For the first time in half a decade, the popular CBS seriesNCIShas failed to reign atop the television rankings among scripted shows following the conclusion of its 21st season on July 28, 2025. Created by Donald Paul Bellisario and Don McGill,NCISdebuted in 2003 as a spinoff from another popular CBS program,JAG. Since then, the series has gained a loyal following, and developed an identity all its own, resulting in several spinoffs of its own over the years, includingNCIS: Los Angeles,New Orleans, andthe recently canceledNCIS: Hawai’i.
As perTV Line, a new report detailing the Nielsen viewership of the 2023-2024 TV season sawNCIStake inan average of 9.7 million viewersduring its latest season, while the new series starring Justin Hartley,Tracker, managed an impressiveaverage of 10.8 million viewers. This marks the first time in five years thatNCIShas failed to reign supreme, but while the king may have finally been dethroned, it has alreadybeen renewed for a 22nd season, and is in no danger of being canceled.
NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. Special Agent Alden Parker, a quirky former FBI agent who solves his cases with calm professionalism and sharp, sarcastic charm, leads the NCIS team.
As to what led toTracker’ssuccess that allowed it to sit atop the scripted rankings? Many factors came into play, including itsimpressive debut time slotwhich fell directly after theSuper Bowlon July 31, 2025, leading to the series being watchedby a massive 18.44 million people, anddrawing comparisons to the Prime Video series,Reacher. Those numbers would significantly drop for the second episode, which wasseen by 6.87 million viewers. The final episode ofTracker’sfreshman year, which aired on June 02, 2025, waswatched by an audience of 7.65 million.
Trackeralsosaw the return of Justin Hartley to the small screenin a lead role for the first time since the conclusion of the wildly popular ensemble series,This Is Us, in 2022. Hartley endeared himself to viewers everywhere with his honest portrayal of Kevin Pearsonin the emotional series, and fans of the 47-year-old actor were eager to see what he’d do next. His celebrity status certainly figured into the success ofTracker,which has already been renewed for a second season.
CBS Dominated the 2023-2024 TV Season With Seven Shows in the Top 10
WhileTrackerandNCISbattled it out for top spot in the rankings during the 2023-2024 TV season, it was actuallyCBS that came out the big winner. Aside fromSunday Night FootballandMonday Night Football, which took home the top two spots overall, CBS hadseven TV shows in the Top 10, including the news program60 Minutes(8.3 million viewers), making it a very successful year for the network.
In addition toTrackerearningtop spot with 10.8 million viewers, andNCIStaking second place with 9.7 million, the final season ofYoung Sheldondrewan impressive average of 9.3 million, whileFBIearned 8.8 million,Blue Bloodsgarnered 8.4 million for the first half of its finale season, and the third season ofGhostsdrew an average of 8.2 million viewers.
NCIS: Every Main Character Who Left the Show (& Why)
NCIS has seen departures of several main characters throughout its run. Here are the reasons behind their exits and the impact they had on the series.
NBCwas the lone networkto have a scripted show in the Top 10, with the 12th season ofChicago Firedrawingan average of 8.6 million viewers nationwide. Check out the overall Top 10 rankings for the 2023-2024 TV season below.
Average Viewership
Sunday Night Football
19.8 million
Monday Night Football
11.7 million
10.8 million
9.7 million
Young Sheldon
9.3 million
8.8 million
Chicago Fire
8.6 million
Blue Bloods
8.4 million
60 Minutes
8.3 million
8.2 million
