After seven seasons, CBS drama ‘NCIS’ is at the top in ratings

‘NCIS’ ascends to top spot in ratings

NEW YORK — The CBS show “NCIS” is the opposite of an overnight success. Now it’s hit the top.

Mark Harmon’s crime-solving drama was television’s most-watched program for the second week of the TV season, just like it was for the first. The Nielsen Co. says last week’s audience of 21.4 million viewers was the biggest for the series in its seven seasons.

The show started out as a modest success for CBS, finishing No. 26 in its first season starting in 2003. But it has exploded in interest recently, particularly when the USA network began showing syndicated reruns last year.

CBS was the most popular network again last week.