While it is definitely an achievement to self-start after over a decade on the air, NCIS really isn't what it once was due to the departure of a major cast member. This season, it lost 22% of its A18-49 audience despite not being a serialized show. It was not long ago when NCIS was one of the few shows that had never gone below a 2.0 A18-49 rating; it only went below that mark twice last season, compared to it only going above a 2.0 twice this season. Granted, it did have increased competition from ABC as an excuse, and it's good to see it rise a little bit for its finale, but CBS should hope the declines soften in upcoming seasons.
Grade: B-