Why was ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ cancelled?

As far as spin-offs are concerned, NCIS: Los Angeles knocked it out of the park. The show had the daunting task of following up the original NCIS, and the chemistry between stars Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J kept it on the air for 14 seasons.

That’s a good run for any show, but some fans are confused by the fact that NCIS: Los Angeles ended, while the original NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i were renewed for additional seasons by CBS. What gives? Did the actors choose not to return? Well, there are a few reasons why NCIS: Los Angeles was canceled, and they are unfortunately common among network shows.

NCIS: Los Angeles being canceled had nothing to do with the actors. On the contrary, both O’Donnell and LL Cool J talked about how emotional it was to say goodbye to the show and the characters they’ve spent a decade and a half playing. “To have a show that filmed in Los Angeles that went for 14 years is so beyond my wildest dreams,” O’Donnell told Parade. “It allowed all five of my kids to be in the same school and not miss out on what their friends are doing… It was an amazing gift.”

In truth, NCIS: Los Angeles was canceled because it had gotten too expensive for CBS to finance. The show drew massive ratings for most of its run, but the longer network shows are on the air, the more expensive they become to produce. That’s why streaming platforms like Netflix will cancel shows after only a couple of seasons.

Is NCIS: Los Angeles renewed for season 15?

Soaps claimed that the cancellation came as a surprise to the cast and crew. They were given enough time, however, to make the season 14 finale serve as a conclusion to the entire show. In our humble estimation, they succeeded. Showrunner R. Scott Gemmill had nothing but positive things to say about the network and its various affiliates, but he saved his most effusive praise for the stars and the fans who made the show possible.

“My deepest gratitude to the cast members, who have brought our characters to life with their impassioned performances,” he told Deadline. “And to our loyal viewers who loved our characters and followed their journeys, thank you.”

There is a silver lining to the show being canceled, however. LL Cool J made a cameo during the season finale of NCIS: Hawai’i and confirmed that he would be reprising his role as Sam Hanna on the show. It will be strange to see the actor without his scene partner, O’Donnell, but it’s nice to know he will continue on in the greater NCIS franchise.

It’s a franchise that shows no signs of slowing down. CBS has confirmed that NCIS: Sydney will premiere sometime in 2023, and will star Olivia Swann and Todd Lasance. NCIS: Sydney will be exclusive in Australia to Paramount Plus and Network 10, and mark the first time the NCIS franchise has ventured outside of the United States. We can’t wait to see it.