The template for making a successful TV series is almost set in stone: Start off with a ka-blam then sustain interest.

However, Fox Channel’s “NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service)” series has a different story. When it debuted a few years back, it didn’t automatically capture viewers’ fancy.

“It had a solid foundation of good dialogue between characters with chemistry but it didn’t rate as hoped,” admits Jude Turcuato, the territory director of Fox International Channels that airs the show.

Not until Season 7. By then, the viewership in the US had progressed astoundingly that it even finished second to “American Idol” at one point. Its largest audience to date was in that season; for the episode ”Reunion,” which averaged 21.37 million viewers. No wonder “NCIS” has been renewed for an eight season.

“It was a classic case of slow burn,” quipped Jude. “People at Fox were shocked [by its eventual success].”

“NCIS” tells the story of a Major Case Response Team (MCRT) at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. The MCRT investigates all crimes involving the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The police procedural drama series stars Mark Harmon, Timothy McGee, Ziva David, Pauley Perrette, Rocky Carroll, and Pauley Perrette.

In the Philippines, the series has been given the red carpet treatment, too. Fox International Channels ushered in the 7th season of “NCIS” with the first ever roadblock in Philippine television history. The “NCIS” pilot episode “Truth or Consequences” aired simultaneously on Fox Channel (Sky Cable Channel 50) Star Movies, Star World, Foxcrime, FX, and Channel V last Aug. 16.

Turcuato believes that the series differ from many in that it doesn’t rely on big effects to grab people’s interest.

“Effects is good for movies lang; for one time, big time lang. Kasi kung lagi kang mag-i-effects sa isang TV series, may danger na maubos ang pondo that is needed more when sustaining interest on a series,” he said.

Asked if he has been getting the heat from his mother company in the US for the proliferation of pirated compilations of the show’s episodes, Turcuato gave a candid answer.

“Hindi naman. They understand the situation and they know we’re doing the best we can with what’s going on. Though we are, of course, against piracy, those who watch the show that way are only making the series popular.”

Make that, even more popular.

“NCIS” season 7 airs exclusively on FOX Channel every Monday at 10 p.m.