Why This Week Matters
It’s that time again — renewal predictions, ratings deep‑dives, and “Will‑it‑stay‑or‑will‑it‑go?” discussions. This week on CBS, the spotlight falls on NCIS: Origins and Fire Country (as well as its spin‑off Sheriff Country).
Though both shows were renewed for the 2025–26 season, recent ratings and scheduling quirks have fans scratching their heads. Could Origins be quietly slipping into “trouble zone”? And might Sheriff Country drag Fire Country down with it? Let’s break it all down.
What the Numbers Say: Where NCIS: Origins Stands
Recent Ratings Snapshot
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In the most recent week, NCIS: Origins pulled in a 0.36 rating and about 5.58 million viewers.
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However, by the latest ratings roundup, those numbers have dropped: 0.22 rating and roughly 3.96 million viewers.
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That’s a steep decline — and not a good sign for a freshman‑season show hoping to build momentum.
Why the Drop Matters More Than It Looks
A show’s live + same‑day ratings still matter for ad revenue and perception. For a network like CBS that values consistency, a dramatic drop in viewers often triggers internal alarm bells. Even with streaming and DVR numbers, advertisers look at those live ratings carefully.
Behind the Pause: Scheduling and Its Toll
Why No New Episode? Holiday Interruptions
Recently, CBS skipped a new episode of NCIS: Origins (and the rest of the NCIS block) during the Thanksgiving week. Instead, they aired reruns.
That kind of break can stall momentum — viewers might forget, switch to something else, or assume a show is in trouble.
Is the Delay a Warning Sign?
Maybe not yet — networks often shift scheduling around holidays. But for a show already losing viewers, a mid‑season pause can feel like a rough patch. If the return doesn’t bounce back strong, trouble could brew.
NCIS: Origins — Still Alive or On Life Support?
What Saved It So Far
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CBS officially renewed NCIS: Origins earlier this year when they green‑lit multiple current shows.
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That gives Origins a cushion — but not necessarily a guarantee. Renewal doesn’t equal long-term survival if ratings don’t improve.
What Could Sink It
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The sharp drop in viewers over the past weeks.
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Scheduling hiccups that confuse or lose the audience.
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Growing competition, both inside and outside the NCIS‑verse (other dramas, streaming alternatives, etc.).
Bottom line: Origins isn’t dead yet. But unless numbers rebound soon, it’s flirting with danger.
Fire Country: The Friday Anchor — But For How Long?
Fire Country’s Performance
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Fire Country remains on the roster for 2025–26, renewed early in the cycle.
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Yet recent ratings: 0.17 rating with around 3.70 million viewers.
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That is mediocre at best — not the kind of performance you expect from a “must‑keep” drama.
Enter Sheriff Country: Potential Lifeline or Dead Weight?
Sheriff Country was launched as a spin‑off of Fire Country — a chance to extend the Friday‑night drama block.
At first glance, spin‑offs can boost parent shows. But only if both shows maintain strong viewership. If Sheriff Country tanks, it could take Fire Country down with it.
The Risks for Sheriff Country — And Why That Spells Trouble for Fire Country
Spin‑Offs Are High‑Risk, High‑Reward
Spin‑offs often bank on the popularity of the original. But they also need to deliver their own identity. If Sheriff Country fails to resonate, it won’t just fade quietly — it could drag Fire Country’s Friday lineup down.
Ratings Pressure Is Real
CBS — like all major networks — monitors Friday-night ratings closely. Lower-than-expected numbers could prompt them to cut their losses. With Fire Country already underperforming, weak support from its spin-off makes things even shakier.
Streaming and DVR Don’t Always Save a Show
Live ratings are still king. Even if a show does well later on streaming or DVR, lower live‑viewership hurts advertising and perceived value. For Fire Country and Sheriff Country, that could be the tipping point.
CBS’s Bigger Picture: Why They Might Pull the Plug
Refresh Rate: CBS Is Not Afraid to Shake Up Its Slate
CBS has already shown willingness to cancel long‑running shows in favor of new content. Their 2025–26 renewals came with caveats: underperformers were on notice.
The Cost-Benefit of Keeping Weak Shows Alive
If resources can be reallocated to more promising series — or new pilots altogether — it may not make sense for CBS to prop up weaker performers.
Viewer Fatigue and Market Saturation
With so many crime dramas, spin‑offs, and reboots airing simultaneously, audiences might simply be saturated. That reduces the chance for mid‑tier shows to carve out a lasting space.
What Could Save Them — Or Delay the Inevitable
A Big Bounce Back Week
A strong episode, crossover, or plot twist that draws ratings back over 5M — or even high streaming numbers — could buy time.
Leveraging Streaming or DVR Success
If delayed‑viewing numbers spike significantly, CBS may decide that’s enough to keep going — especially if advertising revenue remains stable.
Refining the Spin‑Off Strategy
If Sheriff Country can find its footing — strong characters, compelling story arcs, better promotion — it might lift Fire Country by association.
What Fans Can Do Right Now
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Tune in live — live viewers matter most for network ratings.
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Promote the show on social media — word-of-mouth still counts, especially for spin‑offs.
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Watch or stream quickly — streaming numbers can influence mid‑season reviews and renewal decisions.
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Engage on fan platforms and vote — many networks pay attention to fan engagement when a show hovers near the bubble.
In short: treat it like your favorite team is on the brink — every vote (or click) counts.
Final Verdict — Are NCIS: Origins, Fire Country, and Sheriff Country Safe?
At this moment:
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NCIS: Origins — Unstable. Renewed officially, but steep ratings decline puts it at risk if it doesn’t recover soon.
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Fire Country — Precarious. Under‑performing Fridays, and dependent on its spin‑off’s success.
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Sheriff Country — Make or break. Could revive the Friday block — or become the reason it collapses.
CBS isn’t panicking yet. But if numbers don’t shift soon, don’t be surprised to see cancellations or major reshuffling before season’s end.
Conclusion
Television isn’t just entertainment — it’s numbers, momentum, and a constant battle for attention. For “NCIS: Origins,” “Fire Country,” and “Sheriff Country,” this week may not be save‑or‑axe time — but it’s a warning shot. If the shows don’t bounce back quickly, they risk being cut loose.
In a crowded TV landscape, even a single dip in ratings can cascade into cancellations. So for fans, now’s the time to rally: watch live, stream fast, tweet, post, talk. Because when a show’s fate hangs by digits, every viewer matters.
