NCIS: New Orleans marked the second expansion of the NCIS franchise, introducing audiences to Special Agent Dwayne Pride, portrayed by Scott Bakula. The show distinguished itself by embracing the rich cultural landscape and unique beliefs of New Orleans, even incorporating elements of the supernatural. Despite a changing cast over its seven-season run, the chemistry among the team remained compelling. The series’ abrupt cancellation left fans and cast members alike in disbelief.
In the wake of its cancellation, there was considerable speculation regarding the potential continuation of certain characters within the broader NCIS universe. Notably, viewers expressed a desire to see at least one character transition to the newly launched NCIS: Hawaii. There remain opportunities for integration, particularly with recent references in the original NCIS series, suggesting that the door is not entirely closed on these beloved characters.
Reasons Behind the Cancellation of NCIS: New Orleans
The Decline in Ratings
The announcement of NCIS: New Orleans‘ cancellation shocked many, including its cast. Scott Bakula expressed a clear willingness to continue the series, indicating that the decision ultimately lay with CBS. Kelly Kahl, then the President of CBS Entertainment, acknowledged that some shows naturally reach the end of their lifecycle. This sentiment was underscored by a significant drop in ratings throughout the series’ tenure.
The ratings declined substantially each season, which was further exacerbated by the series’ move out of its original Tuesday night slot, following the flagship NCIS, to a later time. This shift was made to accommodate CBS’ expanding lineup, including FBI. Subsequent rating drops were notable, especially following the departure of Agent Christopher LaSalle, played by Lucas Black. Eventually, NCIS: New Orleans was relegated to Sunday evenings, a time notoriously unfavorable for series hoping to survive.
| Season Number | Average Demo | Average Total Audience (Millions) |
| Season 1 | 2.08 | 15.26 |
| Season 2 | 1.75 | 12.977 |
| Season 3 | 1.18 | 9.574 |
| Season 4 | 0.96 | 8.855 |
| Season 5 | 0.78 | 7.287 |
| Season 6 | 0.65 | 6.325 |
| Season 7 | 0.51 | 4.879 |
Reflecting on the NCIS: New Orleans Finale
Recapping Pride’s Team Journey
Despite the circumstances around the cancellation, the season 7 finale of NCIS: New Orleans effectively served as a makeshift series conclusion. It featured Pride marrying Rita, portrayed by Bakula’s real-life spouse, Chelsea Field. The wedding plans were expedited due to a rare moment of clarity exhibited by Pride’s mother, Mena, who suffers from dementia, prompting Pride to seize the opportunity.
In a preceding episode, Pride was also tasked with safeguarding Conner, a teenager revealed to be his son, from a criminal named Sasha. Though initially resistant to the idea of Conner entering witness protection alongside his mother, Pride ultimately recognized that he could not control the course of events and allowed the decision to rest with Conner.
Other team members faced pivotal moments in their arcs as well. Quentin Carter was offered a significant career advancement in Japan but chose to remain by Hannah Khoury’s side, as they explored their budding relationship. Meanwhile, Tammy Gregorio took a meaningful step in her personal life by cohabitating with her girlfriend. Loretta, on the other hand, pushed for a health care reform initiative that received acknowledgment from city officials.
Possibilities for NCIS: New Orleans Characters to Return
Potential Crossovers within NCIS
Although an eighth season of NCIS: New Orleans never materialized, the potential for familiar characters to resurface remains. Despite the actors pursuing new projects, there is still a possibility for cameo appearances in the flagship NCIS series. This creates an opportunity for fans to reconnect with the storylines of characters they have grown to love.
As time passes since the show’s cancellation, interest in these characters persists. Many believe that the series ended prematurely, dictated largely by business considerations rather than narrative potential. The hope remains that one day we can revisit the vibrant world of NCIS: New Orleans and its captivating characters.
Sources: Deadline, TV Series Finale