If You Love NCIS: Sydney’s William McInnes, Watch This Underrated Cop Drama With 13 Seasons
NCIS: Sydney is the first in the NCIS franchise to branch outside the United States, and it’s finally putting some of Australia’s most iconic but unsung stars on the map. Among the talented cast is William McInnes, who has been a mainstay on Australian television since the ’90s. McInnes’ filmography reads like a list of Australia’s most notable and beloved TV shows of the past three decades. It’s exciting now to see the actor finally finding some international recognition through his starring role in the NCIS spin-off.
Among his iconic roles, McInnes is probably best known in Australia for playing Sgt. Nick Schultz in the long-running police drama, Blue Heelers. The show became one of the highest-rated and most-awarded programs in Australian TV history, and during its 13-season run, earned 25 Logie Awards (the Australian equivalent of the Emmy Awards). Blue Heelers launched the careers of several other top Australian actors, and featured Hugh Jackman, David Wenham (The Lord of the Rings), Angus Sampson (The Lincoln Lawyer), and Sam Worthington (Avatar) in guest roles while they were still early in their careers.
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Every Episode Of NCIS: Sydney, Ranked
NCIS: Sydney’s debut season featured enthralling episodes, and with only eight to choose from, there are bound to be outstanding favorites.
William McInnes Starred In Blue Heelers Before NCIS: Sydney
Blue Heelers Is One Of Australia’s Most Well-Known Shows
Before McInnes joined the NCIS: Sydney crew as Dr. Roy Penrose, he was cracking down on crime in the fictional rural Victorian town of Mount Thomas in Blue Heelers. The series followed the daily lives of the police officers and the various matters that they may deal with, ranging from trivial complaints to major crimes. McInnes’ Schultz was known for having a sharp sense of humor, often delivering deadpan, snarky one-liners. His character lasted for five seasons before leaving the show and returning for guest roles in seasons 11 and 12. Blue Heelers can be streamed on Prime Video.
Bluey fans may know “blue heeler” as the breed of Australian cattle dog that Bluey and her family belong to, but the term is also affectionate Australian slang for a police officer (although it’s rarely used in this context these days).
Blue Heelers made McInnes a national treasure in Australia, and he followed up his role in the police drama with a string of popular Australian shows and movies, including SeaChange, The Slap, Look Both Ways, and The Newsreader. His versatility and consistent performances have cemented McInnes’ status as one of the country’s most respected actors. Now, with NCIS: Sydney, the actor is bringing his distinctive talent to a global audience.
William McInnes Is Finally Finding Global Recognition On NCIS: Sydney
The Talented Actor Deserves More Attention
Unlike other Australian actors who have managed to make a lasting career in Hollywood, McInnes hasn’t had the opportunity to find global recognition until NCIS: Sydney. Many stars, like Margot Robbie, Nicole Kidman, and Chris Hemsworth, first started their careers in Australian television dramas, but McInnes hadn’t been able to make that same transition. With NCIS: Sydney officially renewed for season 2, it’s time that McInnes finally got the international attention he deserves.
As McInnes continues his role on NCIS: Sydney in season 2, audiences worldwide will finally have a chance to appreciate what Australian viewers have known for decades: McInnes is a versatile talent who deserves bigger and better roles. The actor isn’t just a seasoned actor; he represents the vast talent pool hiding in Australian television. His career trajectory is a reminder of the incredible potential within Australia’s entertainment industry, now ready to capture a broader audience.
