After pulling in record numbers for the second time this season, ‘NCIS’ is the first drama to be renewed by CBS for next season, tvsquad.com is reporting. The news comes after Mark Harmon, who stars as Special Agent Gibbs, officially signed a new two-year contract. He will now reportedly earn $500,000 per episode, which is about the same Hugh Laurie makes on ‘House.’
With Harmon’s new contract, and a deal to executive produce the series through his company, Wings Prods, that leaves Cote de Pablo as the only cast member not to have a new contract in place. She joined the ‘JAG’ spin-off in its third season, and her contract expires at the end of this season. The news comes after Harmon’s co-stars were involved in protracted contract negotiations with producers.
Of the ninth season renewal, CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler thanked the drama’s “incredibly devoted fan base…for their passion and commitment.” The naval show has become the most-watched scripted show this season. The January 12 episode, ‘Ships in the Night,’ was watched by 22 million viewers, but was topped by the February 1 episode ‘Freedom,’ which was viewed by 22.9 million people.
Written by: Karen Benardello
