CBS to create third 'NCIS' series

Why have two “NCIS” series when you could have three?

CBS is looking at another spinoff, as two new characters will be introduced on “NCIS: LA” in a two-part episode.

The spinoff from CBSTV Studios will center on a mobile team of agents who travel the country solving crime (perhaps not unlike Scooby and the gang). “NCIS: LA” boss Shane Brennan will write and executive produce.

“NCIS:LA” was spun off of “NCIS” after a two-hour episode in 2009. “NCIS” was actually a planted spinoff of “JAG” in 2003, and first established itself in a two-part episode. “JAG” aired for one season on NBC and then nine more seasons on CBS.

CBS has been using the planted spinoff formula a lot; “CSI” spawned “CSI: Miami” and “CSI:NY,” while “Criminal Minds” spun off “Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior,” which only lasted a season.

“NCIS” is in its 10^th season, and has done well on Tuesdays with “NCIS: LA” as its leadout. “NCIS:LA” averages 15.9 million viewers and a 3.0 rating among adults 18-49.

Donald Bellisario, the creator of “NCIS,” is embroiled in a lawsuit involving profits he says he is owed for “NCIS: “LA.”

“NCIS” stars Mark Harmon, Cote De Pablo and Michael Weatherly. “NCIS:  LA” stars Chris O’Donnell and L.L. Cool J.