"NCIS" is still TV's most watched drama series . . . regularly drawing more than 12 million viewers per episode.
But there was some debate as to whether CBS would continue the show beyond this season, mostly because MARK HARMON was thinking about moving on. After all, he's played the role of NCIS Special Agent Jethro Gibbs since 2003 on "JAG".
However, it's now official: It WILL be back for a 19th season . . . WITH Harmon.
That said, he may not be a full-time cast member going forward. The "Hollywood Reporter" says that his deal may only include "a limited number of episodes."