NCIS: Sydney is officially back in production, with cameras already rolling on season four as the expanded third season prepares to wrap with a double episode finale next week on Paramount+.
Despite launching strongly for Paramount+ locally and CBS in the United States, recent reports the next chapter has been scaled back behind the scenes are already fuelling questions about what comes next for the Aussie spin-off.
TV Blackbox understands the upcoming fourth season, expected in 2027, could potentially mark the end of the franchise’s first international spin-off, as broader changes continue reshaping the global NCIS universe.
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Even so, Paramount+ confirmed on Monday that filming is now underway across Sydney Harbour and surrounding locations, with the joint taskforce of U.S. NCIS agents and the Australian Federal Police returning for another round of naval crime investigations.
Following a bumper third season set to wrap next week, NCIS: Sydney stars Olivia Swann and Todd Lasance return alongside the wider team for a trimmed fourth season (image – CBS)
As TV Blackbox reported last week, based on reporting from Deadline, season four was originally understood to be heading for another expanded run following its U.S. renewal earlier this year.
However, the upcoming season is now reportedly expected to consist of just 10 episodes, down from the expanded 20 episode third season currently airing, though neither Paramount Australia nor CBS Studios has officially confirmed the figure.
The reported shift comes as the wider NCIS franchise continues evolving in the United States, including the recent announcement of NCIS: New York featuring LL Cool J reprising his long running role as Sam Hanna from NCIS: Los Angeles.
Elsewhere, NCIS: Tony & Ziva was cancelled after just one season, while reports have also suggested shorter runs for several CBS dramas, including Fire Country, NCIS: Origins and Matlock, amid broader scheduling and budget changes.
The new season of NCIS: Sydney will again follow the local NCIS and AFP taskforce as they tackle high stakes naval crimes across Sydney and beyond, with Paramount teasing everything from gold heists and government secrets to “criminal mastermind mermaids” and growing tensions within the team.
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Paramount ANZ Creative Advisor Drama Rick Maier said the return for season four reflected the continued global success of the series and the strength of its Australian creative team.
“This commission is testament not just to brilliant work and fantastic production partners, but to how well NCIS: Sydney has been received here and abroad.”
Endemol Shine Australia Director of Scripted Content Sara Richardson said the series continued creating opportunities for local crews and creatives while showcasing Australian talent on a global stage.
“The opportunity to create jobs, champion local crews, and keep telling bold, ambitious Australian stories on this scale is important.”
The series stars Olivia Swann as NCIS Special Agent Michelle Mackey, Todd Lasance as AFP Sergeant Jim “JD” Dempsey, Sean Sagar as NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson, Tuuli Narkle as AFP Liaison Officer Evie Cooper, Mavournee Hazel as forensic scientist Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson and William McInnes as AFP Forensic Pathologist Dr Roy Penrose.
All episodes of NCIS: Sydney seasons one to three are now streaming on Paramount+, with the season three double episode finale dropping Tuesday, 19 May.
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