Team Behind ‘NCIS’ in Crisis Mode Amid Low Viewership, Hoping to Tap Mark Harmon to Return

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The unthinkable is happening—NCIS, one of the most successful and longest-running procedural dramas in TV history, is losing its grip on audiences.

After dominating Monday nights for over two decades, the show is seeing a noticeable dip in viewership, particularly among younger demographics. While CBS still considers NCIS a flagship series, the recent numbers have reportedly sent the creative team into panic mode.

📺 Ratings Reality: What the Numbers Say

Let’s break it down:

  • Season 22 finale drew significantly lower numbers than previous season enders.

  • Live viewership is down nearly 18% year-over-year.

  • Streaming on Paramount+ has slowed, particularly with key 18–34 demographics.

While the show still has a loyal fan base, it’s clear something’s changed. Viewers are drifting away, and the buzz around NCIS just isn’t what it used to be.

🚨 CBS Scrambles to Save Its Powerhouse

Behind the scenes, CBS executives are reportedly holding emergency meetings, discussing drastic measures to breathe life back into the show. One key solution keeps coming up:

Bring Mark Harmon back.

👤 Mark Harmon: The Missing Piece?

Mark Harmon, who played Leroy Jethro Gibbs, was the face of NCIS for 18 seasons. Since his departure in Season 19, the show has undergone massive shifts in tone, casting, and direction.

While Gary Cole (Alden Parker) has done a solid job stepping in, fans still miss Gibbs. And that longing for Harmon’s no-nonsense leadership might be the missing spark.

🗣️ What Sources Are Saying

According to multiple industry insiders:

  • Producers are actively reaching out to Harmon.

  • Discussions are ongoing about a limited-episode arc or cameo.

  • There’s hope that Harmon could return in Season 23’s mid-season or finale.

A return like that could revive ratings, re-engage lapsed viewers, and reignite buzz on social media.

💬 What Fans Are Saying Online

Across Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and fan forums, the sentiment is loud and clear:

“We want Gibbs back.”

  • “NCIS isn’t the same without Mark Harmon.”

  • “I stopped watching after Gibbs left.”

  • “I’d come back in a heartbeat if they brought Gibbs back.”

The fanbase sees Harmon not just as a character, but as the soul of the show.

📽️ A Brief Timeline of Gibbs’ Departure

Season 19, Episode 4: “Great Wide Open”

This was the emotional episode where Gibbs walked away from NCIS, choosing peace and isolation over returning to his old life.

No On-Screen Return Since

While his character is occasionally mentioned, Gibbs has been absent on-screen for multiple seasons. Even key character arcs and major events haven’t pulled him back in.

🧩 Why Ratings Are Dropping Without Harmon

1. Shift in Tone and Pacing

The show’s rhythm has changed. With Gibbs gone, the intensity and emotional core feel different.

2. Lack of Long-Term Story Arcs

Gibbs’ journey was multi-seasonal. Viewers were invested in his personal struggles and moral dilemmas. Recent seasons have felt more episodic, less layered.

3. Audience Attachment

Let’s be honest—Gibbs was the heart and backbone of NCIS. His quiet strength, moral code, and leadership style kept fans watching.

🤝 Could Mark Harmon Even Return?

Here’s what we know:

  • Harmon is still listed as Executive Producer on NCIS, meaning he’s involved behind the scenes.

  • He hasn’t shut the door on returning. In a past interview, Harmon said:

    “Gibbs is not retired, he’s just… off the grid.”

That’s not a no—it’s a maybe with hope.

🎯 How CBS Might Bring Gibbs Back

Option 1: Limited Guest Arc

Think 3-episode special where Gibbs returns for a major case or internal crisis.

Option 2: Surprise Finale Appearance

Drop a Gibbs cameo in the Season 23 finale—perfect cliffhanger material.

Option 3: Flashback Episode

Gibbs appears in a flashback or memory sequence, offering emotional weight without needing to fully return.

🎬 Would a Gibbs Return Really Fix Things?

Most likely, yes.

Just look at what happened with shows like Law & Order or Grey’s Anatomy—returning legacy characters spark interest, boost ratings, and reignite fan loyalty.

Even if Harmon doesn’t return full-time, a strategic, emotional comeback could stabilize viewership—and give fans closure they’ve been craving.

📝 What NCIS Needs to Do Next

  • Reconnect with long-term fans.

  • Reinvest in serialized storytelling.

  • Bring back legacy characters (not just Gibbs).

  • Refresh without abandoning the core.

Conclusion

NCIS is at a crossroads. With viewership dropping and fan interest waning, the pressure is on behind the scenes. Tapping Mark Harmon to return—even briefly—could be the jolt the series desperately needs.

The show doesn’t just need a boost. It needs Gibbs—and fans know it.

So the big question remains:
Will Mark Harmon answer the call?

❓FAQs About NCIS and Mark Harmon’s Potential Return

1. Why did Mark Harmon leave NCIS originally?

He wanted to slow down, and the showrunners felt it was a natural end to Gibbs’ journey—at least for the time being.

2. Is there a confirmed return date for Gibbs in Season 23?

No confirmation yet, but multiple credible sources say discussions are ongoing for a return later in the season.

3. How has viewership changed since Harmon left?

Live ratings have dropped by 15–20%, and online engagement has declined as well.

4. Would Mark Harmon be open to returning?

Yes—he has left the door open and remains a producer on the show, keeping him close to the action.

5. Will CBS cancel NCIS if ratings keep falling?

Not likely in the short term—but if the downward trend continues, major changes (or even a reboot) could be on the table.

📢 Custom Message:
If you want Gibbs back, let CBS know. Share this article, tag your friends, and keep the NCIS conversation alive—because it’s not over till Gibbs says it is. 🔍💥

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