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.
I love this show I can’t miss it and it would be devistating if any of the actors were to leave, they all have such good chemistry together. And NOOOO it would not be the same without Mark , you just can’t replace any of them the show would for sure go down the tubes.
I have always been a Mark Harmon fan and this is the only show I watch on CBS. In fact I do not watch NBC or ABC. I am addicted to NCIS and am so excited to see it will be back next year.Mark Harmon is the heart and soul of the show and it would not be the same show without him.
Correction: (without Pauley as Abby) other corrections, Im 59; probably die.
In the era of dumb reality shows, and even dumber sitcoms, if thats what you can call them these days. NCIS a a breath of fresh air, my favorite tv show to watch, the best casting, and writing to come out of hollwood in decades. Me and my wife never miss it with out recording it or finding the episode we missed on line, to catch up. It could be another Gunsoke running for 20 years or so and I would be pleased. DO NOT change the main characters agian. It would not fly with out Mark as Gibbs for… Read more »
I absolutely without a doubt look forward to Tuesday evening at 7:00 to watch my favorite show.
absolutely love the show, just as I did JAG and Nash Bridge. The show would not be the same without Mark Harmon.
I can not get enough of this show. Tim and Abby are my favorites
NCIS is the only prime time show I watch or tape if I won’t be home when it’s on. I even watch the reruns on USA channel. I love the whole cast. The mix of humor and crime is perfect. The play off each other is one of the best parts of the show. I will be as sad when it goes off the air as I was when MASH ended
I love the series NCIS. I do think they are making Ziva too soft. They should keep her tough and deadly. It will keep the show going. Also, I’m still waiting on her and Tony to hook up.
I enjoy all the stars on NCIS, especially Mark Harmon. Hope the show last for a long time.
Just started watching NCIS this Spring. A couple more seasons to go. Can’t get enough of this great show. The cast is sooo great.
yes renewal please……and no the show cannot go on without mark harmon. he is a new hero, for me, and i am 68 yo. the series is clean, humorous, well written, informative, exciting, and colorful as a standard for anything else i watch. this about the only series i will watch, together with weather, history, and an occasional movie. and i remember mark harmon being at ucla as a quarterback playing football.
yes I want this show and no Mark Harmon cannot go
Yes , I am glad it is renewed. I think if Mark Harmon was to leave that the show would not last . I love this show as I did JAG , At least JAG had a good ending ( with the flip of the coin)
I don’t like the extra characters either..they get in the way AND I hate that dam new background music!