NCIS: Sydney could not be released at a better time. While it was originally slated for release to Australian audiences only, CBS decided to make it available worldwide after the other shows in the NCIS universe were pushed back to 2024. This means longtime fans will have new cases to enjoy, and a completely new cast of characters to boot.
However, crossover occurrences have occurred in NCIS as well as most other procedural series. Characters from NCIS, NCIS: Hawaii, and the recently concluded NCIS: Los Angeles were included in a multi-part plot last year. Will Sydney’s debut season carry on the crossover fun?
Will NCIS: Sydney have cameo appearances?
Sadly, it doesn’t appear like this is the case. The summer of 2023, when the season was filmed, coincides almost exactly with the Hollywood actors’ strike, which forbade American actors from appearing in scripted television. In other words, NCIS celebrities like Gary Cole and LL Cool J were ineligible for admission.
This not inherently a bad thing. There’s been a precedent, historically, of allowing the NCIS shows to establish their own identity before they start crossing paths and interacting with people from other shows. It’s a smart practice, as too many cameos early on could suggest that the network fears the new cast isn’t strong enough to entice viewers on their own.
That’s partially why it took NCIS so long to stage a three-part crossover. It had to be organic to each show, and we’re thankful that it happened when it did since NCIS: Los Angeles wrapped up shortly thereafter.
NCIS: Sydney will have the entire first season to develop its squad of detectives, so by the time Alden Parker and Sam Hanna are encountered, viewers will be familiar with them and their distinctive working methods. When a crossover does happen, we’re eager to witness it, but until then, we’re content to wait.
For the latest news and spoilers, plus more on your favorite first responder dramas, follow the TV category .