'NCIS' renewed by CBS for two more seasons with Mark Harmon

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 29 (UPI) -- NCIS will return for at least two more seasons.

CBS announced the long-running police procedural was renewed for a 14th and 15th season in a press release Monday.

"It's extraordinary that in its 13th season and with over 300 episodes to its credit, NCIS continues to excel at such a high level on a global scale," CBS Entertainment president Glenn Geller said.

Mark Harmon, who has starred as Leroy Gibbs since the show's debut in 2003, is confirmed for seasons 14 and 15. Geller credited the 64-year-old actor and the rest of the cast for making the series a continued hit.

"It is testimony to an amazing cast ... for skillfully bringing this universally appealing team of heroes to life; and to Gary Glasberg and his writers for crafting compelling stories that feature NCIS's signature blend of mystery, quirk, drama and comedy every single week," Geller lauded.

NCIS is the No. 1 drama in the U.S. and worldwide, averaging 20.47 million viewers. The series follows Gibbs (Harmon) and his Naval Criminal Investigative Service Major Case Response Team as they solve cases from their Washington, D.C., field office.

Michael Weatherly and Pauley Perrette co-star as Tony DiNozzo and Abby Sciuto, respectively. Weatherly announced he will leave the series after Season 13 last month, but called the role an "opportunity of a lifetime."

"DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn't have had more fun playing him," the actor tweeted. "I will miss the amazing crew & cast, who are like family to me, & to the fans all over the world - THANK YOU, it's been a fantastic ride!"

NCIS airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.