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Is it time for NCIS to end?

Has NCIS run it's course? We take a look at whether the show should wrap things up.

By Kim Stempel

39th Annual PaleyFest LA - A Salute To The NCIS Universe Celebrating "NCIS" "NCIS: Los Angeles" And
39th Annual PaleyFest LA - A Salute To The NCIS Universe Celebrating "NCIS" "NCIS: Los Angeles" And / Jon Kopaloff/GettyImages
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NCIS fans are a loyal bunch. Fans have followed the exploits of Leroy “Jethro” Gibbs since 2003. The series, a spin-off of JAG, later birthed NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans. Both of those series concluded their runs.

Eventually, two new series were added to the universe. NCIS: Hawaii premiered in September 2021. Then the first international franchise of the show, NCIS: Sydney, hit the U.S. in November 2023. It has already been renewed for a second season.

And the NCIS family expanded again, even including a prequel, NCIS: Origins. This show will show us how a younger Gibbs became a part of the team. The show is set to debut in 2024-2025.

The flagship show is still bringing in the ratings. According to Variety, NCIS was the second-most-viewed show in 2022.

Is it time for NCIS to say goodbye?

I love NCIS, but I have to acknowledge that the series has changed, particularly in the last three seasons. We are at Season 21, and the series’ age is beginning to show. Emily Wickersham, who played Special Agent Ellie Bishop, left the series at the end of Season 18. Then, Mark Harmon left the following season, marking the departure of Gibbs.

Sadly, the last original character, Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, was written off the series after the death of the great actor David McCallum. While I do enjoy all the new characters, having Timothy McGee as the anchor reminds me of all the great characters that have bid farewell to the show.

The plots are predictable

I always relished the ingenious twists that were part of every NCIS episode. I was always guessing who the suspect was until the end. But with Season 21, the plots seem to be familiar, or just plain easy to figure out.

While seeing the cast is delightful, I miss the edge-of-your-seat suspense that helped to propel the series. I would rather see the show end after this season, gracefully bowing out on a high note, instead of limping through a few more seasons.

Next. Gibbs and 5 NCIS characters we would have loved to see for Ducky's tribute. Gibbs and 5 NCIS characters we would have loved to see for Ducky's tribute. dark

NCIS airs on Mondays at 9/8c on CBS. Catch up the following day on Paramount+.

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