TV Ratings: NCIS Hits Series High (11/6/07)

Now that's a headline I didn't expect to write, although I know "NCIS" has been a solid hit for CBS. The show surged 2 million viewers last night, getting its highest audience ever - 18.28 million viewers.

Although the show now stands neck and neck with ABC's blockbusters "Grey's Anatomy" and "Desperate Housewives" its 18-49 ratings are however not comparable. "NCSI" scored a 4.1 rating, whereas ABC dramas normally exceed 7.0.

ABC comedies which both debuted to about 9 million viewers are crashing and burning. Both shows posted their worst figures ever, with "Cavemen" getting an embarrassing 4.89 million viewers.

ABC:
Cavemen (4.89 million)
Carpoolers (5.51 million)
Dancing with the Stars (16.96 million)
Boston Legal (10.97 million)

CBS:
NCIS (18.28 million)
The Unit (11.02 million)
Cane (7.83 million)

NBC:
The Biggest Loser (7.92 million)
Law & Order: SVU (11.75 million)

FOX:
Bones (9.58 million)
House (18.12 million)

The CW:
Beauty and the Geek (2.62 million)
Reaper (2.40 million)

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War on NCIS Set Ends with Creator Departure

The creator and executive producer of CBS's Navy procedural "NCIS" Don Bellisario is leaving the show following a long-running clash with the show star Mark Harmon effective immediately.

Co-executive producer (and longtime Bellisario collaborator) Chas. Floyd Johnson and headwiter Shane Brennan are expected to replace Bellisario.

According to TV Guide, Mark Harmon was frustrated with Bellisario's chaotic micro-management resulting in late script arrivals and 16-hour working days.

Ultimately, Harmon threatened to leave the show and the standoff ended in creator's agreement to step down.

Although Bellisario will retain his executive producer title, he will move on to other projects for the CBS network.

CBS Paramoount Network TV president David Stapf said: "With 'JAG' and 'NCIS,' Don has a great tradition of success with the network and our studio; we look forward to developing his next generation of projects."

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