NCIS: Sydney – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

NCIS: Sydney

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2023

48%

WISE Score

The NCIS franchise heads Down Under with predictable results—competent but forgettable crime procedural that's basically NCIS with accents.

NCIS: Sydney

show

TV-14, 2023

48%

WISE Score

The NCIS franchise heads Down Under with predictable results—competent but forgettable crime procedural that's basically NCIS with accents.

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, if your teen is already deep into the NCIS universe and has exhausted LA, New Orleans, and Hawaii, sure, throw Sydney on. But let's be real: this is the franchise running on fumes. The 6.2 IMDb rating tells you everything—even crime procedural fans are shrugging.

The Sydney setting could've been interesting, but it's mostly wasted on generic crime-of-the-week plots you've seen a hundred times. There's nothing particularly enriching here beyond "hey, Australia exists" and some surface-level international cooperation themes.

For 14+ teens who want crime shows, you're better off with earlier NCIS seasons, Brooklyn Nine-Nine for lighter fare, or actual prestige crime dramas if they can handle more mature content. This isn't bad enough to avoid, but it's not good enough to recommend either. Peak "meh."

Age Fit

Best for teens 14+ who already enjoy crime procedurals and can handle violence and mature themes. Adults might watch casually if they're NCIS completists, but this isn't appointment TV for anyone—it's background noise at best.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Procedural crime drama with team cooperation and international partnership themes. Features ensemble cast working together to solve cases. Standard NCIS franchise tone means professional interactions and workplace dynamics, though crime-solving content includes violence and darker themes typical of the genre. Models collaboration between U.S. and Australian agencies.

Imaginative

Franchise spinoff following established NCIS formula with minimal innovation. Setting in Sydney and the Indo-Pacific region provides geographic novelty, but the procedural format is predictable and formulaic. Limited creative exploration or original storytelling—mostly crime-of-the-week structure that's been done countless times across multiple NCIS iterations.

Safe

Crime procedural with typical violence, death, and criminal content expected in the NCIS franchise. Common Sense Media rates it 14+, indicating moderate violence and potentially disturbing crime scenes. No explicit sexual content or nudity typical of network TV, but crimes involving naval personnel can include murder, terrorism, and other serious offenses. Kids mode available on some platforms provides some safety infrastructure.

Enriching

Offers exposure to international cooperation, geopolitical context of the Indo-Pacific region, and procedural investigation methods. Can spark interest in forensics, law enforcement, and cross-cultural collaboration. However, entertainment value is moderate at best—IMDb 6.2 suggests lukewarm reception. Limited depth beyond surface-level crime solving. More escapist entertainment than meaningful enrichment.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

International setting offers geographic variety and exposure to Australian culture and Indo-Pacific geopolitics
Team-based problem solving shows collaboration between different agencies and nationalities
Procedural format is comfortable and easy to follow for teens who enjoy crime shows
Could spark interest in forensic science, international relations, or law enforcement careers

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What to Watch For

Crime violence including murder, terrorism, and disturbing scenes—this is a 14+ show for good reason
Formulaic storytelling means low rewatch value and predictable plots
IMDb 6.2 rating suggests even fans find it middling compared to other NCIS entries
May reinforce oversimplified views of law enforcement and criminal justice

Conversation Starters

"What do you think makes international cooperation between police agencies difficult in real life?"
"How realistic do you think crime procedurals are compared to actual police work?"
"What did you learn about Australia or the Pacific region from this show?"
"Do you think the show portrays both American and Australian characters fairly?"

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