What Happened to NCIS: New Orleans?
NCIS: New Orleans was an American action crime drama and police procedural television series that premiered on CBS on September 23, 2014, as the third series in the NCIS franchise. Set and filmed in the vibrant city of New Orleans, the show ran for seven seasons, concluding on May 23, 2021, after CBS canceled it due to declining ratings. It is currently available for streaming on platforms like Paramount+ and Philo.
Quick Answer
NCIS: New Orleans concluded its run on May 23, 2021, after seven seasons on CBS. The cancellation was primarily due to a significant decline in viewership, with ratings dropping nearly 25% from Season 6 to Season 7. The series, known for its authentic portrayal of New Orleans culture and music, aired 155 episodes. As of July 2026, the show remains available for streaming on various platforms, and several cast members have moved on to new projects within the entertainment industry.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Backdoor Pilot Airs
The characters and concept for NCIS: New Orleans are introduced in a two-part episode during the eleventh season of the flagship NCIS series.
Series Premiere
NCIS: New Orleans officially premieres on CBS, following the twelfth season of NCIS, drawing a strong initial viewership of 17.1 million.
Brad Kern Becomes Showrunner
Brad Kern takes over as the showrunner for NCIS: New Orleans, guiding the series through subsequent seasons.
100th Episode Airs
The series celebrates a significant milestone with the airing of its 100th episode, a testament to its sustained popularity.
Season 6 Premieres; Lucas Black Departs
The sixth season of NCIS: New Orleans begins, during which original cast member Lucas Black, who played Christopher LaSalle, departs from the series.
Renewed for Seventh Season
CBS renews NCIS: New Orleans for its seventh season, which would ultimately be its last.
Seventh Season Premieres
The seventh and final season of NCIS: New Orleans begins airing on CBS.
Reruns Begin on Ion Television
Reruns of NCIS: New Orleans begin airing on Ion Television, expanding its syndication reach.
Cancellation Announced
CBS officially announces that the seventh season of NCIS: New Orleans will be the series' final one, citing declining ratings as a primary factor.
Series Finale Airs
The final episode of NCIS: New Orleans, titled 'Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler,' airs, concluding the series after 155 episodes.
Scott Bakula Returns to Stage
It is announced that lead actor Scott Bakula will return to the New York stage in the world premiere of 'The Connector' in early 2024.
Scott Bakula Performs in 'The Connector'
Scott Bakula begins performances in 'The Connector' at the MCC Theater in New York, running through March 17, 2024.
TNT Reruns Conclude
Reruns of NCIS: New Orleans on TNT, which began in December 2017, conclude their broadcast run.
Necar Zadegan Joins 'CIA'
Necar Zadegan, who played Hannah Khoury, is confirmed to join the cast of the new FBI spin-off 'CIA' as a series regular, set to premiere in February 2026.
FBI Spin-off 'CIA' Premieres
The new FBI spin-off series 'CIA,' featuring NCIS: New Orleans alum Necar Zadegan, officially premieres.
NCIS: New York Ordered to Series
CBS officially orders 'NCIS: New York' to series for the 2026-27 television season, further expanding the NCIS franchise.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
NCIS: New Orleans, a spin-off of the highly successful NCIS franchise, debuted on CBS on September 23, 2014, following a two-part backdoor pilot during the eleventh season of the original NCIS. The series quickly distinguished itself by deeply integrating the unique culture, music, and vibrant atmosphere of its New Orleans setting, making the city almost a character in itself. Led by Scott Bakula as Supervisory Special Agent Dwayne Pride, the show initially garnered strong viewership, with its premiere attracting 17.1 million viewers.
However, over its seven-season run, NCIS: New Orleans experienced a steady decline in ratings. While its first season averaged over 15 million viewers, this number dropped significantly to 6.3 million by Season 6 and further to 4.8 million by its final Season 7. This decline, coupled with increasing production costs, particularly rising cast salaries as the show progressed, made it less financially viable for the network. CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl acknowledged the show's authenticity but ultimately, the numbers did not align with the network's strategic goals, especially when compared to the performance of its sister shows in the franchise.
Key turning points included the departure of original cast member Lucas Black (Christopher LaSalle) during Season 6 and a shift in its broadcast schedule. The official announcement of the show's cancellation came on February 17, 2021, with CBS confirming that the seventh season would be its last. This decision allowed the producers to craft a proper send-off for the characters, culminating in the series finale on May 23, 2021, which featured Pride's wedding and resolved ongoing storylines.
The cancellation of NCIS: New Orleans marked the first time a series in the NCIS franchise had concluded its run. Its ending also coincided with CBS's development of new spin-offs, notably NCIS: Hawaiʻi, which premiered later in 2021, and the subsequent 'NCIS: Origins' (2024), 'NCIS: Tony & Ziva' (2025), and 'NCIS: New York' (2026). The show's legacy is remembered for its strong connection to New Orleans, its musical elements, and its portrayal of a resilient community.
As of July 14, 2026, NCIS: New Orleans continues to be available for streaming on platforms such as Paramount+ Premium, Paramount+ Essential, Philo, and TNT (until September 2025). Reruns have also been airing on Ion Television since January 2021. Cast members have pursued new endeavors; for example, CCH Pounder (Dr. Loretta Wade) appeared in 'Avatar: The Way of Water' (2022) and Netflix's '3 Body Problem' (2024). Necar Zadegan (Hannah Khoury) joined the cast of the new FBI spin-off 'CIA,' which premiered in February 2026. Scott Bakula (Dwayne Pride) returned to the New York stage in early 2024 for the world premiere of 'The Connector.'
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if NCIS: New Orleans made different choices?