Headline: NCIS: Sydney Sets New Streaming Record for CBS and Paramount+, Hints at Second Season
Lead: The latest addition to the NCIS franchise, NCIS: Sydney, has shattered streaming records for CBS and Paramount+, solidifying its position as the most-streamed CBS network premiere ever on the platform. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics and audiences, the success of the series and its record-breaking viewership suggest a highly likely second season.
In its debut on November 14, 2023, NCIS: Sydney captured the attention of viewers, propelling it to become the most-streamed CBS network premiere on Paramount+ to date. The crime drama, which follows a joint task force between NCIS and the Australian Federal Police investigating crimes by American military personnel in Australia, has garnered a staggering 10 million views across CBS and Paramount+.
We’re thrilled with the overwhelming response and viewership numbers for NCIS: Sydney, said a representative from CBS. The series has truly resonated with audiences, and we couldn’t be happier with the record-breaking success it has achieved.
Not only has NCIS: Sydney captured the hearts of American viewers, but it has also become the most-watched local series in Australia since the launch of Paramount+ in the country. This international expansion of the beloved franchise marks a significant milestone, with creator Morgan O’Neill expressing his excitement about the series’ unique elements.
I think between the combination of the location, the exoticism of a place like Australia, the tempo of the way we work, and a sense of larrikinism, you’re going to get a very different flavor of NCIS: Sydney, shared O’Neill. The first international version of the show, the first show set in the Southern Hemisphere, the first blended family, the first time we’ve seen Americans and Australians working together. There are a lot of firsts that hopefully the core audience for NCIS will really lap up.
Despite the success and record-breaking viewership, NCIS: Sydney has encountered mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While some commend the series for staying true to the NCIS formula while authentically integrating American and Australian cultures, others have branded it as TV-by-numbers. The show’s overall rating on Rotten Tomatoes stands at 63%, leaving room for improvement in the eyes of some viewers.
The future of NCIS: Sydney remains uncertain as CBS has yet to officially announce a second season. However, considering the success of previous spin-offs and the longevity of the franchise, it is highly likely that the series will be renewed. With NCIS: Hawaiʻi entering its third season in 2024, NCIS: Sydney seems poised to join the ranks of multi-season NCIS spin-offs.
As fans eagerly await news of a season two, they can continue enjoying the unique blend of crime-solving, international intrigue, and cultural fusion that NCIS: Sydney brings to their screens. With its record-smashing debut and promising audience reception, the series proves that the NCIS franchise still has the power to captivate and entertain viewers worldwide.
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