(Bill Inoshita / CBS)

Okay, while no one actually thought it would be cancelled, we’re still happy to report CBS has renewed its NCIS TV show for a 16th season. In addition, the Tiffany Network has re-signed Mark Harmon, who stars in and executive produces the show. Although the ratings have dropped some in season 15, the “mothership” of Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill’s successful franchise sails on — full steam ahead. As previously reported though, Gibbs and the team will have to sally forth without Abby Sciuto, since star Paula Perrette decided season 15 would be her final installment.

A CBS military police procedural, NCIS also stars Mark Harmon, Sean Murray, Emily Wickersham, Wilmer Valderrama, Maria Bello, Brian Dietzen, Duane Henry, Rocky Carroll, and David McCallum. The action series centers on NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Harmon). This skilled investigator and former Marine gunnery sergeant leads a team of colorful personalities as they investigate crimes with ties to either the United States Navy or Marine Corps. 

NCIS: A Look at the Ratings

The 15th season of NCIS is averaging a 1.43 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 13.12 million viewers. Compared to season 14, that’s down by 17% and 10%, respectively. Out of the 22 scripted CBS TV shows we’re currently tracking, NCIS ranks fourth when we sort by demo numbers and rises to second place, in terms of average total viewership.

Learn more about the NCIS season 16 renewal from this CBS press release.

04.13.2018

CBS RENEWS NETWORK’S TOP DRAMA “NCIS” FOR 2018-2019 BROADCAST SEASON

HIT GLOBAL FRANCHISE RETURNS FOR 16^th SEASON

STAR AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER MARK HARMON

SIGNS NEW AGREEMENT TO RETURN

 

(CBS)

 

CBS announced today that it has renewed NCIS, the Network’s #1 drama and the most-watched drama in world, for the 2018-2019 broadcast season. Additionally, series star and executive producer Mark Harmon has signed a new agreement to continue with the show.

“It’s pretty simple – viewers everywhere love NCIS,” said Kelly Kahl, President, CBS Entertainment. “This show speaks to viewers of all ages, in all parts of the country and around the world. NCIS’ amazing characters and terrific storytelling result in some of TV’s most passionate fans. Of course, none of this would be possible without an outstanding production team, and talented cast led by the incomparable and absolutely tireless Mark Harmon. We’re thrilled he is returning as the centerpiece of the show, and we could not be more excited for NCIS’ 16^th season.”

This season, NCIS is averaging 17.0 million viewers and is one of the top five most-watched shows on broadcast television. On the digital front, NCIS is one of the most-watched primetime series across CBS’ digital platforms, including CBS All Access and in the Electronic Sell Through (EST) market. The series also continues to be a powerhouse in the global market, licensed in more than 200 territories. It currently holds the title of “the most-watched drama series in the world,” having received the International Audience Award by Eurodata TV Worldwide and the Monte Carlo Television Festival.

In syndication, previous season episodes of NCIS are cable television’s most-watched off-network drama, out-delivering the next closest competitor by +23%. NCIS is also cable’s second most-watched off-net series, behind only THE BIG BANG THEORY.

NCIS premiered on CBS in 2003. During the 2009-2010 broadcast season, it became the #1 drama/scripted program on television, and has remained the #1 drama every season since.

CBS previously renewed The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, SWAT, and Mom.

What do you think? Are you still a fan of the NCIS TV series? Did you think CBS would cancel or renew it for season 16? How long do you think it should run? Let us know, below.