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.
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.
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.
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.
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.