NCIS Contracts: Sean Murray Signs New 'NCIS' Contract

Source: AOL TV Squad by Kim Potts

CBS has been drama central lately, and not because of the storylines in its top-rated scripted programming.

Nope, the network has made headlines as financial concerns have made for uncertain times on two of CBS' dramas: 'Criminal Minds' and 'NCIS.' the top-rated scripted series that helped CBS continue its streak (for the seventh time in eight years) as the most-watched broadcast network during the 2009-10 TV season.

But things are looking up on one front today, as the final holdout among the unsigned actors on 'NCIS' has made a new deal with CBS. According to Fancast.com, Sean Murray, who plays Special Agent Timothy McGee, has signed a contract to return to the show for its upcoming eighth season.

Murray's deal means CBS and 'NCIS' fans can breathe a major sigh of relief, as the entire cast is now set to return for the fall season. Since the end of April, rumors floated that Murray, Pauley Perrette, Michael Weatherly and David McCallum remained unsigned and were getting low offers to re-up with the show. McCallum's new deal went through first, followed by Perrette and Weatherly, and now Murray, whose stepfather, prolific TV producer Donald P. Bellisario, created 'NCIS.'