Why is NCIS: Los Angeles canceled?

It’s the end of the road for NCIS: Los Angeles. On Friday, Jan. 20, fans were shocked to hear that CBS is canceling the long-running drama, and its current 14th season will be its last. The series finale is set for May 21, bringing the series episode total to 322.

This makes NCIS: Los Angeles tied as the fifth longest-running (in terms of seasons) CBS primetime scripted series ever, behind NCIS, Gunsmoke, Lassie, CSI, and Criminal Minds. The news broke to the cast and crew on Friday just as it hit outlets.

In a statement to Deadline, CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach stated the early word of the cancellation was so the producers could craft a proper series finale.

"“For 14 seasons, NCIS: Los Angeles has been a stalwart of our lineup with characters who were a joy to watch. It’s no surprise this show succeeded as a global franchise. From day one, the cast, producers, and crew were amazing network/studios partners, and their teamwork, talent and spirit vividly came through on the screen. We are so grateful for the collaboration and remarkable run of these treasured members of our CBS family, and plan to give them the big sendoff they and their fans deserve.”"

Showrunner R. Scott Gemmill added his own statement to Deadline, praising CBS for their success, thanking the cast, crew, and especially the fans.

"“I want to thank both the network and [CBS] Studios for their partnership and support over the years; Shane Brennan for giving us such a great playground; and my partners John P. Kousakis, Frank Military, Kyle Harimoto, and Andrew Bartels for their tireless efforts and collaboration episode after episode. Our crew has grown to be a true family, and their hard work and dedication has been fundamental to our success year after year. My deepest gratitude to the cast members, who have brought our characters to life with their impassioned performances — thank you for your talent, professionalism, and continuous enthusiasm. And to our loyal viewers who loved our characters and followed their journeys, thank you. We look forward to delivering an end to the series that is both satisfying and does justice to these beloved characters.”"

The series is already taking a planned break until February, which now gives the writers time to craft the finale as a capper to the series.

The NCIS: Los Angeles cast reacts

Several cast members already posted reactions to the news. Eric Christen Olsen (Marty Deeks) posted a message on his Instagram showing a powerful image of him silhouetted and the line “What a spectacular journey we all shared.”

Daniela Ruah, (who, along with O’Donnell and LL Cool J is the only remaining cast member from the show’s first season) posted her own Instagram message with a “then and now” picture of her Kensi Blye in Season 1 and today. “So many feelings to process and too many words to say. I will save them for a later date… I’m so so grateful to have been a part of this NCISLA family. The show lasted this long because of all of you.”

Why is the cancellation happening?

The word of the cancellation does come as a shock, especially as NCIS: Los Angeles posted some terrific ratings as part of the crossover with the other two NCIS series. The main culprit is cost, as filming in Los Angeles has become more expensive in recent years. That’s not including the series’ stunt work for its action scenes.

There’s also the large cast commanding some big salaries, especially stars Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J. Thus, CBS no doubt feels it’s best to let this series go, especially with NCIS: Hawaii able to pick up the slack as a companion to the mothership NCIS series. That will free up the network to go for a less expensive series for the Sunday night timeslot.

There is no word yet on what the finale may involve, although it’s likely to be Callen’s wedding to Anna. There’s also a chance Linda Hunt may finally return as Hetty to send the series off nicely. As it stands for now, fans of NCIS: Los Angeles still have a wait before Season 14 returns to send the series toward its end.

NCIS: Los Angeles airs Sundays at 10/9c on CBS.