Introduction: When One Giant Lifts Another
Let’s be honest: NCIS has been the crown jewel in CBS’s primetime lineup for over two decades. It’s not just a hit—it’s a phenomenon. For five straight years, NCIS has held onto its spot as the most-watched scripted drama on U.S. television. That’s not luck; that’s legacy.
But here’s where things get really interesting.
CBS just dropped a new show that’s not only pulling in huge ratings—it’s doing it while NCIS is still ruling the airwaves. That kind of success? It’s like a rookie outrunning a veteran quarterback in their prime. And the fact that NCIS hasn’t slowed down one bit makes this new success story all the more jaw-dropping.
Let’s dive into why NCIS’s five-year streak sets the stage for CBS’s newest hit to shine even brighter—and what that means for the future of TV.
🔥 The Unshakeable Power of NCIS
What Is NCIS’s Five-Year Streak All About?
Since 2019, NCIS has consistently ranked as America’s most-watched scripted drama. That includes network dramas, cable series, and streaming originals. No other scripted show—not even Grey’s Anatomy, Chicago Fire, or The Rookie—has touched its numbers.
We’re talking over 10 million weekly viewers on average. That kind of loyalty is unheard of in today’s fractured TV landscape.
How NCIS Maintains Its Dominance
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Consistent Cast Chemistry: Even with departures like Mark Harmon, the ensemble has remained tight.
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Familiar Formula, Fresh Twists: Each episode delivers the right mix of crime-solving and character drama.
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Spin-Off Power: From NCIS: Los Angeles to NCIS: Hawaiʻi, the franchise keeps expanding.
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Syndication & Streaming: Re-runs and streaming availability keep pulling in new fans.
CBS’s Newest Hit Show: What’s the Buzz About?
Meet the Show That’s Turning Heads
Enter CBS’s latest juggernaut: Tracker. Starring Justin Hartley (yep, Kevin from This Is Us), this action-packed series combines mystery, survival, and a man-on-a-mission vibe that’s both addictive and emotional.
What Makes Tracker Stand Out
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A Fresh Narrative: Instead of a team of agents, it follows a lone survivalist with a personal mission.
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Modern Vibes, Classic Structure: It blends serialized arcs with procedural storytelling.
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A Lead With Star Power: Justin Hartley brings depth, emotion, and physicality to the screen.
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Viewers Are Showing Up: Its premiere brought in over 12 million live viewers—the biggest debut for a new drama in five years.
Why NCIS’s Success Boosts Tracker’s Appeal
The ‘Halo Effect’ Explained
In television, there’s a phenomenon known as the halo effect—when a powerhouse show like NCIS draws in viewers who are then more likely to stick around and sample what’s on next.
Tracker is airing in the coveted post-Super Bowl slot and Sunday primetime—a slot once reserved for network royalty. CBS is placing it right where NCIS fans are already watching.
Shared Audience, Different Vibe
Even though Tracker is grittier and more serialized, it appeals to the same demographic: viewers who love compelling heroes, high stakes, and emotional storytelling.
TV’s Changing Landscape: Why This Timing Is Everything
Why Network TV Needs This Kind of Win
Streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+ are siphoning off younger audiences. So when a network show like Tracker breaks through? That’s huge.
It signals that audiences still crave appointment viewing—something to watch live, together, and talk about afterward. And CBS is proving it can deliver.
CBS’s Strategy: The Right Moves at the Right Time
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Stacking Strong Lineups: Tracker isn’t just placed anywhere—it’s strategically scheduled.
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Promoting Across Platforms: Previews for Tracker ran during NCIS, the Super Bowl, and across Paramount+.
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Investing in Star Power: Between Justin Hartley and the NCIS franchise, CBS is leaning into talent that delivers.
From Streak to Synergy: NCIS and Tracker Working Together
When Legacy Supports Innovation
Think of NCIS as the sturdy tree and Tracker as the bold new branch. One provides stability, the other growth. CBS doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel—it just needs to expand the garage.
Thematic Overlap That Attracts Viewers
Both shows feature:
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Personal stakes
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High-pressure investigations
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Strong moral cores
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Memorable, character-driven arcs
That’s what today’s viewers crave—and CBS is giving it in double doses.
Ratings That Speak Volumes
Tracker’s Opening Numbers Smash Expectations
Let’s put it plainly: 12 million+ live viewers for a debut in 2024? That’s a big deal. It’s a number not seen since the heyday of NCIS: New Orleans or even the early Blue Bloods years.
Week-Over-Week Growth? Yep.
Tracker didn’t just launch big—it held strong in week two and gained in the key demo. That’s the kind of staying power networks pray for.
CBS: Still the King of Broadcast TV
The Most-Watched Network for 15 Years Straight
Let’s not forget: CBS hasn’t just been lucky with NCIS. It’s consistently the most-watched network, year after year. And with Tracker in the mix? That title isn’t going anywhere.
Why Other Networks Are Watching Closely
ABC, NBC, and even Fox are taking notes. CBS is proving that smart scheduling, powerful IP, and fresh faces still win—even in 2025.
The Future: Will Tracker Be the Next NCIS?
Early Signs Say Yes
CBS is already hinting at expanded arcs, crossovers, and even potential spin-offs. Sound familiar? That’s how NCIS started back in the early 2000s.
The Franchise Blueprint
If Tracker keeps delivering in Season 1, don’t be surprised if we see:
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Tracker: West Coast
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Tracker: Origins
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A crossover with NCIS: Sydney or NCIS: Origins
CBS loves to franchise success—and Tracker is ripe for it.
What Viewers Are Saying
Online Buzz Is Growing
Social media’s lighting up with hashtags like:
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#TrackerCBS
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#JustinHartleyIsBack
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#CBSIsBack
Fan theories, episode breakdowns, and character ships are already filling Reddit threads and Twitter feeds.
Critics Are Impressed Too
TVLine, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter all praised Tracker as “gripping,” “well-paced,” and “a breakout hit.”
The Real Takeaway
In a world where streaming platforms dominate the headlines, CBS is proving it still knows how to build a blockbuster—and NCIS’s five-year streak is the launchpad that’s helping Tracker soar even higher.
It’s not a competition. It’s synergy. And CBS is winning.
Conclusion: A New Era Built on a Legendary Legacy
When a show like NCIS holds a top spot for five straight years, you expect it to cast a long shadow. But instead of fading under that shadow, Tracker is basking in its light—and shining in its own right.
This isn’t just CBS lucking out again. This is a well-oiled machine proving that legacy and innovation can go hand-in-hand. And as audiences tune in week after week, they’re not just watching the rise of a new show—they’re witnessing the birth of what could be CBS’s next big franchise.
FAQs
1. How many years has NCIS been the top-rated scripted drama?
NCIS has held the title of most-watched scripted drama for five consecutive years, from 2019 through 2024.
2. What is CBS’s newest hit show mentioned in this article?
CBS’s newest hit is Tracker, starring Justin Hartley. It premiered in 2024 and quickly became one of the most-watched new dramas in years.
3. How do NCIS and Tracker complement each other?
While NCIS is a team-based procedural, Tracker follows a lone survivalist with personal missions. Both focus on justice, character-driven stories, and emotional arcs—making them appealing to the same core audience.
4. Could Tracker become its own franchise like NCIS?
Absolutely. CBS has a history of spinning off successful shows, and early success indicators suggest Tracker may follow the NCIS path.
5. Why is CBS still dominating network television?
CBS focuses on strong storytelling, familiar formats with fresh spins, high-quality casting, and smart scheduling. Its strategy blends legacy shows like NCIS with bold newcomers like Tracker, keeping its audience both loyal and intrigued.
