Based on CBS’ history of cancelations, there might be a chance that the network will pull the plug on NCIS. The long-running procedural is already an institution not just for its broadcaster but on network TV as its in its 22nd season. Currently, it is the third-longest-running scripted, live-action US TV series that is currently airing, only being surpassed only by NBC and Dick Wolf’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order, which are airing their 26th and 24th seasons, respectively. Admittedly, it’s difficult to imagine TV without NCIS, but it may be nearing its end.
It would be an understatement to say that NCIS has gone through so many changes throughout its run. As with the majority of long-running ensemble shows, it has said goodbye to several cast members and welcomed new ones. Still, its biggest loss was when Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs retired in NCIS season 19, since he had been its face since its inception. Still, the procedural rolled with the changes, with the arrival of Gary Coleman’s Alden Parker taking over MCRT. While the transition was smoother than initially theorized, new information may be a cause for concern regarding NCIS‘ future.
NCIS Season 22 Has Some Of The Show’s All-Time Low Ratings
The Viewership Numbers Are Not Good This Year For NCIS
Per a report from TV Line, NCIS season 22, episode 6, “Knight & Day” dipped to 4.92 million viewers, tying the episode “The Trouble with Hal” from three weeks ago. Based on public records, however, the current year also has its lowest ratings in its more than two decades on the air. NCIS season 22, episode 4, “Sticks & Stones” posted just 4.76 million viewers, which, interestingly, tackled one of the strongest and most impactful stories on MCRT in its current run.
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NCIS Season 22 Is Teasing A Major McGee Death & That’s Worrying For Sean Murray’s Future As Tim
After a rather slow start to its year, NCIS season 22 may be setting up an intense second half that could dreadfully include a major McGee death.
In the outing, Parker and the rest of the team fought hard to stop a burgeoning World War III, while Jessica Knight and Jimmy Palmer finally talked about the status of their relationship. Storywise, it was a solid episode. Its weekly case was compelling, as Parker, Tim McGee, and Nick Torres defied orders and antagonized the FBI — a recurring theme throughout the show’s history. Meanwhile, it also delivered on the much-awaited decision on Knight and Palmer’s fate as a couple.
NCIS Season 22 Ratings Is At Par With NCIS: Hawai’i Before It Got Canceled
CBS’ Cancelation Of NCIS: Hawai’i Set A Scary Precedent
Luckily, NCIS season 22 was able to bounce back after its show-low rating, but the succeeding episodes’ viewership was still very far from its numbers in season 21. NCIS is a network TV institution, so normally, this shouldn’t be a cause for concern, especially since it’s still performing above its fellow long-running procedurals. That being said, CBS canceling NCIS: Hawai’i set a precedent insinuating that the flagship may not be as safe as perceived.
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NCIS Season 22 Has Its All-Time Lowest-Rated Episode (Blame CBS For It)
After more than two decades on the air, NCIS season 22 posted its lowest-rated episode ever. That said, it may be because of CBS’ decision.
CBS has given various explanations about why they actually canceled NCIS: Hawai’i, and that included its ratings in connection with its cost management efforts and interest in revamping its lineup. Looking at Vanessa Lachey’s spinoff’s viewership in season 3’s first 9 episodes and comparing it to NCIS season 22’s data, they virtually pulled the same numbers.
Episodes | NCIS Season 22 | NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 |
US Viewers (Millions) | US Viewers (Millions) | |
1 | 6.42 | 5.56 |
2 | 5.37 | 5.22 |
3 | 4.92 | 5.40 |
4 | 4.76 | 5.40 |
5 | 5.26 | 4.82 |
6 | 4.92 | 4.98 |
7 | 5.62 | 5.40 |
8 | 4.89 | 5.12 |
9 | 4.92 | 5.07 |
Average: | 5.23 | 5.21 |
It may likely be more expensive to film on location in Hawaii for the offshoot than with the long-established sets for the flagship, but one must also factor in the salaries of the people involved. Both Sean Murray and Brian Dietzen have been in NCIS for more than two decades, and with that comes big payouts. Meanwhile, established names like Gary Cole and Wilmer Valderrama would have higher rates than relatively up-and-comers from NCIS: Hawai’i.
Can CBS Afford Not To Have The Flagship NCIS Show?
The NCIS Franchise Will Continue Beyond The Mothership
It’s an understatement to say that NCIS underwent many changes in the last few years. Losing Gibbs in itself was a big one, and something that many thought would spell the end of the series. That said, the show continues and still performs decently despite the significant dip in ratings. If it wasn’t for the NCIS: Hawai’i‘s controversial cancelation, one would assume that this shouldn’t even be discussed. That said, network TV is fast-evolving. Aside from its offshoot, CBS also ended Blue Bloods — another established show that was performing well for them, emphasizing that anything is possible at this point.
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NCIS Effectively Writes Out Its Last Original Cast Member After 22 Years
After 22 years, NCIS has effectively written out its final original cast member who debuted in “Yankee White” by introducing their replacement.
For what it’s worth, the franchise will continue if CBS decides to pull the plug on NCIS‘ flagship show. In 2024, the network launched NCIS: Origins, which tackles Gibbs’ earliest years in the agency. There’s also NCIS: Sydney — its very first international offshoot. Finally, there’s also the much-anticipated return of Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo in NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. Special Agent Alden Parker, a quirky former FBI agent who solves his cases with calm professionalism and sharp, sarcastic charm, leads the NCIS team, which includes NCIS Special Agent Timothy McGee, an MIT graduate with a knack for computers who has now graduated to senior field agent; the charismatic, unpredictable and resilient NCIS Special Agent Nicholas “Nick” Torres, who has spent most of his career on solo undercover assignments; and sharp, athletic and tough NCIS Special Agent Jessica Knight, a formidable REACT agent who specializes in hostage negotiations and high-risk operations. The naïve Jimmy Palmer is assisting the team, who graduated from assistant to fully licensed medical examiner and now runs the morgue; and forensic scientist Kasie Hines, Ducky’s former graduate assistant. Overseeing operations is NCIS Director Leon Vance, an intelligent, highly trained agent who can always be counted on to shake up the status quo. From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents investigate all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.