The Reasons Behind the Lack of Crossovers Between NCIS: Los Angeles and Other NCIS Series

For fans of the NCIS franchise, it's natural to wonder why NCIS: Los Angeles has not had a crossover episode with other NCIS series such as NCIS and NCIS: New Orleans. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, including storytelling focus, scheduling conflicts, creative direction, and franchise strategy. Let's delve into each of these aspects to understand why we haven't seen a crossover involving NCIS: Los Angeles.

Storytelling Focus

Each NCIS series has its own unique storylines, characters, and settings. The producers may want to maintain the distinct identity of these shows to engage viewers with a consistent and rich narrative. By avoiding crossovers, they can keep the storylines specific to each series, enhancing the viewers' loyalty to a particular show. The goal is to provide a well-rounded experience that highlights the unique strengths of each series.

Scheduling Conflicts

The production schedules for each NCIS series can be demanding. Coordinating cast availability and filming locations for a crossover episode can be a monumental task. Each show has its own set of challenges, from location scouting to casting and scheduling. For example, NCIS: Los Angeles is shot in Los Angeles, while NCIS: New Orleans is filmed in another location. This geographical separation adds to the complexity of organizing a crossover episode. Moreover, with travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become even more difficult to bring cast and crew from one location to another.

Creative Direction

The writers and producers may not have found a compelling story that would naturally bring the different teams together. Crossovers often require a strong narrative justification to resonate with audiences. Without a script that effectively brings together the characters and storylines from NCIS: Los Angeles and the other series, the crossover might not be as engaging or successful as hoped. The absence of such a story justifies the decision to maintain the separate storylines and let each series tell its unique tale.

Franchise Strategy

CBS, the network that broadcasts the NCIS franchise, might choose to keep the shows somewhat separate to allow each to develop its own fan base and maintain unique viewership. This strategy helps in creating a competitive environment where each show can carve out its space in the market. By fostering a distinct identity, each series can attract dedicated viewers who are loyal to that specific show.

Minor Crossovers and Collaborations

While there have been some crossovers within the broader NCIS franchise, such as NCIS and NCIS: New Orleans, the absence of a crossover involving NCIS: Los Angeles does not necessarily mean that crossovers are impossible in the future. As mentioned, NCIS has had a crossover with NCIS: New Orleans in the past. NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS have collaborated on a few occasions, such as the initial NCIS: Los Angeles crossover with NCIS, and even had a crossover episode with NCIS: New Orleans in season 11, called 'Crescent City.'

These smaller collaborations, such as crew visits, guest appearances, and video conferences, are still considered crossovers and indicate that the two shows can work together. The absence of a complete crossover episode is not a definitive indication that crossovers are off the table entirely. With the right story and the easing of logistical issues, a full crossover involving NCIS: Los Angeles may still happen.

As of now, the decision to maintain separate storylines is a deliberate choice by the producers. However, the potential for a more significant crossover involving NCIS: Los Angeles remains open, and it will depend on the creative direction and scheduling possibilities.

By examining the rationale behind the lack of crossovers, we can better appreciate the careful balance that the producers strive to maintain between storytelling, scheduling, and franchise strategy. While the absence of a crossover may be a disappointment for some fans, it also ensures that each show remains a unique and compelling part of the NCIS universe.