CBS Renews ‘NCIS’ for Season 17 (*Breathes Sigh of Relief*)

Good news, NCIS fans: The popular CBS show isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The network just renewed the crime procedural drama for season 17, according to Deadline. The news comes shortly after star and executive producer Mark Harmon signed a new agreement with CBS TV Studios, and all we have to say is…it’s about damn time.

While Harmon’s signature sealed the deal, we’re not surprised by the renewal. NCIS is one of the longest-running scripted series on television and has continued to hook viewers over the years. The show, which is currently in its 16th season, averages 16 million viewers per episode, making it the second-most watched entertainment series behind The Big Bang Theory.

Although the network hasn’t announced any further details regarding the future of NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans, both are expected to return for the 2019-2020 TV season.

NCIS originally premiered on CBS in 2003. In addition to Harmon (Leroy), it starred David McCallum (Donald), Sean Murray (Timothy), Pauley Perrette (Abby Scuito), Michael Weatherly (Anthony), Brian Dietzen (Jimmy) and Rocky Carroll (Leon).

“NCIS has been a global juggernaut for almost two decades,” said Kelly Kahl, the president of CBS Entertainment. “Its viewers are clearly the most loyal of any drama on television. They are passionate about the characters, the plot lines, and the storytelling. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the gifted production team, and the cast, led by the extraordinary Mark Harmon. We are delighted that the show will remain a lynchpin of the CBS schedule this coming season.”

Time to start rewatching NCIS from season one?