Despite the enduring strength of the NCIS franchise, two of its most recent expansions are facing mounting renewal questions. Ratings reports indicate that NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney are struggling to match the performance expected of a brand with six spinoffs under its belt.
Screen Rant recently noted that the viewership numbers “don’t seem to bode well” for either series, especially when measured against the flagship show’s continued success. However, analysts believe Origins may still have a path forward—if CBS leans into strategic crossovers.
One promising sign came when Vera Franks, portrayed by Roma Maffia, reprised her role for the first time in 12 years during a crossover event. The episode reportedly delivered Origins’ strongest ratings to date, reigniting interest in the character’s backstory and early years at NCIS.
Industry watchers suggest this kind of franchise synergy could help draw longtime viewers toward the prequel. Whether that boost is enough to secure renewals remains unclear—but it highlights CBS’s ongoing challenge: keeping the NCIS universe expanding without losing the audience that made it a powerhouse in the first place.
