‘@TVGMMattRoush
Question: I still haven’t recovered from the loss of Ziva on “NCIS,” and now Tony is leaving. What are the chances of keeping my favorite show at No. 1 in the ratings for scripted drama? — Dolores
Matt Roush: This will be the most significant loss yet for the show’s ensemble, and I pity his replacement (having witnessed the ire poor Bishop faced upon her arrival), but
as long as Mark Harmon stays at the helm as Gibbs, the incredibly durable “NCIS” will likely continue to reign. Some slippage is inevitable, but few shows exhibit this kind of staying power.
Question: Why have “NCIS” and both of its children been so totally left out of awards shows? Being so highly rated, so widely watched, should guarantee these quality productions receive some recognition, but nothing? — John
Matt Roush: The easiest answer to this not uncommon question is that awards shows are not popularity contests, and as the volume of TV continues to escalate, with distinctive programming appearing in all sorts of niches and platforms, the likelihood of a meat-and-potatoes crowd- pleasing formula procedural like “NCIS” making the cut grows even more unlikely. This is why the People’s Choice Awards exists, to give the fans a voice — and “NCIS” is regularly nominated there.
To submit questions to TV Critic Matt Roush, go to: tvinsider.com