‘NCIS’ Season 19 Ratings Dip for Mark Harmon’s Exit
Article Highlights:
- Mark Harmon left NCIS Season 19 during episode 4
- NCIS Season 19 viewership fell to 7.66 million viewers, and ratings fell to a 0.56 rating
- Fans speculate NCIS Season 19 could be the last as evidenced by the number of cast departures since season 18
Fans keeping up with NCIS Season 19 are devastated to hear about Mark Harmon leaving the show. Harmon plays Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper who later turned into a special agent and has become one of the mainstays on the show, as he played Gibbs for 25 years. Now, it seems fans are feeling the effects of Gibbs’ absence, as ratings have already fallen as he said his goodbyes.
Is Gibbs leaving ‘NCIS’ for good? Mark Harmon takes his final bow acting on the show
Mark Harmon made it clear that NCIS Season 19 Episode 4 would be Gibbs’ last episode. After Gibbs takes off to Alaska and drops his phone into a cup of coffee and thanks Director Leon Vance for everything in the past, it’s clear his character is finished. Ultimately, Gibbs found peace — and he intends on keeping it by removing his badge for good.
Fans keeping a close eye on NCIS Season 19 don’t find Mark Harmon’s leave too surprising. Fox News notes The Hollywood Reporter already reported that Harmon would only join the season 19 cast in a limited capacity. Additionally, Harmon will still stick around and help with the show, as he’ll remain a producer.
Is Gibbs leaving ‘NCIS’ for good? Or could he return? Showrunner Steve Binder teased Gibbs could eventually return. “As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show,” Binder wrote to Twitter. “ … So regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years … never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”
‘NCIS’ Season 19 ratings dipped for his departure episode
NCIS Season 19 has hefty viewership, as fans are invested in what’s happening next. It seems a number of viewers missed out on Mark Harmon’s final episode, though. According to The Hollywood Reporter, episode 4 brought in 7.66 million viewers and a 0.56 rating for adults between the ages of 18-49. While it still led Monday’s viewership, it’s a smaller audience and lower ratings than past weeks
NCIS: Hawai’i also fell slightly in viewership and ratings. The show had 5.29 million viewers with a 0.42 rating for adults in the same age group.
According to TV Series Finale, NCIS Season 19 Episode 4 received a considerably lower viewer rating than the season premiere. The premiere received a rating of 0.73. Episode 2 had a 0.72 rating, and episode 3 had a 0.64 rating. We’ll be interested to see if the ratings continue to fall with Gibbs’ last episode.
Is season 19 the last season of ‘NCIS’?
Will NCIS Season 19 be the final season for the show? While Mark Harmon leaving NCIS is a major blow for the series, it’s likely not the end of the road for the series as a whole, as NCIS has aired since 2003. As long as the CBS show continues to win for the network, fans will get new content.
But express.co.uk notes a number of notable cast members left — and fans may wonder who will leave next. The publication reminds us season 18 saw the deaths of chief medical examiner Jimmy Palmer’s wife Breena and Emily Fornell, as well as the departure of Jack Sloane.
Will the current NCIS Season 19 cast be able to hold down the fort and keep the show moving with strong ratings even with Mark Harmon’s leave? We’ll have to wait and see what happens.
NCIS Season 19 airs Mondays at 9 p.m. EST on CBS.
Check out Showbiz Cheat Sheet on Facebook!
