Another key factor was declining ratings. While NCIS: Los Angeles still had a loyal fanbase, its viewership had dropped compared to earlier seasons. With CBS already running multiple NCIS spinoffs, including NCIS: Hawai’i and the upcoming NCIS: Origins, the network may have decided it was time to focus on fresh content rather than keep an aging show on the air.
Despite the cancellation, the cast and crew were given time to properly conclude the series, offering fans a satisfying farewell. The show’s legacy remains strong, and with the NCIS franchise continuing to expand, there’s always a possibility that familiar characters could return in future projects.