USA Adds NCIS: Los Angeles to its Roster

In a surprising move, USA Network has just purchased syndication rights for CBS’ new drama NCIS: Los Angeles. The series debuted just seven weeks ago. NCIS: Los Angeles will join the original NCIS. The original show is proving to be a success for the cabler. USA will pay around $1.9 million per episode and the series will be making its cable debut in the fall of 2011.

Cable networks are sometimes known for taking gambles on spin-off shows with a proven history. CSI: Miami was purchased during its first-year run and in the case of CSI: NY, the drama was sold into syndication during its debut year in 2004 to Spike TV. The show was purchased a couple months after its debut for a then-record of $1.9 million. The Mentalist was just sold to TNT for a staggering $2 million per episode deal.