Let’s not sugarcoat it—NCIS isn’t the show it used to be. As a loyal fan who’s watched every single episode since the early days of Gibbs, Abby, and Tony, I’ve tried to stay optimistic. But now? My worst fears have come true. The emotional core, the intricate Navy-driven plots, the leadership structure—it’s all slipping away.
So, what exactly went wrong?
Let’s break it down.
The Downward Shift—How the Tone Changed
NCIS Was Once A Gold Standard for Crime Dramas
Back in its prime, NCIS blended military precision with quirky team dynamics. It had bite. Heart. Justice.
But Lately? It Feels Like a Soap Opera in Uniform
We’re watching more love triangles and family drama than investigations. Instead of forensic leads and high-stakes operations, we’re wrapped up in subplots that feel… irrelevant.
Gibbs’ Departure Left a Hole That Hasn’t Been Filled
Leroy Jethro Gibbs Was Irreplaceable
No, this isn’t just nostalgia talking. Gibbs wasn’t just a character—he was the moral compass. His leadership grounded the chaos.
Agent Alden Parker Isn’t It
Gary Cole’s Parker isn’t the problem—he’s a great actor. But the writing has done little to let him truly lead. He’s either quirky or forgettable. That doesn’t cut it when you’re supposed to follow Gibbs.
The Storytelling Is Getting Lazy
No More Clever Arcs
Remember the Ari Haswari arc? The Port-to-Port Killer? Harper Dearing? These villains haunted us. Now we get one-and-done antagonists who vanish without impact.
Dropped Threads Are Everywhere
Characters mention traumatic events, and then they’re never brought up again. Why introduce emotional weight if you’re going to throw it away next week?
Recycled Plots and Predictable Beats
Ever notice how many episodes now follow this pattern?
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Crime with shock value
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One team member takes it personally
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Case solves itself
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Everyone drinks coffee and shares a hug
That formula worked… 10 seasons ago. Now it’s just noise.
The Team Dynamic Feels Forced
It Used to Be Organic
Gibbs and his “kids” felt like a real family. Ziva’s banter with Tony. Abby’s hugs. Ducky’s wisdom.
Now It’s Manufactured
The emotional connections feel written, not lived. I want to root for Knight and Torres, but they’re constantly trapped in melodrama.
Ratings Are Dropping—And Fans Are Speaking Out
The Internet Is Flooded With Disappointment
Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and even IMDb reviews are filled with fans begging for the old NCIS vibe. They’re not just nitpicking. They’re heartbroken.
“I stuck around hoping it would click again. It didn’t.”
— Longtime Redditor r/NCIS
Even the Forensics Have Taken a Backseat
Where’s the science? The clues? The cool lab moments?
With no Abby and a watered-down Kasie, the geek-out moments that once defined NCIS are practically gone. The new episodes barely show lab analysis. That’s like removing the courtroom from Law & Order.
CBS Needs to Take Accountability
It’s not just the writers—this is a network issue.
The “NCISverse” Social Media Merger Was Tone-Deaf
CBS lumped NCIS, Hawai’i, and Sydney into one confusing feed. That’s not fan engagement—it’s dilution.
Cutting Episode Counts Makes It Worse
With shorter seasons and breaks in-between, the narrative momentum is shattered. It’s hard to invest when the story pauses every few weeks.
Spinoffs Are Thriving—So What’s Holding Back the Flagship?
NCIS: Sydney and NCIS: Origins feel fresh. They’re fun. But they still follow structure and honor legacy.
Why can’t the mothership do the same?
What CBS Must Do To Fix This—Before It’s Too Late
1. Refocus On Strong, Military-Driven Plots
Return to the Navy roots. Bring in experts. Let the military mystery shine again.
2. Give Parker Real Leadership Moments
Make him earn trust on-screen. Let him make hard choices. Show, don’t tell.
3. Resolve, Don’t Ignore, Emotional Arcs
When a team member goes through trauma, don’t move on like it never happened. Viewers remember everything.
4. Let the Cast Breathe
Not everything needs romance or drama. Let characters grow without dragging them through soap tropes.
5. Make It Feel Dangerous Again
Fans loved the show because it had real stakes. Bring back arcs that last multiple episodes. Introduce a big bad. Take risks.
Conclusion: We’re Still Here, But Don’t Take Us for Granted
NCIS fans are loyal—sometimes to a fault. We’ve stuck around because we care. But loyalty doesn’t mean blind acceptance. It means wanting the show to be the best version of itself.
CBS, you’ve still got the time, the cast, and the legacy to make this right.
Just… listen to us.
Before it’s too late.
5 FAQs About The Current NCIS Struggles
Q1: Is NCIS really losing viewers?
Yes. Ratings have dipped in recent seasons, especially after Mark Harmon’s departure.
Q2: Will Gibbs ever return?
It’s unlikely, but never say never. Fans would welcome even a brief cameo to restore emotional closure.
Q3: Are new characters the issue?
Not inherently. The problem is how they’re written. They need meaningful development, not drama for drama’s sake.
Q4: Why does NCIS feel different now?
The writing tone, team chemistry, and plot focus have all shifted toward personal drama rather than investigative storytelling.
Q5: Is there hope for future seasons?
Absolutely. With better writing, stronger arcs, and attention to fan feedback, NCIS can absolutely rebound.
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If you’re still reading, you’re the reason this show matters. Keep speaking up, keep supporting smart storytelling, and maybe—just maybe—CBS will start listening again.
