CBS has renewed its original drama series NCIS for a sixteenth season, it was announced today. The renewal comes after star Mark Harmon has signed a new two-year deal with CBS Television Studios to continue on the drama.
"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' 16th season."
Season 15 is currently averaging a 2.2 rating in the Adults 18-49 demographic and 17 million viewers when factoring in 7 days of delayed viewing.
In addition to Harmon, the drama stars Pauley Perrette, Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Emily Wickersham, Brian Dietzen, Duane Henry, Rocky Carroll, David McCallum and Maria Bello.
However, the drama is poised to lose one of its original stars at the end of the fifteenth season with Pauley Perrette announcing her departure from the series earlier this year. That means that the only original series regulars still on the show are Harmon and David McCallum.
