Two iconic CBS primetime brands from very different lanes are joining forces in the podcast space. Paramount Audio is set to reveal the launch of “48 Hours: NCIS,” a crossover series that leans on elements from long-running newsmagazine “48 Hours” and stalwart Eye drama franchise “NCIS.”

The podcast, helmed by veteran broadcast journo and “The Talk” host Natalie Morales, will center on real-life cases involving Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents. Premiering Oct. 29, the series opener focuses on Marine wife Erin Corwin, who disappeared in California’s Joshua Tree National Park at age 19. Her body was found in an abandoned mine two months later, and another Marine was identified as a suspect. The six-episode season of “48 Hours: NCIS” looks at what it describes as a “twisted story of infidelity and betrayal that led to Erin’s tragic end.”

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“I can’t think of a better way to showcase the power of Paramount’s IP than by crossing over two of CBS’ most successful franchises to create new, original digital content,” said Paramount Global’s Steve Raizes, exec VP of podcasting and audio.  “We are beyond thrilled to be in a position to bring fans of ‘NCIS’ a deep dive into the real cases investigated by the agents portrayed on the iconic TV show, and the ‘48 Hours’ audience even more premium storytelling aligned with what they expect from the brand.”

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In addition to “The Talk,” Morales is a CBS News correspondent who joined the devision in 2021, and reports for platforms including “48 Hours,” “CBS Mornings,” “CBS Sunday Morning” and others. 

“Growing up in a military family, I am honored to be able to tell the stories of those who have and continue to serve our country, and to offer unique insights into the inner workings of the NCIS as they help solve cases,” Morales said. “Erin Corwin’s story as a newly pregnant, young military wife is especially heartbreaking.  It took the dedication of many NCIS agents to help find her in difficult desert conditions and to solve the mystery of how she died and who was responsible.”

“48 Hours: NCIS” is the latest expansion of the line of branded “48 Hours” podcasts including “Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Apple podcast charts this spring. According to Paramount, that entry helped drive “a 985% increase in subscribers to the 48 Hours+ offering on Apple, which launched in 2023.”

Also, according to the conglom, average monthly downloads of “48 Hours” franchise podcasts increased 116% from 2022 to 2023, while all CBS News podcasts (which includes “48 Hours”) increased 59%.

The “NCIS” franchise recently celebrated its 1,000th episode, and new “NCIS” entries coming include “NCIS: Origins” and “NCIS: Tony & Ziva.”  The “NCIS” mother ship will premiere its Season 22 on CBS on Monday, Oct. 14, while the Season 37 premiere of “48 Hours” is on Saturday, Sept. 21.

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