Eegads, NCIS has problems

[wraithfodder]

Caught this link to this on a trade paper....

http://www.deadline.com/2010/04/quartet-of-ncis-co-stars-in-limbo/

EXCLUSIVE: CBS’ top drama series, NCIS, will no doubt be back for an eighth season, but what about the cast? While star Mark Harmon, who is also a producer on the show, is locked in, the four other original cast members, Michael Weatherly, Pauley Perrette, David McCallum and Sean Murray (he started off as a recurring in season 1), have no deals beyond the current seventh season. And from what I hear, talks between the actors and CBS TV Studios, which produces the hit procedural, have slowed down with the two sides far apart on the money. My understanding is that the studio went to the cast members with pretty low-ball offers, leading to the impasse.

WHAT?! You *cannot* have NCIS w/o Ducky, Abby, etc.!!!

Comments

[suekay-87.livejournal.com]

I hope it'll all be resolved, but if Michael Weatherly doesn't come back...I don't know if I'd keep watching :(

[the-scary-kitty.livejournal.com]

Oh, frak. Don't tell me they're gonna pull another House-style team reboot.

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

I read on a pal's LJ that even MW et el don't get 100k an eppy which I know is big money, but for a show like NCIS is very small.

I hope things get worked out.

[lahela-sga.livejournal.com]

I will be *most* annoyed if they don't do a good deal for the actors - I still miss Kate, but if we lost Abby and Ducky then all deals would be off. :(

[rasmizar.livejournal.com]

Oh nooooo!

Well, they have Mark Harmon - if all else fails, they can always de-age him a bit with make-up and special effects (without the other cast members there should be enough money for something like that) and make a season of "Gibbs - the early NCIS years" ;-)

[alyssa22.livejournal.com]

If they get rid of Tony, Ziva or McGee, I'd stop watching.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

It's interesting to read the comments on the aticle page. Lots of folks would stop watching if their favorite character vanished.

[alyssa22.livejournal.com]

Well.. I may have exaggerated slightly. But I'd be really cranky if any of those three went. I really like the dynamic between them. And McGee is my favourite (yes, I know I'm the lone ranger there!)

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

The show is definitely an ensemble show. I think Gibbs is my favorite, but I like them all.

[alyssa22.livejournal.com]

I love McGee! He's the cutest thing ever!

[a-pilgrim-soul.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't worry about this, these rumours happen every time contracts come up for renewal on a big show, its all part of the negotiations. It seems to go a little something like this.

"I won't sign a new contract unless you pay me an obscene amount of money."
"Well we're only prepared to pay you a mildly obscene amount."
"Not good enough, I'm leaving."
"Okay we'll make it slightly more obscene."
"Still not good enough, you need me."
"Hmmm, no not really, we'll just replace you with someone younger and prettier."
"Okay, I'll sign."

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Well, David McCallum apparently isn't in the group. TV Guide article at http://bit.ly/92ndt2

Unfortunately the 'younger and prettier' thing is a sad way of Hollywood. I mean, I don't care to watch half the shows on TV anymore cuz I'm not interested in watching high school students!

[luveskane.livejournal.com]

Ugh, wont be the same with new actors, hope it all works out and they all stay!

[wildcat88.livejournal.com]

No!! This must be corrected at once! If the cast of Friends can get $1 million an ep each, surely the mighty CBS can fork over a little more to keep our team together.

[kimberweeme.livejournal.com]

I only started watching last year, when I marathoned all 6 seasons over the summer, but still. If Michael Weatherly doesn't come back, I'll stop watching the show. End of story.

NCIS

[(Anonymous)]

I love these actors like they were family. They have the perfect formula going on right now. I hope it lasts.