Introduction: Is CBS Its Own Worst Enemy?
You’d think CBS—the network that birthed the NCIS franchise—would know how to nurture its TV offspring. But with the latest NCIS spinoff teetering on shaky ground, many are asking: Has CBS set up its own show to fail? It’s a strange twist of irony, especially for a network that once dominated primetime with military procedurals. What’s happening behind the scenes, and more importantly—why does it feel like the odds are stacked against the newest NCIS series before it even hits its stride?
Let’s dive into the tangled web CBS may have unintentionally (or not) spun.
💥 The NCIS Empire: A Quick Recap
The Legacy of the NCIS Franchise
NCIS started as a spinoff of JAG in 2003. Fast forward two decades, and it’s now one of the most successful TV franchises ever, spawning multiple spinoffs like NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and NCIS: Hawai’i. Some succeeded. Others fizzled out. The latest entry? NCIS: Sydney and NCIS: Origins.
The Appeal That Made NCIS Unstoppable
At its core, NCIS blends crime, military protocol, and personal drama. It’s like CSI in uniform—but with more heart and a tighter team dynamic. That winning formula kept fans loyal for years.
🚨 Enter the New Spinoff: NCIS’ Next Big Bet
What Is the New NCIS Spinoff About?
NCIS: Origins dives into the early years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the character made iconic by Mark Harmon. The prequel stars Austin Stowell as a young Gibbs navigating life as a new agent under Mike Franks.
Sounds promising, right? So, what’s the problem?
📉 The Scheduling Fiasco: CBS Shoots Itself in the Foot
The Dreaded Time Slot Curse
CBS has opted to place NCIS: Origins in a notoriously weak slot—midseason Sunday nights, directly competing with award shows, sports, and streaming releases. That’s like sending your kid into a spelling bee blindfolded.
Midseason = Mid-Priority?
In TV lingo, a midseason release often means one thing: this isn’t our top priority. When you’re not launching a show in fall—when networks push their most anticipated series—it’s already a red flag.
🕳️ The Marketing Black Hole
Minimal Promotion Equals Maximum Risk
Let’s be real: marketing drives viewership. But CBS seems to be whispering NCIS: Origins instead of shouting it. There’s been a surprising lack of promotional push, trailers, and press. For a franchise this big, that’s baffling.
No Buzz, No Hype = No Ratings?
The lack of online buzz, teaser campaigns, or social media engagement around Origins feels like CBS is saying, “Let’s just see what happens.” That might work for a cooking show—not a primetime drama competing with giants.
😬 Casting Controversy: The Harmonic Disconnection
Where’s Mark Harmon?
Fans associate Gibbs with Mark Harmon. Period. So while Harmon serves as executive producer, his absence onscreen is… jarring. Austin Stowell may be talented, but he’s walking into massive shoes with minimal fan goodwill.
Can Austin Stowell Win Over Gibbs Loyalists?
Without Harmon’s voice or even a cameo, older fans might reject the new Gibbs outright. It’s not fair to Stowell—but this is legacy TV. The torch needs more than a hand-off; it needs fire.
📺 Competing With Its Own Shadow
Too Much NCIS at Once?
With NCIS, NCIS: Sydney, and now Origins, CBS risks franchise fatigue. That’s a real thing. Even loyal viewers have a breaking point.
Why Not Space the Series Out Strategically?
Launching Origins while Sydney is still finding footing is like opening two restaurants across the street from each other. You’re cannibalizing your own customer base.
🌍 The International Distraction: NCIS: Sydney’s Surprising Rise
Why NCIS: Sydney Might Be Stealing the Spotlight
Here’s the kicker: NCIS: Sydney—which many initially doubted—has turned into a modest hit internationally. Its unique location and fresh vibe make it more compelling than expected. In contrast, Origins feels like it’s rehashing the past.
CBS Seems More Invested in Sydney
From promotion to interviews, CBS seems to be giving Sydney more TLC than Origins. That sends a message—even if they don’t admit it.
💡 Missed Opportunities in Storytelling
Where Are the Franks & Gibbs Deep Dives?
Early teasers of Origins barely touch on what made Gibbs tick: his complicated morality, tragic backstory, and bond with Mike Franks. Instead, the show seems to be playing it safe.
Dig Deeper or Risk Losing Fans
This isn’t the time for surface-level storytelling. Fans want nuance. Emotional grit. If Origins glosses over these moments, it risks becoming another generic crime procedural.
📉 Declining Trust in CBS Leadership
Fan Trust Has Been Worn Thin
After canceling beloved spinoffs (NCIS: New Orleans, anyone?), CBS has alienated chunks of its audience. Many fans now watch new NCIS entries with one eye on the cancellation axe.
Short-Term Thinking Is Sinking Long-Term Brands
Instead of building trust with slow-burn development, CBS is pushing fast turnarounds and fast ratings. That strategy rarely works in a post-streaming world.
📱 Streaming Wars and CBS’ Lag
Paramount+ Can’t Carry This Alone
CBS hopes Paramount+ streaming numbers will support Origins. But if you don’t have a loyal broadcast audience first, streaming becomes a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.
Why Netflix Would’ve Been a Smarter Bet
NCIS reruns thrive on Netflix for a reason: bingeability. But Origins seems married to old-school release schedules, leaving it at a disadvantage.
🔥 Fan Feedback: What People Are Saying
Reddit, Twitter, and Fan Forums Are Divided
Some diehard fans are cautiously optimistic. Others say they’re already skipping it. The phrase “just give me more Gibbs or don’t bother” keeps surfacing.
CBS Should Be Listening, But Are They?
The fan community is vocal—and often spot-on. If CBS ignores early feedback, they may miss the one thing that could save Origins: course correction.
🎯 What CBS Could Still Do Right
Give It a Better Time Slot
Move it to a weeknight, maybe after the flagship NCIS. A strong lead-in matters. It’s like following Beyoncé onstage—audiences stick around.
Bring Harmon in Physically, Not Just Spiritually
Even a single flash-forward scene with Harmon would bridge the emotional gap. Fans need that connective tissue.
Up the Stakes, Dive Deeper Into Backstory
Double down on personal trauma, moral gray zones, and raw storytelling. That’s where Gibbs lives. That’s where the audience connects.
🧠 Conclusion: A Franchise Worth Saving, But Only If CBS Gets Out of Its Own Way
NCIS: Origins isn’t doomed—yet. But make no mistake, CBS has made its road to success unnecessarily steep. From poor scheduling and weak marketing to casting hurdles and franchise fatigue, the network is testing just how much goodwill the NCIS name still holds.
But fans? They’re willing to give it a chance. If CBS is smart, it’ll meet them halfway.
❓FAQs
1. Why is NCIS: Origins struggling before its release?
Because CBS gave it a weak time slot, low marketing effort, and hasn’t fully leveraged its franchise strength.
2. Will Mark Harmon appear in NCIS: Origins?
So far, no. He serves as executive producer, but he won’t reprise his role onscreen.
3. Is NCIS: Origins replacing the original NCIS?
No, it’s a prequel and runs alongside the current NCIS series.
4. What makes NCIS: Sydney more successful than expected?
Its international flavor, fresh cast, and unique storytelling have won over skeptical fans.
5. How can CBS fix NCIS: Origins before it flops?
Improve its time slot, add Harmon cameos, promote it heavily, and lean into the emotional core of the Gibbs storyline.
