CBS confirms 'NCIS' spinoff

CBS has confirmed that the proposed spinoff to NCIS is definitely happening.

According to the network's entertainment president Nina Tassler, the show has already begun development.

"It's happening. We're doing it," she said."We've seen an outline. We're in great shape, and we're just waiting to get the script. But we're going to cast, and we're going to shoot."

NCIS, which debuted in 2003, follows a team of Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents in Washington D.C.

Tassler refused to give any details on the plot or characters, but sources told TV Guide that the spinoff will focus on a team of officers situated elsewhere.

The network was reportedly encouraged to develop the spinoff after NCIS scored its best ever ratings this season.

No production dates or casting have been announced, but Hassler confirmed that the spinoff will begin as an episode of NCIS later in the year.

NCIS is itself a spinoff of legal drama JAG.