As preposterous as it might sound, then, NCIS: Los Angeles might not be a spin-off of NCIS, but rather, JAG.

FORBES: CBS And 'NCIS' Creator Continue Bizarre Legal Wrangling

Therefore, CBS argues, Bellisario was not part of the team that developed NCIS: Los Angeles.

FORBES: CBS And 'NCIS' Creator Continue Bizarre Legal Wrangling

In other words, even if Bellisario was obligated to be consulted or hired full-time on NCIS: Los Angeles, medical issues would have prohibited him from doing so.

FORBES: CBS And 'NCIS' Creator Continue Bizarre Legal Wrangling

He points to sizable debuts from ABC's FlashForward (12.5 million viewers) to CBS' NCIS: Los Angeles (18.7 million viewers) to prove broadcast television can still deliver broad audiences.

FORBES: Television

The network is home to the top-rated drama (NCIS, 20.6 million viewers, on average), comedy (Two and a Half Men, 14.6 million), newsmagazine (60 Minutes, 14.5 million) and new series (NCIS: Los Angeles, 16.8 million).

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Moreover, the new app will integrate the existing CBS Connect App experience by the start of the Fall TV season, bringing a polished second-screen experience to those watching CSI, Criminal Minds, Hawaii Five-O and NCIS: Los Angeles.

ENGADGET

And, whether NCIS: Los Angeles is deemed a sequel, or a spin-off, or neither, this case will be watched closely, as successful franchises are fewer and farther in between, and the stakes become higher and higher for networks.

FORBES: CBS And 'NCIS' Creator Continue Bizarre Legal Wrangling