Would NCIS have become a massive TV hit if it premiered in 2026 instead of 2003? CBS executives admit they’re not convinced.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, CBS president Amy Reisenbach explained that the show’s success was heavily tied to the old broadcast TV era, where weekly episodes, reruns, and syndication helped build a loyal audience over time.
Director Diana Valentine also noted that NCIS wasn’t an instant ratings giant. The series slowly gained popularity across several seasons — something modern streaming platforms rarely give shows the chance to do today.
More than two decades later, NCIS remains one of CBS’s biggest franchises ever, with over 500 episodes produced and another season already confirmed.