CBS Chooses 'NCIS: New York' Over 'Tony & Ziva' Spinoff

Network president explains decision to launch new series with LL Cool J instead of reviving popular characters

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, jagged shards of blue and silver glass, capturing the luxurious yet fragmented nature of the NCIS television franchise.The shattered remnants of a TV screen hint at the high-stakes drama and production value of the expanding NCIS universe.NYC Today

CBS has announced a new NCIS spinoff series called NCIS: New York, starring LL Cool J reprising his role as NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna. The decision to launch the new series came as a surprise, as CBS already has a third NCIS series, NCIS: Sydney, and fans had hoped the network would instead pick up the previously canceled 'Tony & Ziva' spinoff featuring the popular characters from the original NCIS.

Why it matters

The launch of NCIS: New York represents CBS' continued commitment to expanding its successful NCIS franchise, which has become one of the network's most valuable properties. However, the decision not to revive 'Tony & Ziva' has disappointed many fans who were hoping to see the return of those beloved characters.

The details

NCIS: New York will be joining the existing NCIS and NCIS: Origins series on Tuesdays, while the Australian-made NCIS: Sydney will be returning in midseason. CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach cited LL Cool J's strong connection to the network and the creative opportunity to send his NCIS: LA character Sam Hanna back to his New York roots as key factors in the decision to launch the new spinoff.

  • CBS announced the new NCIS: New York spinoff as part of its fall 2026 schedule reveal.
  • NCIS: Sydney, the third NCIS series, was renewed for the 2026-27 season and will return in midseason.

The players

Amy Reisenbach

CBS Entertainment President who explained the network's rationale for launching NCIS: New York over reviving the 'Tony & Ziva' spinoff.

LL Cool J

NCIS: Los Angeles star who will be reprising his role as NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in the new NCIS: New York spinoff series.

Michael Weatherly

Actor who played Tony on the original NCIS series and was set to star in the 'Tony & Ziva' spinoff that was canceled.

Cote de Pablo

Actress who played Ziva on the original NCIS series and was set to co-star with Michael Weatherly in the 'Tony & Ziva' spinoff that was canceled.

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What they’re saying

“'LL is like a member of our family at CBS, he's done pop-ins on NCIS the last two years since LA ended, and it's been really successful. And the opportunity for Sam Hanna, who is originally from New York but lived in LA for NCIS: LA, to send him back home felt like a really ripe creative space to play in. Plus, there is a huge port and Navy presence in New York — I cannot wait for the premiere party on the Intrepid. We always want to look for what makes an expansion unique and special, and we thought there was just so much opportunity with this.'”

— Amy Reisenbach, CBS Entertainment President

What’s next

CBS has not indicated any plans to revisit the 'Tony & Ziva' spinoff in the future, as the network appears focused on expanding the NCIS franchise in new directions with the launch of NCIS: New York.

The takeaway

While the decision to launch NCIS: New York over reviving 'Tony & Ziva' may disappoint some fans, it reflects CBS' strategy of finding new creative avenues to grow its successful NCIS brand. The network sees strong potential in bringing back LL Cool J's character and tapping into the unique setting of New York City, even as it continues to maintain its existing NCIS spinoff series.