NCIS season 22 just offered a surprising look at its canceled spinoffs, and seeing it was as sad as it was happy. NCIS season 22, episode 13, “Bad Blood,” opens with a mystery surrounding a murdered Navy lieutenant and damaged blood bags. The mystery leads the NCIS characters on a quest to discover the identity of the only blood bag that was stolen in the chaos. Meanwhile, NCIS’ Tim McGee is on a quest of his own to become the first-place winner in his children’s school fundraiser and sell the most coffee boxes.
The NCIS season 22 episode was filled with the usual banter and expertise that NCIS is known for, but it also added a twist through McGee’s fundraiser by reintroducing the NCIS spinoffs to the flagship. While McGee’s storyline in “Bad Blood” was secondary to the reintroduction and redemption of the NCIS villain, Fletcher Voss, it tied in beautifully to the theme of work-life balance in the episode. It also reintroduced some sense of hope and loss regarding NCIS’ canceled spinoffs.
NCIS has been a staple of crime drama television for over two decades, but it hasn’t been without its fair share of canceled spinoffs. Season 22 has now offered an unexpected update about these forgotten projects, leaving fans feeling nostalgic and, frankly, a little heartbroken. If you were hoping for a revival, the news might not be what you wanted to hear. Let’s break it all down.
The Legacy of NCIS and Its Spinoffs
NCIS has given us numerous spinoffs, each trying to capture the magic of the original while bringing new flavors to the franchise. Some were wildly successful, like NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans, while others never quite got off the ground. But what happened to those canceled projects?
A Look Back at the Canceled Spinoffs
1. NCIS: Red – The Forgotten Attempt
This was one of the earliest attempts to expand the franchise. It was introduced as a backdoor pilot in NCIS: Los Angeles but failed to secure a series order.
2. NCIS: Hawaii’s Alternative Pilot That Never Aired
Before the current NCIS: Hawaii, there were earlier concepts that CBS scrapped before production ever took off.
3. NCIS: Europe – The International Dream That Didn’t Come True
CBS once considered expanding the NCIS universe into Europe, focusing on international crimes. However, the project never materialized beyond early discussions.
How Season 22 Addressed These Spinoffs
In a surprising move, NCIS Season 22 referenced some of these lost projects, confirming that they are permanently shelved. A subtle mention in an episode about global task forces hinted at the fate of these once-planned series.
Why These Spinoffs Were Canceled
1. Budget Constraints
Producing multiple high-budget crime dramas is costly, and CBS had to prioritize the main series and existing spinoffs.
2. Low Market Demand
Despite NCIS’s popularity, not every spinoff idea resonated with audiences during test screenings.
3. Competition from Streaming Services
As streaming platforms take over, networks like CBS must be selective about what they greenlight.
Fan Reactions: Disappointment & What Could Have Been
NCIS fans took to social media to express their frustration. Many were particularly sad about NCIS: Red, which had potential but never got its chance.
Could Any of These Spinoffs Be Revived?
CBS has not ruled out the possibility of revisiting some of these ideas in the future, but for now, it looks like they’re focusing on the core series and its current spinoffs.
How NCIS Keeps Expanding Despite These Cancellations
Even though some spinoffs never happened, NCIS remains a growing franchise. NCIS: Sydney recently launched, proving there’s still room for new ideas.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity?
While it’s disappointing to hear that these spinoffs will never see the light of day, NCIS still has plenty of exciting stories ahead. Who knows? Maybe one day, a canceled spinoff might get resurrected.
