‘NCIS’ Lifespan: Could seasons 14, 15 be series’ last?
When “NCIS” was renewed by CBS a little earlier this year, the network did something different. Specifically, they chose to renew the show for two additional seasons as opposed to just one. It was a big show of a faith for a show with declining ratings over time, and one that also just lost series star Michael Weatherly.
At present, Mark Harmon, David McCallum, and Pauley Perrette are the three main cast members who were regulars from day one. (Sean Murray and Brian Dietzen did appear in season 1, but as recurring players.) The show is slowly moving from its original roots, and given that you have people now will have devoted more than a decade and a half to one gig after the end of this renewal period, the question has to be asked: How much longer can the show last?
Why season 15 should be the show’s last
In addition to the main cast being on the show long, it is fair to question whether or not this would work without characters like a Gibbs and an Abby. It’s already hard enough to picture it without Tony. While shows like “CSI” that are about a crime-solving division have navigated big changes, it feels slightly different with “NCIS.” This show has utilized the characters more and implemented humor.
One other question here could simply be this: What else is there to say? If both the “Los Angeles” and “New Orleans” series continue to stay on the air, but 2018 you will have had almost 30 collective seasons of the “NCIS” franchise. Is there any new ground to explore at this point?
Why it should keep going
Hey, if viewers are still enjoying the show, who are we / anyone else to say it should end? The same goes for the cast, who are making great money on the show and seem to all be good friends. There are a few elements that dictate a product’s longevity, and they are commercial success and interest from the cast / creators. Even with the decline, the ratings around the world are still good enough to justify a long-term future. The franchise also profits enormously from syndication as well as global streams.
Tell us: Should season 15 of “NCIS” be the show’s last? Vote in the poll below, and head over here to receive some other news pertaining to the show! Also, sign up over here to secure some other insight on all we cover, sent right to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: CBS.)
liz laughlin
July 15, 2016 @ 8:29 pm
The ratings and the viewership for this show have been going downhill since season 10. Now, to be honest, even with an average loss of almost 3 million viewers live per episode since season 10, this is still the most successful television procedural that ever came across the small screen.
In my opinion the reason that the viewership has slipped is because the creative team deliberately changed a very successful paradigm. This show and JAG, it’s predecessor, came from the mind of DP Bellisario. Both shows had certain elements that set them apart from other procedurals. Among those elements are the team as family, very likeable characters, lots of humor, action, a strong kick butt woman, romance and the team leader as a father figure. Most of these elements were removed from this highly successful show, NCIS. The strong woman got replaced by a weak woman. The romance disappeared. All of the romance was now off screen and no one had a stable relationship. Gibbs had many love interests in the past but now not for many seasons. Gibbs used to have many fatherly, poignant moments with all of his team members. He turned into grumpy old man, especially with Tony. Humor went from clever “laugh out loud” to silly or just plain dumb. It was as if the writers forgot how to write.
I think that the show will continue until either Mark Harmon decides it will end or the viewership drops a lot. If you see the live numbers go below 9 million per episode or the live +7 go below 12 million then maybe it will end. I don’t see that happening in the next 2 years. I predict that next year will see a drop to about 15.5 million live and about 18.5 million live +7 down from 16.6 mill and 20.53 mil for season 13. Those are still great numbers.
Tracy Travis
July 10, 2016 @ 10:51 pm
It’s true…I enjoy the show for the characters, not necessarily the crimes. I will very much miss Michael Weatherly’s Tony Dinozzo because he brought so much humor and that something special. I also miss Ziva, not because of Tiva, but because she was believable in the role as a tough ex Mossad agent. Will I keep watching…yes…but I don’t think it’ll be the same. In the real world…I think Gibbs would have to take a desk type job or retire from being a field agent. I wouldn’t watch without him. I had read previously, that David McCallum was thinking of leaving after next year. I think by getting renewed two years, they people in charge…Gary Glasburg and staff have time to think about how they will end the show correctly. We’ll have to wait and see.
agentscully514
July 10, 2016 @ 9:35 pm
I think they were crazy to renew it for 14/15.
Glonget
July 10, 2016 @ 8:35 pm
That is hard to say, things can change a lot in 2 years… but I think NCIS will pull of season 16.