Shocking News: Fans Demand Cancellation of NCIS and Similar Shows – Find Out Why!
The conventional network procedural format has grown stagnant, and genuine innovation seems unlikely unless NCIS and its various spin-offs are discontinued.
During its prime, one could easily watch Law & Order round the clock with minimal channel surfing. However, in today’s landscape, numerous properties, from NCIS to CSI, FBI to 911, and even The Rookie, are generating new spin-offs. To stay competitive in the era of streaming (refer to the 2022 Variety ratings round-up for a stark reality check), it is imperative that every procedural show faces cancellation.
A procedural typically adheres to a rigid structure from episode to episode, often revolving around police or medical drama scenarios. While there might be an overarching storyline, it typically constitutes only a small segment of an episode, relevant during Sweeps (mid-November, when ad pricing is set) and the season finale.
Episodes usually follow a set pattern: introduction, character moments building a secondary narrative, the bulk of solving a mystery/problem, resolution, and a closing moment wrapping up the secondary plot. The enduring success of the procedural TV formula has been a mainstay of network television, offering viewers a familiar and comforting experience. However, with many of these shows surpassing the 10-year mark, there is a growing call for cancellation to pave the way for fresh and innovative content.
NCIS, a personal favorite, lost its appeal for me after Mark Harmon’s departure. Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs was the linchpin holding the team together, and his exit in Season 19 would have served as a fitting series conclusion.
Instead, Gary Cole assumed the role of Alden Parker, and Season 20 is currently airing while the rest of CBS’s lineup faces challenges.
Extending series beyond their peak contributes to television stagnation, stifles creativity, and impedes the attraction of new viewers. True Lies, an espionage procedural that recently premiered, failed to resonate with both critics and the general public.
Rather than rehashing well-worn themes, the argument is for networks to explore more creatively with espionage show concepts akin to Homeland, 24, or the later seasons of Person of Interest. Streaming successes like Succession and Billions exemplify a departure from long seasons, showcasing the effectiveness of modern primetime dramas in conveying compelling storylines succinctly. Person of Interest, a standout procedural, evolved into a nuanced serialized story. Contrasting it with NCIS, substantial changes since 2005 are challenging to identify.
In an era of innovative shows like Barry and The Last of Us, a pertinent question arises: Do we truly need more clichéd detective stories or weekly serial killer plots?
Rather than adhering to a formula entrenched for decades, network television must embrace crisp, original storytelling. The reluctance to explore something new fosters stagnation, jeopardizing the revival of even classics like Quantum Leap.
Canceling some NCIS spin-offs is a positive step, but the potential deviation from the formula in NCIS: Sydney remains uncertain. Amid the saturation of FBI, 911, Rookies, and Chicago series, there’s a clamor for more innovative shows like Poker Faces that break the mold, tell compact stories, and conclude.
To salvage network television, all procedural shows must face termination. CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox must draw lessons from shows like Yellowstone, Succession, Poker Face, and Reservation Dogs. The procedural must undergo a transformation or risk obsolescence.
