Introduction: The Most Ambitious Season Yet
When NCIS: Sydney first splashed onto screens, it made history as the first international installment in the NCIS universe. Now, heading into its third season, the Aussie spin-off is going bigger, bolder, and more dangerous than ever.
Stars Todd Lasance (Sergeant Jim “JD” Dempsey) and Olivia Swann (Special Agent Michelle Mackey) promise that Season 3 won’t just raise the stakes—it’ll dig deep into the ghosts that haunt each character.
“The big theme this season is that the past is going to catch up with you,” Olivia tells TV WEEK. “That’s made very clear right from the start—you can’t run from your past.”
Facing the Fallout: JD’s Dangerous Pact
The season kicks off with JD Dempsey facing the repercussions of a risky pact made in Season 2. Todd Lasance teases that his character is “pushed to his limits—morally, emotionally, and physically.”
“JD’s always been the guy who does what’s right, but this season tests that definition,” Todd explains. “When loyalty and survival collide, who do you become?”
This time, Dempsey’s choices threaten not only his badge but his relationships within the team—especially with Mackey.
Mackey in the Crosshairs
For NCIS Special Agent Michelle Mackey, Season 3 throws her straight into the center of a conspiracy that hits uncomfortably close to home. “Mackey’s the kind of person who compartmentalizes everything,” Olivia says. “But this season, those walls start to crack. There are things from her past that she can’t bury anymore.”
Olivia hints that this unraveling will force Mackey to question her own identity—and who she can truly trust.
Hidden Secrets and Explosive Reveals
“There are plenty of massive reveals,” Todd teases with a grin. “We both have secrets that we withhold throughout the season.”
Between betrayals, buried truths, and unexpected alliances, Season 3 promises the kind of storytelling that has made NCIS one of television’s most enduring franchises. Olivia adds, “This season already felt bigger, better, more locked in—it’s elevated in every way.”
From Sydney to the Outback: A Cinematic Adventure
Season 3 takes viewers far beyond the iconic Sydney Harbour. The NCIS team ventures into Broken Hill and the Blue Mountains, tackling cases that range from a nanotech assassin to a true-crime podcast cold case and even a treasure hunt gone wrong.
The ambitious scale of production brought with it long shoot days, extreme conditions—and even some uninvited guests.
“I saw a huntsman spider in my bathroom—it was enormous!” Olivia laughs. “It looked into my soul. I thought, ‘This is it. This is how I go.’”
Off-Screen Bond: Todd and Olivia’s Real-Life Chemistry
On screen, Mackey and JD share a complicated, emotionally charged partnership. Off screen, Todd and Olivia share something equally special: a genuine sibling-like bond.
“It’s literally like having a sister,” Todd says warmly. “We’ve got each other’s backs—especially on those 14-hour days.”
Olivia agrees. “Because of where Mackey and JD are this season, we were able to bring more of our real relationship into the work. It makes the emotional scenes hit even harder.”
Their chemistry—grounded in respect, humor, and shared exhaustion—translates effortlessly to screen, fueling the series’ heart.
Star Power and Surprise Guests
This season also boasts an impressive lineup of guest stars, including Doris Younane, Simone Kessell, Fayssal Bazzi, and Stephen Peacocke. But perhaps the most exciting reunion for Todd Lasance is with Lincoln Lewis, his old roommate and Home and Away co-star.
“I still remember when Lincoln called to say he got the gig,” Todd recalls. “I was on set, so we couldn’t yell, but we were silently screaming—we were so excited!”
He adds with a laugh, “Having one of your best mates come to work with you and absolutely crush it is the cherry on top.”
A Season of Reckoning
While NCIS: Sydney has always blended adrenaline-pumping cases with emotional storytelling, Season 3 adds a powerful new layer: reckoning. Every member of the team is forced to confront their past in some way, whether through secrets, mistakes, or betrayals that refuse to stay buried.
“The idea is that no one’s past is truly behind them,” Olivia says. “And that’s what makes this season so emotionally rich. You see these strong, capable people come undone—and rebuild themselves stronger.”
Behind the Action: Grit, Stunts, and Growth
Filming such an action-packed season demanded physical and emotional endurance. Both Todd and Olivia tackled intense stunt work and emotionally raw scenes that pushed them out of their comfort zones.
“The stunts this year are on another level,” Todd shares. “We did some wild stuff—chases, explosions, fight choreography. But at its core, it’s still about the relationships. That’s what keeps people coming back.”
Conclusion: Bigger, Bolder, and More Personal Than Ever
NCIS: Sydney Season 3 isn’t just about catching criminals—it’s about catching up with your own past. With high-octane action, stunning scenery, and deeply personal character arcs, the series cements itself as one of the most thrilling and emotionally grounded entries in the NCIS franchise.
As Olivia Swann puts it best: “This season feels like the one where everything comes full circle. It’s explosive, it’s emotional, and it’s unforgettable.”
Season 3 of NCIS: Sydney premieres soon on Paramount+ and Network Ten. Brace yourself—this time, the past isn’t just knocking. It’s breaking the door down.
