Seven episodes into its first season, “NCIS: Los Angeles” has already sold the rights to air its episodes in syndication. USA, which also airs re-runs of the original “NCIS,” has bought the rights at a staggering $2 million an episode.
USA will have the right to air the show weekly beginning in Sept. 2011 and will start stripping the episode in 2013…
The unusually quick deal is testament to the popularity of the “NCIS” brand — and the ability for top cable networks to capitalize on crime procedurals in syndication. In its seventh season, “NCIS” has grown to become the most-watched drama series on broadcast, while its USA repeats are the most-watched syndicated crime drama, averaging 3.5 million viewers.
To put that in perspective, the average repeat of “NCIS” on USA draws about as many viewers as the original and highly acclaimed “Sons of Anarchy” does on its best night. And every time I realize something like that, a little piece of me regrets having ever served my country. So please, America: stop watching CBS’s recycled crime dramas, especially in syndication. Do it for the troops.
V (ABC) — Pilot episode (you can watch the first eight minutes here). Huge spaceships hover over Earth’s major cities, and the alien leader delivers a message of peace. I liked it better when the aliens delivered a message of “die” and then Will Smith punched them in the face and gave them a cold. Welcome ta Earf.
Sons of Anarchy (FX) — I have nothing to say about this show that Matt hasn’t said already. Just letting you know it’s on.
NCIS (CBS) — Two murdered marines are found on Mark Harmon’s boat. Based on a true story (Mark Harmon is hardcore).
NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS) — A marine falls to his death at a party, and the investigation reveals his double life. Ooo, I hope his double life was as an actor on a show I’d watch.
So You Think You Can Dance (Fox) — You know who thinks he can dance? The guy in the video below.
NCIS (CBS) — Someone at the Chicago Tribune actually declared “NCIS” addictive. Yes: a “JAG” spin-off, addictive. I don’t mean to burst anyone’s bubble, but CIS snoops actually wear these things called “uniforms.” Also, the Navy doesn’t have sassy pig-tailed goth forensic scientists. The show would be more realistic if the investigators were giant robots who turn into F/A-18s that do bombing runs in Baghdad in between solving crimes. (DON’T YOU STEAL MY IDEA, BRUCKHEIMER!!!)
Fringe (Fox) — “The X-Files 2.0, Starring Pacey and Lt. Daniels” returns from hiatus with a new episode after a one-hour “American Idol.”
Biggest Loser: Couples (NBC) — Holy hell, it’s a TWO-HOUR episode tonight. I like the irony of people sitting on their couches for two hours watching fat people lose weight.
90210 (CW) — Tonight’s episode directed by Jason Priestly. **crosses fingers** C’monnnnn nostalgic sideburns!
Real Housewives of New Jersey Preview (Bravo) — Here’s my preview: WOOF.
UFC Unleashed (Spike) — Some good fights here, including UFC 92’s Rashad Evans versus Forrest Griffin and a great knockout from Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Just go drink some Powerthirst.
CBS, obviously in need of creating more crime-related procedural dramas, has tapped LL Cool J to star in an “NCIS” spin-off, tentatively titled “Crappy Premise.”
LL Cool J has signed on for the planned spin-off of “NCIS.” The rapper will play a former Navy Seal who works in the undercover unit of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in Los Angeles. The spin-off will air later this season as a two-part episode of “NCIS.”
This may be the most ridiculous and far-fetched television idea since “LOST” suspended the laws of physics indefinitely. The real CIS (it’s just “CIS” in the military) is way too busy busting petty officers for small-scale drug rings to devote time and money to an undercover unit in Los Angeles, where — by the way — there is no established military presence whatsoever. You see, far-fetched though it may be, “Naval” investigative units are actually devoted to solving military crimes.
But good work, CBS. I look forward to “Hawaiian Five-O: Mexico.”
