The NCIS franchise isn’t slowing down — it’s just getting started in Australia.
When NCIS: Sydney first premiered in 2023, some wondered whether the newest international spinoff could live up to the 20-year legacy of the flagship series. Two seasons later, the show has cemented itself as more than a novelty — it’s become a global hit. Following the dramatic season 2 finale that aired on April 25, 2025, CBS confirmed what fans were hoping: NCIS: Sydney has officially been renewed for season 3.
The renewal came early, with CBS announcing in February 2025 that cameras would begin rolling that same month. According to showrunner Morgan O’Neill, the new season promises “more fun-filled, high-octane action” — but also deeper emotional stakes for the team.
The Story So Far: Season 2’s Explosive Ending
The second season didn’t just expand the scale of investigations in the Indo-Pacific; it also ripped the taskforce apart from the inside. The finale resolved one of the show’s longest-running mysteries — the abduction of Sergeant Jim “JD” Dempsey’s (Todd Lasance) child — but the reveal was shocking in ways no one expected.
“Season 2 ends with the reveal of who has been pulling the strings all along, and it’s pretty personal,” O’Neill teased ahead of the finale. “It kind of threatens to tear the fabric of the team apart at its core.”
That cliffhanger has already set the stage for season 3, which will continue exploring not only high-stakes Naval crimes but also the fragile bonds of trust within the international taskforce.
Who’s Coming Back?
While CBS has yet to issue an official cast list, it’s highly likely fans will see the familiar lineup back on screen:
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Olivia Swann as Special Agent Michelle Mackey
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Sean Sagar as Special Agent DeShawn Jackson
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Todd Lasance as Sergeant Jim “JD” Dempsey
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Tuuli Narkle as Constable Evie Cooper
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Mavournee Hazel as Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson, AFP Forensic Scientist
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William McInnes as Dr. Roy Penrose, AFP Forensic Pathologist
Both Swann and Lasance took to social media to celebrate the renewal. Swann wrote, “I’m so happy, so proud and just so excited to get stuck back in with my Aussie fam 💙.” Lasance echoed the excitement: “ITS FINALLY OFFICIAL – SEASON 3 NCIS: SYDNEY IS A GREEN LIGHT!! Still can’t believe I get to be part of this epic franchise.”
What to Expect in Season 3
Season 3 will continue to showcase Australia’s breathtaking landscapes — from Sydney Harbour to remote coastal bases — while weaving in global storylines about rising Indo-Pacific tensions. The mix of action and location-driven storytelling has given the series a unique identity within the NCIS universe.
Behind the scenes, executive producer Sara Richardson promised that season 3 would raise the bar even higher: “The entire cast and crew are extremely proud of NCIS: Sydney, and the unique Australian touch we have brought to such a universally loved franchise.”
That “Australian touch” has been central to the show’s appeal, balancing the procedural DNA of NCIS with distinctly local culture, humor, and landscapes.
When Will Season 3 Air?
CBS has yet to lock in a premiere date. If the pattern holds, fans can expect a release sometime in early-to-mid 2026. Season 1 aired in late 2023, while season 2 dropped in early 2025 — making a yearly cycle likely.
Until then, fans can stream seasons 1 and 2 on Paramount+ and relive the cases, the chemistry, and that nail-biting finale reveal.
Why NCIS: Sydney Matters
With more than two decades of history behind it, the NCIS brand has never stopped evolving. NCIS: Sydney has not only introduced new characters and settings but has also expanded the franchise’s scope to truly global levels. It’s proof that the formula still works, especially when infused with fresh perspectives and locations.
As season 3 gears up, one thing is clear: the world of NCIS isn’t just surviving. It’s thriving — and in Sydney, it’s only just getting started.
