USA buys syndication rights to 'NCIS' spinoff

In what might be an industry record, CBS' freshman drama series "NCIS: Los Angeles" has been sold into syndication after seven weeks on the air.

CBS TV Distribution has licensed the show to USA Network, which has enjoyed great success airing reruns of franchise flagship "NCIS."

The spinoff, which stars LL Cool J and Chris O'Donnell, is going for roughly $1.9 million per episode. It will start airing weekly in the fall of 2011.

The unusually quick deal is testament to the popularity of the "NCIS" brand -- and the ability of top cable networks to capitalize on crime procedurals in syndication.

In its seventh season, "NCIS" has grown to become the most-watched drama series on TV. Ratings for "Los Angeles" have been consistently strong on Tuesday nights.