'NCIS' season 14 news: Show not facing cancellation; new showrunners named

There are reports going around that "NCIS" season 14 will mark the final season of the most watched drama, which is reportedly losing viewers.

According to the rumors, the exit of Michael Weatherly as Special Agent Tony DiNozzo drastically affected the show's ratings and viewership.

Details from TV by the Numbers would show that 18.01 million viewers tuned in to witness Weatherly's send-off in the "NCIS" season 13 finale. The episodes before that raked in from 14.8 million to 16 million.

"NCIS" season 14 still started strong with 15.99 million viewers but that is down to 14.08 million (for episode 6, Shell Game"), the lowest in recent years. However, "NCIS" remained standing even though it gained viewership much lower than that.

While DiNozzo's exit was a major blow to the show as he was a fan-favorite and a character that was there since the beginning, "NCIS" season 14 is still doing well.

However, it is to be noted that the series has definitely seen better day as the series can go up to 20 million three years go. The ratings and number of viewers it has in the recent episodes are certainly not the highest.

To make up for Weatherly's departure, "NCIS" season 14 added three new cast members namely Jennifer Esposito, Wilmer Valderrama and Duane Henry.

"NCIS" executive producer Gary Glasberg's unexpected passing in September is also something to be taken into account though when thinking about the show's future beyond "NCIS" season 14.

After honoring one of the geniuses that made the show happen, "NCIS" veterans, executive producers and long-time writing partners George Schenck and Frank Cardea were chosen to succeed Glasberg.

"The NCIS family suffered a tragic loss with the sudden passing of our showrunner, Gary Glasberg. It's with heavy hearts that we assume his duties," Schenck and Cardea said in a joint statement picked up by TVLine.

"We are fortunate to be surrounded by an incredibly talented and dedicated cast and crew, which will make the transition that much easier. Thank you to the NCIS fans for the outpouring of love we have all received," they added.

From the looks of it, the show is not bowing down anytime soon. "NCIS" season 14 returns with episode 7, "Home of the Brave," on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. EDT on CBS. The episode will see Robert Wagner return as Tony DiNozzo, Sr.