After this week’s season premiere, which saw the lowest viewing numbers in the history of the action-packed drama NCIS, the future of NCIS on CBS may be in jeopardy.
The long-running drama has consistently aired to millions of viewers tuning in each week across the United States, making it a major player for the CBS network. NCIS, however, may be in for another big season after this week’s 20th installment of the series debuted to its lowest ratings ever.
A Family Matter, the milestone 20th season premiere of NCIS, only attracted 5.82 million viewers this week.
The lowest audience in NCIS history, same-day viewers were down 31% from the previous year.
The most popular seasons of NCIS drew up to 20 million fans, with previous episodes typically averaging between 7 and 8 million viewers.
The first complete season following the departure of team captain Leroy Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon) has suffered a significant ratings decline.
The crossover with the most recent CBS drama spin-off, NCIS: Hawaii, did not help the premiere much either.
After their 2021 debut proved to be an average hit for the network, Jane Tennant and her crew are back for a second season. Vanessa Lachey plays Jane.
Hawaii’s follow-up episode debuted to 5.31 on Monday following the conclusion of the NCIS two-parter Prisoners’ Dilemma, keeping up with its season one ratings.
Unfortunately, the franchise may eventually undergo a significant makeover as a result of this week’s lackluster start to the 2022–23 campaign.
In addition to Gibbs’ departure shortly after the start of season 19, the show has undergone significant changes recently.
Fans’ favorite agents Jack Sloane (Maria Bello) and Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham) have both left the show, and Jessica Knight has taken their places (Katrina Law).
Alden Parker, a new Special Agent in Charge, has taken over for Gibbs after nearly 20 years as the team’s leader (Gary Cole).
Alden has a long way to go before he can be as well-known as Gibbs, and the most recent statistics may raise questions about the future of NCIS.
Fortunately, Gibbs still has a chance to return at some point in the future after relocating to Alaska.
According to actor Mark, who works with Entertainment Weekly, “the character I play, as well as the desire to keep it new and challenging, has always drawn me here.
“This character has chosen the course it has from a plot perspective. I considered it to be sincere and acceptable. I’m not an old man. I believe the character resides in Alaska.
“As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show,” showrunner Steven D. Binder wrote on Instagram.
“Staying true to our characters has always been our compass; the stories we tell and the journeys taken by these characters have always been guided by this truth.
“So regarding Gibbs’ future, as devoted viewers of the program may have noticed over the years… Never underestimate Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
However, Gibbs’ removal from the new season’s opening titles has left NCIS fans mourning his absence.
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