What Just Happened in the NCIS World?
If you’re a die-hard NCIS fan, chances are you’ve already heard the gut-punch news—NCIS: New Orleans has officially been cancelled. After seven thrilling seasons, CBS decided to pull the plug on the Southern-based spin-off. Now, everyone’s asking the burning question: Is the original NCIS next in line? Let’s break it all down—from what led to NCIS: New Orleans getting the axe, to whether Gibbs, McGee, and the rest of the original crew are at risk.
The Legacy of NCIS – A Franchise Like No Other
How NCIS Took Over Network TV
Back in 2003, when NCIS first premiered, nobody expected it to become a cultural juggernaut. But here we are, over 20 seasons later, and it’s still one of the highest-rated shows on CBS.
The Birth of a Franchise
What started as a spin-off of JAG turned into a powerhouse universe. With shows like:
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NCIS: Los Angeles
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NCIS: New Orleans
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NCIS: Hawaii
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NCIS: Sydney (Yes, even Down Under got one!)
It’s no exaggeration to say NCIS built a franchise to rival Marvel—at least on TV.
NCIS: New Orleans – Why It Was Cancelled
The Official Word from CBS
According to CBS, the cancellation of NCIS: New Orleans was a “creative decision.” But let’s be real—networks rarely cancel a show unless viewership starts to dip or production gets too expensive.
Ratings Tell the Real Story
While NCIS: New Orleans started strong, its viewership declined steadily over the years. By Season 7, it was pulling in far fewer viewers compared to the flagship series.
Cast & Crew Changes Played a Role
When original showrunner Gary Glasberg passed away, it left a creative void. Though new leadership stepped in, the tone and pacing changed—something fans definitely noticed.
Is the Original NCIS in Danger Too?
Signs Point to “Not Yet”
So, let’s answer the big question: Will the original NCIS be cancelled too?
Right now, the answer is no. In fact, the show remains one of the top performers on network TV.
Ratings Still Rule the Roost
Despite being over two decades old, NCIS consistently ranks among CBS’s most-watched series. As long as people are tuning in, the network has little reason to pull the plug.
Loyal Fanbase Keeps It Alive
NCIS has an army of loyal viewers who tune in religiously. The show isn’t just a crime drama—it’s a ritual for millions of fans.
The Impact of Gibbs’ Departure
Mark Harmon Stepping Down—The Beginning of the End?
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: Mark Harmon (aka Gibbs) left the show during Season 19. For many, Gibbs was NCIS.
Can the Show Survive Without Him?
So far, yes. Gary Cole has stepped in as Alden Parker and brought his own flair to the team. While it’s not quite the same, fans have slowly warmed up to the new dynamic.
The NCIS Universe Is Expanding, Not Shrinking
New Spin-Offs on the Horizon
Believe it or not, even as NCIS: New Orleans ends, the franchise continues to expand. NCIS: Sydney premiered in 2023, marking the brand’s first international installment.
CBS Is Betting Big on the Brand
If CBS were planning to kill off the whole franchise, they wouldn’t be launching new shows. That’s a strong indicator that the core NCIS is safe—for now.
Behind-the-Scenes Politics
Budget Battles and Creative Control
Sometimes it’s not about ratings—it’s about money and power. Higher production costs and disagreements with writers or producers can doom a show, no matter how popular.
Is CBS Trimming the Fat?
By canceling a lower-performing show like NCIS: New Orleans, CBS may simply be reallocating resources to better-performing spin-offs or brand-new projects.
What This Means for Fans
Mixed Emotions Across the Fandom
There’s no sugarcoating it—fans are upset. While some accept the decision, many are venting on social media, expressing fears about the whole franchise collapsing.
Fan Campaigns and Petitions
Believe it or not, several online petitions have been started to save NCIS: New Orleans or to ensure NCIS doesn’t meet the same fate.
Could NCIS: New Orleans Come Back?
Reboots Are Always on the Table
In today’s age of nostalgia, nothing stays dead for long. Who’s to say CBS (or another network/streamer) won’t revive NCIS: New Orleans down the line?
Streaming Services Could Step In
Shows like Lucifer and Brooklyn Nine-Nine found second life on platforms like Netflix and Peacock. There’s always a chance NOLA could return in some form.
What’s Next for the NCIS Franchise?
NCIS: Hawaii Continues Strong
With strong characters and fresh tropical settings, NCIS: Hawaii is gaining steam. It’s helping carry the torch while the main show evolves.
International Expansion Could Be the Future
From Sydney to possibly other locations around the globe, NCIS could become a global crime-solving brand.
The Formula That Keeps NCIS Alive
Familiar, Yet Fresh
One of the biggest strengths of NCIS is its formula—action, humor, heart, and just enough personal drama to keep us hooked.
Characters You Can Root For
Whether it’s Gibbs’ quiet strength or McGee’s geeky charm, NCIS knows how to create characters we care about. That emotional connection is the show’s secret weapon.
The NCIS franchise is going through a bit of a reorganization. CBS’s ratings juggernaut spawned two spinoffs, but the newest of those – NCIS: New Orleans – is coming to an end as the original NCIS could be nearing a conclusion as well. Per THR, NCIS: New Orleans will end with its current Season 7, with the series finale scheduled to air on May 16, 2021 on CBS. The show, which is led by Scott Bakula, has been steadily declining in viewership and its 10-episode seventh season is its lowest rated yet.
“It has been our sincere pleasure and honor to work on this show and with this incredible cast and crew for over 150 episodes,” said executive producers Christopher Silber and Jan Nash. “As disappointed as we are to see NOLA end, we couldn’t be prouder of the work we’ve done and are grateful to the spectacular and resilient Crescent City that embraced us for seven wonderful years.” “Sad to end our love affair with this phenomenal city but so grateful for all the friends we made along the way,” said series star and executive producer Scott Bakula. “I will miss the music. Big thank you to CBS for seven years.”
The first NCIS spinoff, NCIS: Los Angeles, is currently in its 12th season and is still going strong, but the original NCIS starring Mark Harmon may be coming to an end sooner rather than later. The producers and stars are currently waiting to hear from CBS if they’ll be renewed for Season 19, but Harmon’s deal on the show comes to a close this season. THR reports that when Harmon heard CBS would end the show if he left, he made a deal to return for a handful of episodes if it gets renewed for a 19th season. So if NCIS Season 19 happens, expect Harmon to be back in a limited capacity.
NCIS is the longest running show currently on CBS, but that also means it’s their most expensive. Viewership has been pretty solid, but when any show gets this old, the salaries for the cast and crew grow to a number that becomes cost-prohibitive, which is why you often seen actors get replaced or the shows cancelled altogether. But CBS isn’t giving up on the franchise entirely. THR reports that another spinoff, NCIS: Hawaii, is nearing a pickup and that show would be run by NCIS: New Orleans showrunner Christopher Silber. That show would shoot in Hawaii, where CBS previously set up shop for Hawaii Five-0.
However, even if NCIS gets cancelled or if Harmon leaves the series, there’s no such thing as finality on CBS. A limited series revival of CSI – the forerunner to procedurals like NCIS – is currently in the works with original cast members William Peterson and Jorja Fox returning.
