Is CBS About to Cancel NCIS?

Based on CBS' cancellation history, there could be a chance the network pulls the plug NCIS. The long-running procedural is already an institution not only for its network, but also for the TV network, as it is in its 22nd season. It is currently the third longest-running scripted live-action US TV series currently on the air, surpassed only by NBC and Dick Wolf. Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and Law and Order, which are airing their 26th and 24th seasons, respectively. It is true that it is difficult to imagine television without NCISBut it may be coming to an end.

It would be an understatement to say that NCIS It went through so many changes throughout its run. As with most long-running ensemble shows, it said goodbye to several cast members and welcomed new ones. Still, his biggest loss was when Mark Harmon's Leroy Jethro Gibbs retired in NCIS season 19, as he was its face since its inception. Even so, the procedural process continued with the changes, with the arrival of the Gary Coleman's Alden Parker taking command of the MCRT. Although the transition was smoother than initially theorized, new information may be cause for concern regarding NCIS' future.

NCIS Season 22 Has Some of the Show's Lowest Ratings Ever

Viewership numbers are not good this year for NCIS

By a report of TV Line, NCIS season 22, episode 6, "Knight & Day" dropped to 4.92 million viewers, tying with the episode "The Trouble with Hal" from three weeks ago. Based on public records, however, the current year also has the lowest ratings in more than two decades on the air. NCIS Season 22, Episode 4, 'Sticks & Stones' Posted Just 4.76 Million Viewerswhich, interestingly enough, covered one of MCRT's strongest and most impactful stories in its current edition.

On the ride, Parker and the rest of the team fought hard to stop the blossoming World War III, while Jessica Knight and Jimmy Palmer finally talked about the status of their relationship. Story-wise, it was a solid episode. Their 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 made the long-awaited decision about Knight and Palmer's fate as a couple.

NCIS Season 22 ratings are on par with NCIS: Hawaii before it was canceled

CBS' NCIS Cancellation: Hawaii Set a Scary Precedent

Happily, NCIS Season 22 managed to bounce back after its low ratings, but viewership for subsequent episodes was still a far cry from its Season 21 numbers. NCIS It's a network TV institution, so normally this shouldn't be a cause for concern, especially since it still outperforms its long-running procedural counterparts. That being said, CBS cancellation NCIS: Hawaii set a precedent hinting that the flagship may not be as safe as imagined.

CBS gave several explanations as to why they actually canceled NCIS: Hawaiiand this included its ratings in connection with its cost management efforts and interest in renewing its line. Looking at the Vanessa Lachey spinoff's viewership for the first 9 episodes of Season 3 and comparing it to NCIS data from season 22, they pretty much got the same numbers.

It may probably be more expensive to film on location in Hawaii for the offshoot than with the long-established sets for the flagship, but you also have to take into consideration the salaries of the people involved. Both Sean Murray and Brian Dietzen were in NCIS for more than two decades, and with that comes big payouts. Meanwhile, established names like Gary Cole and Wilmer Valderrama would command higher rates than relatively promising names from NCIS: Hawaii.

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 has undergone many changes in recent years. Losing Gibbs in itself was a big deal and something that many thought would spell the end of the series. That being said, the show continues and is still performing decently despite the significant drop in ratings. If it weren't for NCIS: HawaiiAfter the controversial cancellation of , one would assume this shouldn't even be discussed. That being said, TV networks are evolving quickly. In addition to its branching, CBS also ended Blue Blood - another established show that performed 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 NCIS'main show. In 2024, the network launched NCIS: Originswhich covers Gibbs' early years at the agency. There is also NCIS: Sydney – its first international branch. Finally, there is also the long-awaited return of Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo in NCIS: Tony and Ziva.