NCIS – New Orleans marked the second spinoff in the NCIS Universe, introducing us to Special Agent Dwayne Pride, portrayed by Scott Bakula, along with his dynamic team. This installment offered a distinct vibe, immersing viewers in the rich culture and traditions of New Orleans, even incorporating elements of the supernatural.
Despite changes in the cast over the years, the team maintained a captivating chemistry, making the show’s cancellation after only seven seasons a surprising disappointment for fans.
Following the cancellation, there was optimism that certain characters from NCIS – New Orleans might transition into other segments of the NCIS Universe. There were even suggestions to transfer at least one character to the newly launched NCIS – Hawaii. The franchise still has opportunities to incorporate these characters, particularly with their recent references in the main series.
NCIS – New Orleans Was Discontinued Because It Was Believed To Have Reached It’s Natural Conclusion
The announcement of the cancellation took everyone by surprise, including the NCIS – New Orleans cast. When Bakula expressed his eagerness to keep working on the series, it became evident that the decision to cancel was made by CBS.
Kelly Kahl, the CBS Entertainment president at that time, acknowledged this, stating that certain shows eventually reach the conclusion of their cycle.
The linear ratings posed significant challenges for the series, as highlighted by TV Series Finale, which documented the decline in viewership each season. The show originally premiered on Tuesdays following the flagship series but was later shifted to another time slot to accommodate CBS’s FBI.
As the linear ratings continued to fall, particularly after the departure of NCIS – New Orleans Agent Christopher LaSalle (played by Lucas Black), the series was ultimately moved to Sunday nights in a time slot that has historically struggled and often leads to cancellations.
| NCIS – New Orleans | TRP (Average Audience) |
| Season 1 | 15.26 Millions |
| Season 2 | 12.98 Millions |
| Season 3 | 9.57 Millions |
| Season 4 | 8.85 Millions |
| Season 5 | 7.29 Millions |
| Season 6 | 6.32 Millions |
| Season 7 | 4.88 Millions |
Although NCIS – New Orleans Season 8 never materialized, the characters remain fresh in our minds. There are still opportunities for some of them to make appearances, though it has become more complicated as the actors have taken on new roles. Nevertheless, a special guest appearance in the main NCIS Series could still be feasible, even if it’s just a brief moment on screen.
An alternative approach could involve introducing a young Dwayne Pride to the NCIS – Origins ensemble. The NCIS Universe has already seen several younger iterations of its characters, such as a Young Fornell and the anticipated introduction of a young Lara Macy in the NCIS – Los Angeles backdoor pilot.
By casting a younger version of a character, the challenge of securing Bakula’s return to the series is alleviated, as it would necessitate the hiring of a different actor.
Although NCIS – New Orleans has been off the air for a while, we are eager to reconnect with the current journeys of its characters. This series was unfortunately cut short, primarily due to business considerations, and we believe it deserved more time to flourish.