CBS is looking to expand its “NCIS” franchise once again.
The broadcast network has greenlit a backdoor pilot that will air over two episodes during the series’ spring season, an individual close to production told TheWrap.
Also read: CBS Buys Couples Therapy Comedy ‘Good Session’ With Put Pilot Commitment
The two-parter introduces the NCIS New Orleans office, which handles cases from Pensacola through Mississippi and Louisiana to the Texas panhandle. “New Orleans, with its rich setting of music, fun and debauchery is a magnet for military personnel on leave,” the official logline reads. “And with fun, comes trouble. It is a natural backdrop for a unique character-driven spin-off.”
Executive produced by “NCIS” EP Gary Glasberg and star/EP Mark Harmon, the series will begin shooting in February.
Also read: ‘NCIS’ Star Cote de Pablo to Leave the Show
“NCIS” itself was first introduced over two episodes of “JAG” in 2003. If ordered to series, the New Orleans spinoff will be the series’ second. Its first, “NCIS: Los Angeles” debuted in 2009 and was renewed for a fifth season last May.