The Fight to Save ‘NCIS’: Is It Too Late, Even for Mark Harmon?
“NCIS” once ruled the primetime throne with millions tuning in every week. Mark Harmon, the face of the franchise, stood as the show’s beating heart. But times have changed. Now, with Harmon fighting behind the scenes to keep the show alive, it’s fair to ask—is there any saving NCIS, or has the audience already moved on?
Let’s dig into how this once-unshakeable procedural may be approaching its final act, and why even Gibbs might not be able to rescue it.
Why Mark Harmon Stepped Away – And What That Meant for NCIS
Harmon’s quiet exit in Season 19 felt more like a whisper than a bang. His character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, had been the backbone of the show since its 2003 debut. But after years of playing the stoic team leader, Harmon decided it was time for a break.
He didn’t leave completely—he stayed on as an executive producer. Still, Gibbs’ absence created a noticeable void. Fans tuned in expecting their favorite leader. Instead, they got a series still trying to figure out how to move forward.
Audience Fatigue: A Major Blow to Long-Running Shows
Here’s the truth: audiences don’t just get tired of characters—they get tired of the formula. After more than 20 seasons, NCIS has become predictable. While the show still has a loyal fanbase, numbers don’t lie. Ratings have steadily declined, even with new blood and spinoffs like NCIS: Hawai’i and NCIS: Sydney trying to breathe new life into the franchise.
People aren’t watching like they used to, and streaming platforms have given viewers thousands of newer, fresher options.
Can ‘NCIS’ Survive Without Gibbs?
It’s a valid question. Can you really keep NCIS going without Mark Harmon at the center? The show has tried—with Gary Cole stepping in as Alden Parker—but fans haven’t connected with him the way they did with Gibbs.
Sure, Cole brings something different to the table. But it’s not what made the series iconic. And while Harmon may still hold influence behind the scenes, the lack of his physical presence on screen is noticeable.
Mark Harmon’s Ongoing Role: Executive Producer with Purpose
Don’t count Harmon out just yet. He’s still heavily involved with the creative direction of the show. As executive producer, he’s reportedly been pushing for a return to classic NCIS storytelling, urging the writers to dig deeper into character-driven plots.
But with shrinking viewership and a crowded TV landscape, it might be too little, too late.
‘NCIS: Origins’ – Harmon’s Gamble to Reignite the Brand
One of Harmon’s boldest moves has been helping develop NCIS: Origins, a prequel focusing on a young Gibbs in the early days of his career. It’s an interesting twist—going backward to move forward.
Mark Harmon narrates the series, and his son, Sean Harmon, helped conceptualize it. But here’s the kicker: even Origins isn’t guaranteed success. With a fresh-faced cast and a throwback vibe, the show is a gamble in a market that’s already overwhelmed with content.
Changing Viewer Habits – A Challenge No One Can Control
Let’s face it: TV isn’t what it used to be. Today’s audiences binge-watch on their own time. Procedural dramas are losing ground to streaming hits that drop entire seasons at once.
Even legacy shows like Law & Order have struggled to keep pace. And if you’re not trending on social media or dominating Netflix, are you even on the radar anymore?
Is There Still Loyalty Among Long-Time NCIS Fans?
Absolutely—but even loyalty has limits. Some viewers stuck around after Harmon left, hoping things would get better. But many have expressed disappointment in newer episodes, calling them “bland” or “uninspired.”
Without strong story arcs or compelling characters like Abby, Tony, Ziva, and Ducky, even die-hard fans are starting to feel the disconnect.
Spinoffs Can’t Carry the Franchise Forever
While NCIS: Hawai’i and NCIS: Sydney offer a fresh location and cast, they don’t have the heart and familiarity that the original did with Harmon at the helm. Spinoffs can boost interest, but they’re not enough to carry the weight of the franchise.
And with NCIS: Los Angeles officially wrapped, the cracks in the foundation are beginning to show.
Hollywood Strikes Didn’t Help Either
The recent WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes delayed production, broke momentum, and shortened seasons. That didn’t just impact NCIS—it impacted every major show. But for a series already losing steam, the interruption hit harder.
Mark Harmon’s Legacy: Is It Already Cemented?
Let’s give credit where credit is due. Mark Harmon helped turn NCIS into a global juggernaut. The show’s run is nothing short of legendary. But is that legacy at risk?
Harmon’s desire to save the series is admirable. But even he may recognize that NCIS’s golden era is in the past, not the future.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
With declining ratings, aging cast members, and increased competition, NCIS finds itself in an identity crisis. Should it evolve dramatically? Or bow out gracefully while it still holds some dignity?
Mark Harmon may be fighting to keep the engine running, but without meaningful change or a fresh, compelling hook, the show risks becoming background noise.
What NCIS Needs to Do to Survive
If there’s any hope left, here’s what NCIS should consider:
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Bring back legacy characters for limited arcs to draw interest.
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Introduce truly unique storylines, not just cookie-cutter cases.
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Embrace the streaming model—drop full arcs or seasons instead of weekly episodes.
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Take real risks, even if it means killing off a major character or introducing new formats.
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Let Gibbs return—even temporarily—to boost engagement.
Mark Harmon Can’t Save NCIS Alone
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about Mark Harmon. It’s about a show that’s outgrown its time slot and its formula. The audience has evolved. The question is—can NCIS evolve with it?
Harmon’s heart is clearly still in it. But saving NCIS may require more than loyalty and nostalgia—it may require transformation. And fast.
Conclusion: The Clock Is Ticking on NCIS
Mark Harmon is fighting the good fight, but the battle to keep NCIS relevant is nearing its end. Audiences have moved on, competition is fiercer than ever, and the show’s familiar rhythm may no longer be enough.
Still, if anyone can breathe life into a dying giant, it’s Harmon. But even heroes have their limits. And maybe, just maybe, it’s time to let NCIS sail into the sunset with its head held high.
