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NCIS Premiere Attracts 10 Million-Plus Viewers

Photo from NCIS Instagram

NCIS Premiere Attracts 10 Million-Plus Viewers

By Cooper Dowd, Staff Writer

CBS had a busy Nov. 17, which saw a trio of coronavirus-delayed season premieres, kicked off by the Season 18 debut of NCIS. The long-running crime drama on CBS delivered 0.9 in ratings but led the night in viewership with 10.06 million.

Season 3 debut of FBI (0.8, 8.05M) and the Season 2 kickoff of FBI MOST WANTED  (0.6, 5.30M) joined NCIS. All three premieres’ numbers fell from their previous season averages. 

THE BACHELORETTE (1.3, 4.94M) on ABC shared the night with the crime dramas and managed to receive the highest ratings, but was still down from its previous season. The reality show helped ABC grab the top spot in ratings.  

Movieguide® previously reported that NCIS would have a shortened season due to the effects of the coronavirus:

CBS will chop NCIS’s standard 24 episodes to 16 episodes this fall due to the coronavirus. NCIS isn’t the only show getting that treatment. 

As CBS prepares the launch of its scripted dramas and comedies, the network solidified the episode counts, which will run through the end of the 2020-21 broadcast season in May. These scripted series cost more per episode to shoot. The shorter seasons mean the network is shelling out less money. 

The promising debut numbers could mean a successful season and send off for Mark Hammon. He reprises his iconic role in what could be his final season. 

Movieguide® previously reported that there was no doubt Hammon would return: 

The answer is a definitive yes, but still rumors are circulating as many fans believe this could be his character’s final season. 

“I’ve always thought if there’s ever a time where the writers are walking into the room and going ‘I don’t know what to do,’ then I think we all have to look at each other and call it a day,” Harmon said in 2019. “But, we’re not there yet.”

Many of NCIS’s episodes contain strong moral content with themes of patriotism, redemption, and sacrifice.  

Fans are looking forward to the new season after the stellar season 17 finale, “The Arizona.”

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.