CBS's NCIS continues to reign supreme among other crime drama series. So much so that it has been renewed for a 16th season, while star Mark Harmon sealed a deal.

NCIS is going stronger than ever, and CBS is not blind or deaf when it comes to ratings and the public's clamor. Harmon, who is also the showrunner, signed a deal for a 2018-2019 contract. Pretty sure fans of the hit series will find delight in this news.

"This show speaks to viewers of all ages, in all parts of the country and around the world. NCIS's amazing characters and terrific storytelling result in some of TV's most passionate fans," president of CBS Entertainment Kelly Kahl said in a statement.

Furthermore, the CBS exec praised the NCIS production team and cast for creating an outstanding masterpiece loved and followed by many people. The show joins the roster of shows that had been recently renewed, Young Sheldon, Mom, SWAT, and The Big Bang Theory.

NCIS remains to be one of the five most watched shows in broadcast TV, and falls second to The Big Bang Theory in CBS. The show also has an average 17 million audience per episode, not a small number for the show.

NCIS also received an award given by Eurodata TV, which was why it was dubbed as the "most-watched drama series in the world." The show is currently on its 15th season, whose last episode will air in May. That said, it seemed that the contract signing was long seen coming, considering there is no cancellation rumors up in the air.

Pauley Perrette-less 'NCIS'

It is interesting to see, moreover, how NCIS Season 16 will play out. Pauley Perette, who played Abby Sciuoto, announced last year that the 15th run of the show will be her last. Her character was the trusty assistant/goth forensic expert and worked hand in hand with Harmon's Gibbs.

At the time, Perette denounced rumors that she would be leaving the show because of some misunderstandings with the team or that she had to focus on a skin care line. Showrunners Frank Cardea and George Schenck explained that they already had a wind of her departure and wished her well.

It's hard to imagine NCIS without Perette, as she had been with the show for 15 years already and is one of the defining actors of the show. Earlier this month, the 49-year-old shared some photos on her last day on the set.