NCIS: Sydney season 2 is coming but not in 2024, here's why

NCIS: Sydney will be coming back for season 2, but not in 2024. Here’s what we know about why the new spinoff is being delayed for so long.

The NCIS universe has, of course, been a major franchise for CBS. The mothership NCIS show just got renewed for season 22 but fans have been upset that NCIS: Hawaii has unceremoniously canceled after three seasons. They’re also planning NCIS: Origins, a prequel series on a younger Gibbs and a spinoff reuniting Tony and Ziva in Europe. 

Amid all that is NCIS: Sydney, the first international NCIS show. The Australian co-production, it follows a unit of NCIS agents who join with members of the Australian police to form a team patrolling the coastlines.

The series was meant for just Paramount+, but when the 2023 strikes happened, CBS needed something for the fall and put it in the NCIS time slot. It did well there, with the 10 episode run culminating in a big cliffhanger. It’s no surprise it’s gotten a second season.

However, the new CBS schedule confirms that NCIS: Sydney won’t be coming until midseason, when it premieres Fridays at 8/7c. So why such a long delay for the show?

Why NCIS: Sydney is being held back

There are some logical reasons for CBS to hold NCIS: Sydney back. First, there’s the logistics as the show is a co-production filming in another country is tricky. The schedules there are different along with arranging the actors as well. 

There’s also how a big shift for Fridays with Blue Bloods ending its long run in December, so CBS needs to shuffle up the schedule with SWAT being pushed to the 10 p.m. slot come the midseason. Putting a NCIS show on that night is a good fit for CBS and it gets the show away from the usual push of the hectic fall season.

Also, a shorter episode count can serve the series better, both on the budget for CBS and tighter storylines. A 13-episode run could fit the series and help it attract new viewers as well. It also is a good link to the action and excitement of the other CBS Friday night shows. Some may think it's better to put it on Mondays for an all-NCIS night, but spreading the shows out can help Sydney stand on its own more.

So it’s a wait until season 2 of NCIS: Sydney hits viewers but expect plenty more action coming from Down Under to continue the NCIS universe!

NCIS: Sydney season 1 is streaming on Paramount+.