NCIS season 16: Is future uncertain for Mark Harmon, CBS show itself?

Mark Harmon

Is there a bit of mystery out there when it comes to NCIS season 16? In some ways, thanks in part to Mark Harmon’s status, the answer to that question is a “yes.”

Let’s start by saying this: Odds are, everything gets worked out without a problem and a season 16 happens in the near future. While losing Pauley Perrette as Abby at the end of the season is an enormous blow, it seems as though there are plans for the show to continue. It still remains CBS’ most-watched show and one of their more-popular programs in the 18-49 demographic. Commercially, there is zero reason to get rid of it now or in the near future.

However, there are still some issues to be worked out, starting with the fact that Mark Harmon, at least by most measures, doesn’t appear to have a contract for an NCIS season 16 at present. When CBS last renewed the show for seasons 14 and 15 back in 2016, Harmon signed a new two-year deal. When CBS TV Studios last inked a deal with Harmon, they did it at the end of February — getting him on board in turn triggered the two-season renewal.

Odds are, things will happen in a similar way this year. While it’s not clear if NCIS will get another two-season renewal up until season 17, this is a likely scenario. It gives the show some stability and with Perrette leaving, it needs that. The idea of losing both her and Harmon in a single year, arguably the two most-recognizable performers on the show, could be too much for the show to come back from.

Related – What characters need to return to NCIS during season 15?

CBS is in deep with Harmon as a staple of this franchise. In addition to being the star of this show Harmon also serves as an executive producer over on NCIS: New Orleans, which is now in its fourth season. That show seems primed for a fifth season, so it’s not going anywhere in the near future either.

As for the future of some of the other current cast members, that’s something we’ll get into in the coming days and week. For now, Harmon is the onus as the highest-paid person on the show and also the person tied into a renewal in the past.

Do you think that an NCIS season 16 renewal will happen soon, and with Mark Harmon once more as the lead? Share now in the comments!

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