Australian Producer Shane Brennan named a ‘Primetime Driver’ by Variety

Australian Producer Shane Brennan named a 'Primetime Driver' by Variety

Shane Brennan
“NCIS: Los Angeles” (CBS)

Impact: After running the mothership “NCIS” for four seasons, Brennan created and successfully spun off “NCIS: Los Angeles,” using the same character quirkiness and injection of humor in an entirely different setting where the NCIS agents are undercover. Benefiting from the brand and the lead-in, he and his team keep auds hooked with character-driven storylines.

Partners in crime: “NCIS” showrunner Gary Glasberg, writer and exec producer R. Scott Gemmill, co-executive producer John Kousakis and Brennan’s wife, Cathryn.

Biggest challenge: “?’NCIS’ in its ninth year is still fresh,” Brennan says. “One reason people still watch is that it’s new and exciting. In ‘L.A.,’ that’s what we’re trying to do, keep it fresh, contemporary and relevant for the audience so it’s not another tired procedural.” Adds Glasberg: “The biggest challenge is continuing to tell stories that people are attracted to and that entertain and keep our characters growing.”

What’s ahead: The next season of “Los Angeles” and several shows in development with the Eye. “CBS is my partner in crime from the get-go,” Brennan says. “We’ve got a great relationship, and we’re looking forward to developing new projects.”

Click here for the complete list of ‘Primetime Drivers’