Sony takes NCIS: Los Angeles to Asia

Sony has acquired US drama series NCIS: Los Angeles and will transmit it on its action-adventure AXN channel in Asia.

Sony Pictures Entertainment Asia has inked an agreement with the show’s distributor, CBS Studios International, and the deal will mark the show’s bow in the region.

AXN has enjoyed success with the three CSI franchises, also distributed by CBS Studios international, and has the first run rights to the shows in Asia. It is hoping to build on the success of its existing US series with the addition the new NCIS franchise, which will debut next year.

“I strongly believe that this will the next big hit on AXN” said Ricky Ow, senior VP and general manager, SPE Networks Asia.

Sony has also picked up two other US scripted series from CBS, Melrose Place and Three Rivers. The updated Melrose and medical drama Three Rivers will air on Sony’s female-skewing cable channel SET in Asia, also starting 2010.