Fans were stunned when news broke that CBS has officially canceled NCIS: Origins Season 2, citing major budgeting issues as the reason. The prequel series, which focused on a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs during his early career at NCIS, had built a loyal following after its debut. Now, viewers are expressing frustration that the network pulled the plug on a show many believed still had untapped potential.

The cancellation reportedly came after CBS struggled to balance costs between multiple NCIS projects already in production, including NCIS: Tony & Ziva and the flagship series entering its 23rd season. Despite solid ratings and strong fan support, the financial challenges proved too difficult to overcome, leaving Origins without a future.

Almost immediately, fans flooded social media with disappointment, demanding CBS reconsider the decision. Many pointed out that Origins had only just begun to explore Gibbs’ backstory, and cutting it short leaves a major gap in the NCIS universe.

While there’s always the possibility of revival in the future, for now, NCIS: Origins joins the list of short-lived spinoffs that fans still wish had gotten more time to shine.