Why Did Mark Harmon Leave NCIS?

As a dedicated cinephile, I can confidently say that NCIS wouldn’t have reached its current status as a captivating procedural drama without the indispensable presence of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed brilliantly by Mark Harmon. For most of the show’s impressive 22-season journey spanning over two decades, Gibbs, with his stern yet compassionate demeanor, has been leading his investigative team both on and off the field, in their professional and personal lives alike. With each season that passed, we were granted a glimpse into more facets of Gibbs’ past and speculation about what his life might hold post-military service.

In essence, Gibbs was deeply intertwined with the heart and ongoing narrative of NCIS. It seemed almost impossible for him to depart, but surprisingly, that happened four episodes into Season 19. Many viewers were taken aback when Gibbs actually left NCIS in 2021. The lingering impact of Gibbs can still be felt by the remaining characters and even the new recruits who didn’t interact with him personally.

On June 2, 2025, Jordan Iacobucci updated this article: For almost two decades, Mark Harmon was a cornerstone of the NCIS franchise, first appearing as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Sadly, Harmon decided to part ways with the series during its nineteenth season, leaving many fans disappointed. So, why did the actor choose to leave this popular show, and what can we expect from NCIS in his absence?

Leroy Jethro Gibbs Solved His Last Case & Retired

Mark Harmon Closed Out His Time on NCIS With One Final Case

In the start of its 19th season, NCIS unfolded an extensive investigation that lasted over four episodes. Initially, Gibbs chased after serial killer Paul LeMere, but soon discovered he was entangled in a broader plot masterminded by the ruthless and malicious Sonova Industries. This revelation put Gibbs under fire from his fellow federal agents. The only ally Gibbs could rely on throughout this ordeal was Agent Timothy McGee, his long-standing partner. The case concluded tragically in the fourth episode of Season 19, titled “Great Wide Open.

Though Gibbs apprehended LeMere and helped take down Sonova’s CEO, Sonia Eberhart, he himself broke the law and could have faced prison time. FBI agent Alden Parker chose not to arrest Gibbs but instead let him go as instructed. However, this didn’t make Gibbs any less of a fugitive, with an active warrant for his arrest still outstanding. If he wanted to clear his name in Washington D.C., he risked further legal troubles. Additionally, Gibbs had grown tired of being a federal agent and rejected Director Leon Vance’s offer to reclaim his old position. Those close to him were well aware that he no longer wished to work as a federal agent.

In “Great Wide Open,” longtime companions Vance and McGee bid farewell to Gibbs, who parted ways with a heartfelt and tearful goodbye. The final scene showed Gibbs peacefully fishing in tranquil Naktok Bay, finding contentment there for the first time since his family’s and closest friends’ passing. It was one of the rare instances where audiences witnessed Gibbs genuinely happy.

From here on, I found myself back in the skies bound for Washington, D.C., while Gibbs remained behind, his presence echoing through subsequent episodes. The void he left in our team was a recurring theme, with stories weaving around it, but alas, his image never graced our screens again. This wasn’t the first time Gibbs had temporarily stepped away from his life as a federal investigator, nor was it my first break from the show. However, this time around, his departure in Season 19 proved to be permanent.

Mark Harmon Felt It Was Time to Move on From Leroy Jethro Gibbs

The End of Gibbs’ Career in NCIS Wasn’t the End of Harmon’s Work on the Series

Essentially, Harmon chose to part ways with NCIS due to his desire to explore new creative ventures. Although there were some disputes surrounding him, such as the rumors about his role in creating questionable content, Harmon’s departure from the show was friendly. It’s worth noting that Harmon had started distancing himself from NCIS well before Season 19.

As the series of NCIS progressed, Harmon became less present in episodes. Instead of actively participating in investigations in newer episodes, Gibbs tended to step back and let his team take charge. During this time, he was more focused on personal developments. For instance, throughout Seasons 17 and 18, Gibbs cultivated a meaningful relationship with his neighbor’s son, Phineas. However, their friendship took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that Phineas’ mother, Sarah Johnson, was secretly a terrorist.

Prior to Season 19’s premiere, it became known that Harmon would only appear in a limited number of episodes and then step away from acting. However, he continued in his role as executive producer. This indicated that Harmon decided to leave partially due to growing weary of portraying the same character for such an extended period without significant change. For over two decades, Harmon played Gibbs with minimal variation.

It’s challenging to ignore the fact that Harmon’s age noticeably limited his on-screen performance in the action-filled TV series. As the show progressed, more complex storylines for Harmon’s character, Gibbs, seemed to be a means of adding fresh dimensions before his departure. In the commentary for Season 19 of NCIS, Harmon openly admitted that he felt there was little left to contribute or explore with the Gibbs character.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs Could Still Return to NCIS

NCIS’s Co-Showrunner Wants Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ Potential Return to Be a Special Event

Currently, Harmon hasn’t made a comeback on NCIS, but there remains a slight possibility that viewers could see him back on the television screen in the future. The anticipation for a potential Harmon reappearance gained momentum following an episode of NCIS not long ago. However, Weatherly’s return was met with less enthusiasm than expected.

In the second episode of Season 21, titled “The Stories We Leave Behind,” Dinozzo paid a visit for Ducky’s funeral service. Fans appreciated Dinozzo’s appearance, but they noticed that Gibbs was missing. Given their close bond and the passing of McCallum, who played Ducky, it seemed unusual not to see Gibbs in the tribute episode dedicated to McCallum. Considering how integral Gibbs is to the storyline and persona of NCIS, it’s understandable that his return isn’t being hastily arranged. Likewise, given Mark Harmon’s long-standing commitment to one character and series, a break might be well-deserved for him too.

What Has Mark Harmon Done Since Leaving NCIS?

He Has Recently Returned to the NCIS Franchise

In the upcoming film “Freakier Friday,” set for release on August 8, 2025, Mark Harmon is coming back to play Ryan. Joining him in the cast are Lindsay Lohan, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Chad Michael Murray, all reprising their roles from earlier productions. This will be Harmon’s first time portraying a character other than Gibbs since 2011.

Fans yearning for the return of their beloved character, Gibbs, from the NCIS franchise can catch up with him in the current prequel series, NCIS: Origins. This series takes us back to 1991, where we delve into Gibbs’ training period at Camp Pendleton. Additionally, it provides a deeper understanding of the tragic murders of his wife and daughter.

As Harmon shares the storylines, it’s important to note that Sean Harmon, Harmon’s son, won’t be reprising his younger Gibbs character from NCIS‘s flashbacks. Instead, he’s lending a hand behind the scenes as a producer for the prequel series. Starting every Monday on CBS, fans can catch new episodes of NCIS: Origins. The show will pause after Episode 10, airing on December 16, 2024, before returning with fresh content on January 27, 2025, to continue the current season.

Gibbs Could Return in an Upcoming NCIS Spinoff

NCIS: Tony & Ziva Is Perfect for Gibbs’s Return

Even though Mark Harmon, who left NCIS in 2021, hasn’t officially come back just yet, there are hints that his character might reappear in the future. The new Paramount+ original series revolves around beloved characters Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David, originally from the main NCIS series. This upcoming spinoff will focus on their global escapades as they confront villains determined to cause chaos worldwide. Although it hasn’t been confirmed yet, it seems plausible that Mark Harmon could make an appearance in Tony and Ziva’s new series at some point.

In the hint, it’s implied that Gibbs could make an appearance in future seasons of the upcoming NCIS spinoff, considering his potential absence from the first season. This prospect excites fans, as they yearn for a reunion of their beloved characters – Gibbs, DiNozzo, and Ziva – who haven’t shared screen time together for quite some time. A brief appearance by Gibbs in future episodes would undoubtedly be a significant win for the NCIS fanbase, eager to see their favorite team back together once more.

2025-06-04 03:21