Two iconic CBS primetime brands are teaming up for an exciting new podcast venture. Paramount Audio is launching “48 Hours: NCIS,” a crossover series that merges elements from the long-running newsmagazine “48 Hours” with the popular NCIS drama franchise.
Hosted by veteran journalist and “The Talk” host Natalie Morales, the podcast will delve into real-life cases involving the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Premiering on October 29, the inaugural episode will focus on the case of Marine wife Erin Corwin, who vanished from California’s Joshua Tree National Park at age 19. Her body was discovered in an abandoned mine two months later, and another Marine was identified as a suspect. The six-episode season of “48 Hours: NCIS” will explore what it describes as a “twisted story of infidelity and betrayal that led to Erin’s tragic end.”
Steve Raizes, Executive VP of Podcasting and Audio at Paramount Global, expressed excitement about the crossover, stating, “I can’t think of a better way to showcase the power of Paramount’s IP than by merging two of CBS’ most successful franchises to create new, original digital content. We are thrilled to offer ‘NCIS’ fans an in-depth look at the real cases investigated by the agents featured in the iconic TV show, and provide the ‘48 Hours’ audience with premium storytelling aligned with their expectations.”
In addition to her role on “The Talk,” Morales is a CBS News correspondent who joined the division in 2021 and reports for “48 Hours,” “CBS Mornings,” “CBS Sunday Morning,” and more. Morales commented, “Growing up in a military family, I am honored to share the stories of those who have served our country and offer unique insights into the inner workings of the NCIS as they solve cases. Erin Corwin’s story, as a young, newly pregnant military wife, is especially heartbreaking. It took the dedication of many NCIS agents to find her in challenging desert conditions and uncover the truth behind her death and the identity of the perpetrator.”
“48 Hours: NCIS” is the latest addition to 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, this entry drove a 985% increase in subscribers to the 48 Hours+ offering on Apple, which launched in 2023.
Paramount also reported that average monthly downloads of “48 Hours” franchise podcasts increased by 116% from 2022 to 2023, while all CBS News podcasts, including “48 Hours,” saw a 59% increase.
The “NCIS” franchise recently celebrated its 1,000th episode, with new entries including “NCIS: Origins” and “NCIS: Tony & Ziva” on the horizon. The “NCIS” flagship series will premiere its 22nd season on CBS on October 14, while the 37th season of “48 Hours” will debut on September 21.
