NCIS: Sydney is reportedly dialling things back for its next chapter, with the upcoming fourth season set to be shorter than initially planned.
After steadily growing from its debut in 2023, the local spin-off from the long running NCIS franchise is now scaling back, following its January renewal for a fourth season, even as the wider franchise continues to expand around it.
A new report from Deadline late last week reveals NCIS: Sydney will reportedly produce just 10 episodes for its next season, a notable drop after its expanded third season run of 20 episodes, due to wrap next week.
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The expanded current season was something of an open secret for the series, with the increased episode order never formally confirmed locally, and both the network and cast unable to comment despite widespread reporting during production.
Season three went bigger than ever, but NCIS: Sydney is now set to scale things back for its next chapter (image – Paramount)
The shift continues the show’s evolving trajectory, which began with just 8 episodes in its first season and then 10 in its second before the recent scale up for season three, which is understood to have expanded to 20 episodes as part of broader scheduling needs across CBS’ slate.
Many of your favourite CBS dramas have also been adjusted for new seasons, with Fire Country reduced to 13 episodes, NCIS: Origins also trimmed, and Matlock set for a shorter midseason run, changes that will also be reflected for Australian audiences as they air across Paramount+ and 10 locally.
The reduced order comes amid broader changes across the franchise, including the recently announced addition of NCIS: New York starring LL Cool J, which joins a growing slate of NCIS titles alongside the flagship series and its prequel.
While the series is set in Sydney and premieres on Paramount+ in Australia alongside the U.S before later airing on 10, its commissioning, including episode count and rollout, continues to be shaped by international decisions.
To date there has been no local acknowledgement or update on the January renewal for NCIS: Sydney.
All episodes of season three are now streaming on Paramount+, with a double episode finale expected to drop next Tuesday 12th May.
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