10 Shows Like NCIS: Sydney (2023) You Need to Watch

Description: As the flagship of CBS's procedural crime dramas, 'CSI' established many conventions that 'NCIS: Sydney' follows: team-based investigations, forensic focus, and episodic storytelling with some serialized elements. Both shows balance gritty crime with character moments.

Fact: The show's success spawned an entire franchise and influenced many other crime dramas. The original pitch was rejected by all networks except CBS. The iconic theme song 'Who Are You' by The Who was suggested by star William Petersen.

Description: This spin-off shares with 'NCIS: Sydney' the concept of adapting a successful crime procedural formula to a new location with distinct visual style and local flavor. Both shows feature sun-drenched settings that become almost characters themselves.

Fact: David Caruso's character Horatio Caine was originally introduced in a CSI backdoor pilot. The show's signature sunglasses-and-one-liner openings became iconic. It was the first American series to air in Cuba after the US embargo was partially lifted.

Description: As the original series in the NCIS franchise, 'NCIS' shares the same core premise with 'NCIS: Sydney', focusing on a team of special agents solving crimes involving the Navy and Marine Corps. Both shows blend procedural crime-solving with character-driven storytelling, military themes, and a mix of action and drama.

Fact: 'NCIS' is a spin-off of the legal drama 'JAG'. It's one of the longest-running scripted primetime TV series in the US. The character of Leroy Jethro Gibbs was originally introduced in two episodes of 'JAG'.

Description: While not military-focused, 'Criminal Minds' shares with 'NCIS: Sydney' the procedural format of a specialized team solving crimes. Both shows emphasize team dynamics, psychological profiling (though Criminal Minds focuses more intensely on this), and high-stakes investigations.

Fact: The show's original title was 'Quantico'. Mandy Patinkin left the show due to discomfort with the violent content. The BAU headquarters set was modeled after the actual FBI building in Quantico.

Description: This spin-off shares the NCIS brand's signature elements with 'NCIS: Sydney': military-related crime investigations, team dynamics, and a balance between action and character development. Both shows feature specialized units operating in major cities with international connections.

Fact: It was the first NCIS spin-off series. The show initially focused more on undercover operations than the original. Chris O'Donnell turned down the role of Gibbs in the original NCIS before joining this series.

Description: While more family-focused, 'Blue Bloods' shares with 'NCIS: Sydney' the blend of police procedural elements with character drama and institutional loyalty (to NYPD vs. Navy). Both shows explore the personal costs of law enforcement careers.

Fact: The Reagan family dinners are a signature element filmed in real time. Tom Selleck turned down several other roles to commit to this series. The show films many exterior scenes at actual NYPD locations.

Description: This reboot shares with 'NCIS: Sydney' the combination of police procedural action with exotic location appeal. Both shows feature specialized law enforcement teams operating in picturesque island settings with international crime connections.

Fact: It's a reboot of the 1968-1980 series of the same name. The show's theme music is one of the most recognizable in TV history. It features frequent cameos by original series cast members.

Description: Like 'NCIS: Sydney', this series explores how the NCIS format adapts to a specific geographic location with unique local culture. Both shows maintain the franchise's procedural structure while incorporating regional flavors into their storytelling and settings.

Fact: The show was originally conceived as a backdoor pilot during NCIS Season 1It was the first NCIS series to feature a female lead (Pride's ex-wife as a recurring character). The show frequently incorporated New Orleans jazz music into its soundtrack.

Description: As the progenitor of the NCIS franchise, 'JAG' shares military legal and investigative themes with 'NCIS: Sydney'. Both shows deal with crimes involving military personnel, though 'JAG' focused more on courtroom drama while NCIS shows emphasize field investigations.

Fact: The show was nearly canceled after its first season on NBC before being revived by CBS. It originally had much higher production values, with elaborate aerial sequences. The character Harm Rabb was partially inspired by Tom Cruise's role in 'Top Gun'.

Description: Like 'NCIS: Sydney', this series transplants a crime procedural format to a major international city, adapting its tone and style to the urban environment. Both shows feature teams solving complex cases with high-tech methods while dealing with personal dramas.

Fact: It was the first CSI series to feature a regular crossover with another franchise (Without a Trace). The show's visual style was notably darker than its predecessors. Gary Sinise was personally recruited by Jerry Bruckheimer to star in the series.