Things You Need To Learn About 'NCIS' That Might Decide The TV Series' Fate!

The CBS hit series "NCIS" featured a lot of changes this year. Check out below the major transformations that fans have witnessed throughout this 2016, some were pleasing but others were disheartening for the fans.

Michael Weatherly's exit. Topping the list of significant changes that fans have witnessed in "NCIS" this year is the departure of Michael Weatherly in the show. Michael Weatherly bade goodbye to his popular "NCIS" character Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo in the finale episode of season 13. The actor chose to leave "NCIS" to focus on his new show titled "Bull" where he is doing the lead role. A lot of fans were disheartened with his exit as he has become a pillar of the show.

Cote de Pablo's exit. Adding to the heartache, "NCIS" also featured the departure of Cote de Pablo, playing the role of Ziva David, the love interest of Tony DiNozzo. Ziva was killed off in the same finale episode of season 13 where Tony bid his farewell to the show. Tony and Ziva's relationship has been instrumental crowd drawers of "NCIS" and the fact that the two cast have left the show was too much to bear for the fans of the series.

Tony DiNozzo's replacements. When Tony DiNozzo left the series, his post appears to be very significant that the show added three new characters to be his replacements. Jennifer Esposito was introduced to play as Alex Quinn while Wilmer Valderrama came in to play the role of Nick Torres. The third new character was M16 Officer Clayton Reeves, played by Duanne Henry.

Did you catch that? Ducky's middle name was revealed for the first time in the latest #NCIS! https://t.co/URFFexozgC pic.twitter.com/VuvL1QXh9g

— NCIS (@NCIS_CBS) December 20, 2016

Showrunner's death. This September, the unexpected death of the showrunner Gary Glasberg surprised the cast and fans as well. After two months, the new executive producers were announced, George Schenck and Frank Cardea took over to replace Glasberg.

Ratings dropped. Unfortunately, the changing of executive producers and cast members seem to have caused the significant drop in the ratings of "NCIS." TVGuide reported that the ratings for this season of "NCIS" has dropped from 2.2 to 1.7 rating.

Rumored cancellation. Meanwhile, it has been reported that "NCIS" will most likely be canceled and will no longer be renewed for season 15. Lead star Mark Harmon (playing the role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs) has hinted that series is about to end anytime soon, Enstarz reported.

"NCIS" season 14 will return on Jan. 3, 2017 at 8 p.m. on CBS. Stay tuned for more news and updates about your favorite TV show.