Big Changes Are Coming to the NCIS Franchise in Fall 2025—And They Could Be Game-Changing
The NCIS franchise is gearing up for a major shake-up in the fall 2025 television season, and the changes might just redefine its future. With NCIS and three active spinoffs—NCIS: Sydney, NCIS: Origins, and the highly anticipated NCIS: Tony & Ziva—CBS is investing heavily in expanding the universe. But it’s not just the number of shows that’s changing; it’s how they’re scheduled.
For the first time in NCIS history, the franchise will dominate an entire night of television. As reported by TV Line, CBS’s new fall lineup will feature a full NCIS block on Tuesdays:
- 8 p.m. – NCIS
- 9 p.m. – NCIS: Origins
- 10 p.m. – NCIS: Sydney
Previously, NCIS and Origins aired back-to-back on Mondays, while Sydney had a solo slot on Fridays. Grouping all three on the same night is a bold move—and a smart one.
A Stronger Franchise Through Unified Scheduling
One challenge with large franchises is making their individual parts feel like a cohesive whole. Season 22 of NCIS has already taken steps in this direction by referencing former spinoffs and reintroducing familiar faces. Now, placing the shows in a single viewing block will help cement that sense of unity and shared universe.
It’s not just about branding, though—ratings matter. Both NCIS: Origins and Sydney have struggled to match the flagship show’s consistently strong performance. Origins benefited from airing next to NCIS, but Sydney—isolated on Fridays—faced tougher odds. That likely contributed to its comparatively lower ratings.
By putting Sydney in the same lineup as its sister shows, CBS is giving it a better shot at success. Stronger ratings across the board could mean more renewals and a more stable future for the franchise, especially in the wake of the surprise cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i.
A New Era for NCIS
The upcoming debut of NCIS: Tony & Ziva also marks a new chapter—it’s the first NCIS series to focus on a central duo rather than a full team. Combined with the franchise’s first prequel, Origins, and the international angle of Sydney, the fall 2025 schedule promises both variety and interconnected storytelling.
While some worry the franchise may be expanding too quickly, CBS’s strategic scheduling suggests a careful plan to strengthen and unify its NCIS universe. If successful, this could be the most exciting and cohesive era in NCIS history
