"NCIS" Season 14 is off to a dismal start. The rating of CBS' hit procedural show has taken a dive after the departure of beloved character Tony DiNozzo in "NCIS" Season 13. Now with rumors circulating of Tony DiNozzo's return to the show, will it revive "NCIS" Season 14's ratings?
In "NCIS" Season 14, the introduction of three new characters, Wilmer Valderrama's Nick Torres, Jennifer Esposito's Alex Quinn, and Duane Henry's Clayton Reeves, can't fill the hole left behind by Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo character. Michael Weatherly, the actor playing the beloved "NCIS" character Tony DiNozzo, left the show last season. Currently, Michael Weatherly is the lead star of another CBS show, "Bull".
There are rumors speculating that another "NCIS" character will leave the show, will "NCIS" Season 14's ratings continue to drop? Speculations abound that veteran actor David McCallum is currently weighing the option of leaving the series. David McCallum who's currently playing another beloved "NCIS" character Donald "Ducky" Mallard has a developing storyline that hints at the character's exit from the show.
"NCIS" actor David McCallum is currently 82 years old. At his age, playing "NCIS" Donald "Ducky" McCallum must have taken its toll. Health concerns have also been plaguing the eldest "NCIS" actor. It doesn't help that last September, "NCIS" showrunner Gary Glasberg, 50, passed away in his sleep.
However, David McCallum has reassured fans that he will still be in "NCIS" unless asked to leave early. The death of "NCIS" showrunner Gary Glasberg won't even affect the show's future. Recently, CBS confirmed that "NCIS" would be back for its fifteenth season.
With the disappointing ratings of the show, even if CBS renewed "NCIS" for its fifteenth season, it could still eventually lead to its cancellation. Current showrunners are hoping that Michael Weatherly's return can revive the fourteenth season of "NCIS". Michael Weatherly's new show, "Bull" is also experiencing low ratings although CBS renewed it for a second season.
Hopefully, Michael Weatherly's "Bull" gets canceled before "NCIS" does so that Tony DiNozzo can come back. In a recent interview, Michael Weatherly has even pitched an "NCIS"-"Bull" crossover. Either way, good luck to both shows. Catch "NCIS" Season 14 Tuesdays on CBS followed by "Bull" right after!