As we approach the midseason and shows are already or soon will be on break for the holidays, it’s a good time to check in on how our returning favorites have fared in recent months. After all, with several seasons in double digits, some are closer to the end than the beginning.
We already know that series like New Amsterdam, The Flash, and Riverdale will end in 2023, but more are likely to join them in the coming months. Will all three NCIS, Law & Order, and One Chicago shows, for example, return in the 2023-2024 season?
We look at the 13 longest-running primetime scripted shows and their ratings (in the key demo of adults 18-49 and total viewers) this season compared to last year in the table below. Furthermore, we predict that it will end in 2023.
The Simpsons (Fox) – is currently in its 34th season.
Ratings: Given that its averages this season (0.94 rating, 2.97 million viewers) place it first and second among Fox’s lineup (and yes, that includes an episode that aired after an NFL game), it’s safe to say it’s still doing well.
Is it coming to an end? No, unless the creative team requests it.
Law & Order: Special V1ctims Unit (NBC)
The current season is 24.
Ratings: While the rating has decreased, total viewers have remained stable compared to last year. So far, this season’s averages (0.56 rating, 4.51 million viewers) have been pretty consistent.
Is it coming to an end? No. It’s unlikely to end until Mariska Hargitay decides to leave.
Law & Order (NBC) – is currently in its 22nd season.
Ratings: Because Season 21 debuted in the middle of the season, just over a decade after the original finale, it’s a little more difficult to compare, but ratings and viewership have remained fairly consistent. And, like SVU, its season averages (0.48 rating, 4.22 million viewers) have been as expected.
Is it coming to an end? No. Even if more cast changes are on the way, it’s difficult to imagine NBC renewing this show for only two seasons.
Family Guy (Fox) – Season 21 is currently underway.
Ratings: Its 0.44 rating and 1.35 million viewers place it in the middle and lower third of Fox’s lineup, but it’s a long-running hit that has only recently reached 400 episodes.
Is it coming to an end? No, unless the creative team requests it.
NCIS (CBS) – is currently in season 20.
Ratings: Despite its lower numbers (0.44 rating, 6.59 million viewers), the CBS procedural is still doing well.
Is it coming to an end? No, not based on ratings, though we can’t rule it out completely.
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) – Season 19 is currently underway.
Ratings: The ABC medical drama’s ratings and viewership are down from last season (with averages of a 0.49 rating and 3.5 million viewers).
Is it coming to an end? Maybe. It will most likely be determined solely by how the series performs in the episodes without Ellen Pompeo and how much (if at all) she would return for Season 20.
NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS) – is currently in its 14th season.
Ratings: Its numbers (0.37 rating, 4.17 million viewers) may be down, but the move to 10/9c and football delays must be considered.
Is it coming to an end? Most likely not, but after the question mark last season, we’re leaving the door open.
Blue Bloods (CBS) – is currently in its 13th season.
Ratings are down slightly from last season, with this episode averaging a 0.41 rating and 5.96 million viewers.
Is it coming to an end? Most likely, no. It’s done well for CBS on Fridays, and we don’t see it ending until Tom Selleck is ready.
Bob’s Burgers (Fox) – Season 13 is currently underway.
Ratings: This season, its numbers (0.47 rating, 1.39 million viewers) place it in the middle of Fox’s lineup.
Is it coming to an end? No, unless the creative team requests it.
Chicago Fire (NBC) is currently in its 11th season.
Ratings: While the drama’s ratings have fallen slightly, it still has a 0.66 rating and 6.84 million viewers.
Is it coming to an end? No. NBC’s One Chicago is a smash hit.
The Blacklist (NBC) – is currently in its 10th season.
N/A for ratings. Season 10 will not debut until February 26, 2023. Season 9 did, however, average a 0.29 rating and 2.97 million viewers.
Is it coming to an end? Maybe. To be honest, we didn’t expect it to last after Megan Boone’s departure, but it could very well last until James Spader decides he’s ready to leave.
Chicago P.D. (NBC) – is in its 10th season.
Ratings: While the drama’s ratings have fallen slightly, it still has a 0.6 rating and 5.41 million viewers.
Is it coming to an end? No. NBC’s One Chicago is a smash hit.
The Goldbergs (ABC) – Season 10
Ratings: The ABC comedy is down from last season (0.39 rating, 2.43 million viewers).
Is it coming to an end? Maybe. It is the second-lowest rated and watched ABC comedy.
Related News – Be sure to get some more news when it comes to NCIS.