In a no-brainer move, CBS has renewed their top drama, NCIS, for a ninth season. The series currently averages a 4.0 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic, ranking behind only Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory on the CBS schedule. The renewal follows the news that Mark Harmon has signed a new two-year contract and the series drew its biggest ratings to date last night with a 4.6 rating in the demo and 22.9 million viewers.

Here’s the press release from CBS…

CBS RENEWS “NCIS” FOR THE 2011-2012 SEASON

Television’s #1 Drama/Scripted Series to Return for Its Ninth Season

Tuesday’s Broadcast Delivers a Series’ Record Audience of 22.85 Million Viewers

NCIS, television’s #1 drama/scripted series for the second consecutive year, has been renewed by the CBS Television Network for the 2011-2012 season, it was announced today by Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment.

“It’s simply amazing that a show in its eighth season continues to perform at such an elite level,” said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. “This is a tribute to the hard work of its talented writers, producers and cast for bringing to life such compelling stories and characters with intrigue and humor. The quality of the storytelling is also evident by the series’ incredibly devoted fan base who we thank for their passion and commitment to NCIS on CBS, in online communities and around the world.”

“NCIS has become a network phenomenon and a global sensation. The show continues to hit audience peaks on CBS and is a top performer in territories around the world,” said David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios. “We thank an amazing cast, led by Mark Harmon, which has undeniable chemistry, for bringing to life characters with such amazing universal appeal. And, we credit Shane (Brennan) and Gary (Glasberg) for the storytelling and production vision that delivers compelling episodes every week and a fresh creative vision every year.”

NCIS premiered on CBS in 2003-2004 as a spin-off of the long-running action/legal drama, “JAG.” Since its debut, NCIS’s ratings have steadily climbed, becoming a top 10 program in 2007-2008, the series’ fifth season. NCIS’s ratings continued building the following season, finishing 2008-2009 ranked fifth among all primetime programs. Last season, NCIS ranked fourth among all programs and became the #1 drama/scripted program on television, with an average audience of 18.89 million viewers.

Currently in its eighth season, NCIS’s ratings are still rising and the series continues to be the #1 drama/scripted series. This season, NCIS is averaging 19.60 million viewers. Last night’s episode delivered a record audience of 22.85 million viewers and the show’s highest adult 18-49 rating since Oct. 2009.

NCIS stars Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Cote de Pablo, Sean Murray, Pauley Perrette, Rocky Carroll and David McCallum. Shane Brennan, Chas. Floyd Johnson, Gary Glasberg, Mark Horowitz, Mark Harmon and Donald P. Bellisario are executive producers for Belisarius Productions in association with CBS Television Studios.

What do you think? Happy to hear NCIS has been renewed? How long should this series realistically continue? Could it go on without Harmon?

Image courtesy CBS.