NCIS Season 19 is happening, but it took some time to score the renewal. Is there a chance that this is the last season?

When the NCIS Season 19 renewal came in, there was a little bit of bad news. Mark Harmon would be part of the show, but not for all episodes. He’s stepping back, and it turns out that he’s going to be in a limited amount of episodes. We’re looking at single digits in terms of episode count.

Originally, he didn’t want to sign another contract. He’s ready to walk away from the role of Gibbs, but him walking away would have meant canceling the series. Rather than putting hundreds of people out of work, he agreed to sign another year but in this limited capacity.

It works, but it also suggests that we’re coming to the end of the series. Could NCIS Season 19 be the end?

NCIS: The Eighteenth Season ($)

NCIS Season 19 may be the last of the series

We’ll be honest and say things aren’t looking great. When a show relies on one actor sticking around, there is always that fear that each season will be the last. That’s the case here.

With Harmon in a limited role, there’s a chance he’ll refuse to sign another contract next year. This would mean the end of the road.

However, there’s a chance CBS may look to see how the series does without Harmon there for every episode. Can the show stick around for longer with other characters taking on the lead roles? Has it been an ensemble show long enough to work without Gibbs always around?

The change of night is also going to come into play. For the first time since the show arrived on CBS, it’s moved out of the Tuesday 8/7c timeslot. It’s going to air on Mondays at 9/8c, acting as a lead-in for NCIS: Hawaii. The move is for two reasons: to help strengthen Monday night programming and to get NCIS: Hawaii off to a good start.

If the ratings take a big dip, CBS could decide to bring the show to an end. If Monday works out well, the network will want to keep the series on the air.

MORE: Is Grey’s Anatomy Season 18 going to be the last?

Are you ready for NCIS to end? Do you think NCIS Season 19 will be the last? Let us know in the comments below.

NCIS Season 19 premieres on Monday, Sept. 20 at 9/8c on CBS.