The NCIS Sydney Cast: Everything You Need To Know About The 6 Stars Returning For Season 3

As of December 10, 2025, the global phenomenon of the NCIS franchise has found a vibrant new home Down Under, and the excitement is building with confirmation of its return for a third season. The success of NCIS: Sydney lies squarely on the shoulders of its dynamic, transatlantic cast, a blend of American and Australian talent tasked with solving complex naval crimes in one of the world's most beautiful and challenging environments. The series marks the franchise's first international edition, bringing a unique flavor of sun, surf, and serious crime-fighting to the screen.

This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at the core ensemble, detailing the actors and the complex characters they portray, from the NCIS Supervisory Special Agent to the AFP Forensic Pathologist. Get ready to dive deep into the biographies of the six main stars who are set to return for the highly anticipated next chapter.

Meet the Main Cast: Full Biography and Character Profiles

The success of the joint NCIS and Australian Federal Police (AFP) task force hinges on the chemistry of its six principal members. Here is a complete breakdown of the main cast, their roles in the show, and their notable previous work.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Olivia Swann as NCIS Supervisory Special Agent Michelle Mackey

Swann leads the NCIS team as the Special Agent-in-Charge, Michelle Mackey. Her character is a highly capable and driven agent from the United States, often clashing with the more laid-back Australian approach of her AFP counterpart. Swann is a British actress known for her previous work as Astra Logue in the DC Comics series Legends of Tomorrow.

• Todd Lasance as AFP Sergeant Jim "JD" Dempsey

Lasance plays the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Sergeant and second-in-command, Jim "JD" Dempsey. JD is a charming, experienced, and highly respected officer whose local knowledge complements Mackey's strict adherence to NCIS protocol. Lasance is a well-known Australian actor, famous for his long-running role as Aden Jefferies on the soap opera Home and Away, as well as playing Julian on The Vampire Diaries and Julius Caesar on Spartacus: War of the Damned.

• Sean Sagar as NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson

Sagar portrays NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson, a field agent who brings a focused, professional attitude to the team. Sagar is a British actor who has appeared in a number of notable UK productions. His filmography includes roles as Monk in the military drama Our Girl and appearances in major films such as Blue Story and Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho
• Tuuli Narkle as AFP Liaison Officer Constable Evie Cooper

Narkle plays AFP Liaison Officer Constable Evie Cooper. Her character serves as the crucial link and cultural bridge between the American NCIS agents and the Australian Federal Police. Narkle is an Australian actress who has also been recognized for her work in the series Mystery Road: Origin.

• Mavournee Hazel as AFP Forensic Scientist Bluebird "Blue" Gleeson

Hazel is the AFP Forensic Scientist, Bluebird "Blue" Gleeson, often referred to simply as "Blue." Blue is the team's witty and indispensable lab tech, responsible for analyzing evidence and providing vital scientific support. Hazel is an Australian actress whose previous credits include roles in Halifax: Retribution and the Apple TV+ series Shantaram.

• William McInnes as AFP Forensic Pathologist Roy "Rosie" Penrose

McInnes plays the AFP Forensic Pathologist, Roy "Rosie" Penrose. Rosie is the team's medical examiner, providing the crucial "cause of death" analysis for cases. McInnes is one of Australia’s most accomplished actors and writers, best known for his iconic role as Nick Schultz in the long-running Australian police drama Blue Heelers.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Behind the Scenes: The Australian Flavor of the NCIS Franchise

NCIS: Sydney is a landmark project, not only as the first international spin-off for the franchise but also for its commitment to a distinctly Australian production. The series is produced by Endemol Shine Australia for CBS Studios and Paramount Australia. This collaborative effort ensures the show maintains the high production standards of the NCIS universe while authentically capturing the unique culture and landscape of Sydney and Australia.

The show's creator is Australian writer and producer Morgan O'Neill. O'Neill serves as an Executive Producer alongside Sara Richardson, Rick Maier, and Lindsey Martin. The show's production has been praised for its ambitious scale, with the showrunner promising an even "more ambitious" approach for the second and subsequent seasons. This focus on high-quality, local storytelling, mixed with the familiar procedural format, is what has resonated with both domestic and international audiences, making the cast's return for Season 3 a highly anticipated event.

The Dynamic of the Trans-Pacific Task Force

The core tension and humor of NCIS: Sydney stem from the cultural clash between the American NCIS agents and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers. This "Trans-Pacific" dynamic is central to the show's identity.

Special Agent Michelle Mackey (Olivia Swann) and Sergeant Jim "JD" Dempsey (Todd Lasance) embody this contrast perfectly. Mackey operates with a by-the-book, high-pressure American style, while JD often relies on his extensive local connections and a more relaxed, pragmatic Australian approach. Their evolving professional relationship—moving from initial friction to mutual respect—is a key element of the show's narrative structure.

The supporting team members, including the witty forensic scientist Bluebird Gleeson and the seasoned pathologist Roy Penrose, further enrich this dynamic. Blue's quirky personality and expertise in the lab, combined with Rosie's veteran wisdom, provide both comic relief and essential investigative breakthroughs. The successful integration of these diverse characters, each with a distinct background and skillset, is what elevates NCIS: Sydney beyond a simple procedural show and solidifies its place in the long-running NCIS franchise.

What to Expect from the Returning Cast in Season 3

With the entire main cast confirmed to return, Season 3 promises to build on the personal and professional challenges established in previous seasons. The show has developed a strong topical authority by tackling cases that are distinctly Australian, involving naval personnel, international waters, and the unique geopolitical landscape of the Pacific region. The returning actors will continue to explore the deeper backstories of their characters, something the series has made a priority.

For instance, the storyline of Bluebird "Blue" Gleeson has been a fan favorite, with the series revealing more about her past and promoting her role within the team. Fans can expect more character-driven episodes that delve into the personal lives of agents like DeShawn Jackson and Evie Cooper, further cementing the emotional investment in the team.

The renewed focus on the high-stakes cooperation between NCIS and the AFP, under the leadership of Morgan O'Neill, ensures that the upcoming season will deliver the compelling procedural elements that fans love, combined with the unique, sun-drenched, and complex setting of Sydney, Australia. The core cast's chemistry is the engine of the show, and their confirmed return is the best news for fans awaiting the next wave of investigations.