For nearly two decades, NCIS reigned supreme on CBS. It wasn’t just a hit—it was a television institution.
But lately? The once-mighty crime procedural is showing signs of serious fatigue.
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Ratings are slipping
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Spinoffs are multiplying—but not all are thriving
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Fan enthusiasm is split between nostalgia and burnout
So what’s the solution?
Reviving the original NCIS in its most iconic form—and doing it right—might be the only way to bring the franchise back from the brink.
The Decline of a Flagship Giant
A Slow and Painful Fade
Over the past few seasons, fans have noticed a change. NCIS still delivers procedural drama, but the emotional punch? The tight-knit team chemistry? It’s not what it used to be.
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Mark Harmon’s departure as Leroy Jethro Gibbs left a massive hole
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New characters haven’t quite filled the emotional void
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Storylines have become more formulaic, lacking the depth of earlier seasons
The result? Viewership is dropping, and the NCIS brand feels like it’s running on fumes.
Why CBS Can’t Afford to Let NCIS Fail
CBS owes much of its identity—and financial success—to the NCIS universe.
Think about it:
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NCIS spun off NCIS: LA, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawai’i, and now NCIS: Sydney and NCIS: Origins
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It consistently held top ratings for years
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The franchise is a massive source of syndication and international revenue
But if the core show crumbles, the entire structure could collapse.
And right now, the cracks are showing.
The Case for a Revival of the Original NCIS
Going Back to What Worked
When shows falter, networks often try to fix things with flashy new ideas: reboots, crossovers, spinoffs.
But what if the solution is simpler?
Bring back the heart of the original NCIS.
We’re talking about:
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Familiar faces
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Character-driven stories
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High-stakes emotion that made the early seasons unforgettable
It wouldn’t just be a revival. It would be a rescue mission.
What Would a True Revival Look Like?
Not a Reboot—A Return
To be clear, fans aren’t asking for a reboot that ignores the show’s history.
They’re asking for a reconnection with what made the show iconic.
That could include:
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Mark Harmon returning in some capacity—yes, even a limited one
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Revisiting unfinished character arcs (Ziva, DiNozzo, Abby, etc.)
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Rebuilding the core team dynamic that made NCIS more than just another procedural
In short?
Give fans a reason to care again.
Could Mark Harmon Come Back?
Never Say Never in the NCIS Universe
Mark Harmon’s exit from NCIS in Season 19 felt final—at least on the surface. But behind the scenes?
There’s always been an open door.
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Harmon remains an executive producer
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The door was left open for Gibbs to “live in Alaska,” not die
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His legacy still looms large in every episode
Bringing him back—even briefly—could deliver the emotional spark the series desperately needs.
Fan Demand Is Loud—and Growing
Nostalgia Is the Franchise’s Greatest Weapon
In the era of legacy TV (think Frasier, Dexter, Sex and the City), nostalgia sells.
And few shows evoke stronger loyalty than NCIS. Online forums, Reddit threads, and fan pages are full of the same message:
“We miss the old team.”
“Bring back the soul of the show.”
“Without Gibbs, it’s just not the same.”
CBS would be smart to listen—before it’s too late.
The Rise (and Struggle) of NCIS Spinoffs
Let’s be honest—NCIS is everywhere now.
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NCIS: LA wrapped up its run with a modest sendoff
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NCIS: Hawai’i was recently canceled, sparking major fan backlash
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NCIS: Origins and Sydney are new—but unproven in the long run
While these series expand the universe, they don’t anchor it. Without a strong core, the spinoffs can’t hold weight.
That’s why the main show needs to get back on its feet.
Could a Revival Fix What’s Broken?
Yes—if done with heart, not just strategy.
Reviving the original NCIS isn’t about playing the hits. It’s about reconnecting the emotional DNA of the show:
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Trust between team members
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Character evolution over time
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The blend of mystery, humor, and heart that once made the show magic
It’s not enough to fill time slots. The show has to feel alive again.
What the Revival Could Focus On
Here’s a potential blueprint that fans would rally around:
1. A Reunion Arc
Bring back original team members (Tony, Ziva, Abby) for a storyline that justifies their return and ties into Gibbs’ legacy.
2. An Emotional Catalyst
Something that pulls Gibbs back into the field—personally, not professionally.
3. Rebuilding the Team
Create new dynamics by mixing legacy characters with fresh, well-developed agents.
4. A Finite Run
Commit to a limited revival season—maybe 10 episodes—to keep quality high and expectations focused.
The Time to Act Is Now
The longer CBS waits, the harder this gets. Actors move on. Audiences drift. Momentum fades.
If there’s ever been a time to recapture the NCIS magic, it’s now—before viewers decide the franchise’s best days are truly behind it.
Final Thoughts – Reviving NCIS Could Be the Franchise’s Saving Grace
It’s clear: NCIS as we know it can’t keep limping forward. But with the right creative choices, the right cast, and the right emotional grounding, a return to the show’s original glory could not only stabilize the flagship—but save the whole franchise.
Sometimes, to move forward, you have to go back to where it all started.
FAQs
1. Is CBS planning an NCIS original revival?
As of now, nothing official has been announced. But fans and industry insiders are speculating that a return to the show’s original form could be in the works—especially as ratings wane.
2. Could Mark Harmon return to NCIS?
Yes, it’s possible. Harmon left the door open for future appearances, and his continued role as executive producer keeps him connected to the series.
3. Why is NCIS struggling right now?
Declining ratings, cast shakeups, and lukewarm reception to new characters have caused a dip in the show’s momentum and cultural presence.
4. What would an NCIS revival look like?
A true revival would focus on bringing back beloved characters, reintroducing emotional storytelling, and restoring the core dynamic that made the show iconic.
5. Are the NCIS spinoffs enough to sustain the franchise?
Not really. While they expand the universe, the original series is still seen as the anchor. If it fails, the rest may struggle to survive long-term.
If CBS wants to save the NCIS franchise, the answer isn’t a new show—it’s bringing the old one back to life.
