a dedicated fan base. Its mix of intense action and strong character chemistry keeps audiences invested.
The Power of a Shared Television Universe
Why the NCIS World Works So Well
Shared universes have become extremely popular in modern entertainment. From superhero movies to television crossovers, audiences love interconnected stories.
The NCIS franchise does this exceptionally well.
Characters occasionally appear across different series, creating a sense that all the shows exist within the same world.
Crossovers Keep Fans Excited
When characters from multiple shows meet, it feels like a special event. These crossover episodes often become fan favorites.
They also encourage viewers to watch every series within the franchise.
How the Renewals Impact Fans
More Stories, More Characters
The renewal announcement means viewers can expect:
-
New cases
-
Deeper character arcs
-
Potential crossover episodes
For fans who have followed the franchise for years, that’s exciting news.
A Sense of Continuity
In a television landscape where shows are frequently canceled, long-running series offer something comforting: stability.
Fans know they can rely on the NCIS universe to deliver new episodes season after season.
The Role of Streaming in the Franchise’s Popularity
New Audiences Discover the Series
Streaming platforms have introduced the NCIS shows to entirely new audiences.
Viewers who missed earlier seasons can now binge entire storylines, making it easier than ever to join the fandom.
A Second Life for Classic Episodes
Older episodes continue to attract viewers long after their original broadcast. This long-tail viewership helps keep the franchise relevant.

What the Future Could Hold
Potential New Spinoffs
Given the success of existing shows, it wouldn’t be surprising to see additional spinoffs in the future.
Networks often expand successful franchises to explore new settings and characters.
A Growing Television Empire
If the current momentum continues, the NCIS universe could remain a major force in television for years to come.
Why Crime Procedurals Still Dominate TV
The Comfort of a Familiar Format
Crime dramas offer a reliable viewing experience. Each episode presents a new mystery while maintaining a consistent structure.
For many viewers, that predictability is part of the appeal.
Timeless Storytelling
At the end of the day, audiences love a good mystery. The thrill of uncovering the truth keeps people coming back for more.
And the NCIS franchise has mastered that formula.
Conclusion
The renewal of NCIS, NCIS: Hawaii, and NCIS: Los Angeles proves that the franchise still holds a powerful place in television entertainment. With loyal fans, strong ratings, and an ever-expanding universe of stories, the NCIS brand continues to thrive in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
Whether you’re a longtime viewer or someone discovering the series for the first time, one thing is clear: the NCIS universe is far from finished. In fact, the next chapters may be some of the most exciting yet.