Special Agent In Charge Leroy Jethro Gibbs has been an iconic figure in NCIS since the show first aired in 2003, leading many devoted fans to speculate about the reasons behind actor Mark Harmon’s departure from NCIS in season 19. Although Harmon retained his role as an Executive Producer despite Gibbs’ absence from the series, his character was notably missing from episodes. As CBS’ longest-running scripted primetime series, NCIS chronicles the lives and missions of federal special agents tasked with investigating serious military crimes, thwarting terrorism, and safeguarding sensitive information for both the Navy and Marine Corps. The show has become a staple in crime drama television, captivating audiences with its intricate plots and engaging character dynamics.

Created by the talented Don McGill alongside prolific creator-producer Donald P. Bellisario, renowned for shows like Magnum P.I., Quantum Leap, and Airwolf, NCIS has seen many significant cast changes throughout its extensive history, including the departures of original characters like Tony, Abbey, Kate, and Ziva. However, none of these exits had as profound an impact as Harmon’s. CBS has a history of replacing key characters in their series, and remarkably, NCIS has continued to thrive even without Agent Gibbs, with Gary Cole stepping in as the new team leader. Harmon’s exit occurred early in season 19, providing CBS ample time to evaluate the show’s performance in his absence.

Explore Gibbs’ Last Case and the Impact of His Departure from NCIS

Gibbs’ Unconventional Methods: Breaking the Law to Capture a Killer

As Gibbs made his exit from the NCIS storyline, his last case had been building for some time. In Harmon’s penultimate episode, the team uncovered that the murders they believed to be the work of a serial killer were, in fact, committed by a hired hitman named Jason Wiles. After parting ways with FBI Agent Alden Parker (portrayed by Gary Cole), Gibbs took the hitman to his desired location in exchange for crucial information. Although the hitman detonated explosives, he revealed his connection to Gibbs’ boat’s destruction and divulged the identity of his employer, setting the stage for Gibbs’ final chapter in the series.

Gibbs’ investigation took him to Naktok, Alaska, where he discovered that Sonova Industries, involved in a controversial copper mining project, posed a significant threat to the local environment. Upon realizing that the company’s CEO, Sonia Eberhart (played by Valarie Pettiford), had ordered the hitman to eliminate anyone who could expose the environmental repercussions of the mining operations, Gibbs and his NCIS team swiftly gathered evidence to hold her accountable for the journalist’s murder who was probing into these matters.

Unpacking Gibbs’ Decision to Depart from NCIS

Gibbs’ Journey to Finding Peace After Personal Tragedy

The NCIS episode encapsulates pivotal moments between Gibbs and his colleagues, including Nick Torres, Timothy McGee, and Ducky Mallard. These interactions are woven throughout the episode, subtly foreshadowing Gibbs’ impending departure. Notably, Gibbs discards the phone he had carried for so long into a coffee mug, symbolizing his readiness to move on from his past life. However, Gibbs did not initially intend to retire. After assisting the hitman in reaching his desired location, Gibbs found himself breaking the law.

He had anticipated serving time for his transgressions — even informing Parker of his whereabouts. However, Gibbs’ narrative did not conclude in a way that reflected his character’s integrity. When Parker witnessed the positive impact Gibbs had made, he chose to defy orders to arrest him, a decision that cost him his job. Gibbs resolved to stay in that moment because he had discovered peace for the first time since the tragic loss of his wife and daughter, a feeling he was not willing to relinquish.

Understanding Mark Harmon’s Departure from NCIS After 18 Seasons

Mark Harmon Reveals His Reasons: Fatigue and a Desire for Less Commitment

Mark Harmon was ready to transition after completing NCIS season 18. He negotiated a limited appearance at the beginning of season 19 to facilitate the series’ renewal, ultimately exiting as Gibbs in NCIS season 19. As a long-standing producer and veteran of the franchise, Harmon remained invested in the show’s future.

Departing early in a season rather than at its conclusion provided NCIS with the opportunity to demonstrate its viability without him. The show had ample time to establish whether it could retain an audience in the absence of Harmon. Following his dismissal from the FBI, Agent Parker found a new role waiting for him at NCIS. Mark Harmon elaborated on his decision to leave during an interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show:

“I think for the longest time, I was just tired. Part of taking the job [involved] being home, with a young family, not traveling so much doing movies. The first day, we worked 22 hours. So I thought, ‘That’s not exactly what I thought this was going to be.’ But we had a lot of days like that in the first four years.”

Speculating on the Possibility of Gibbs’ Return to NCIS

Showrunner Steve Binder Leaves the Door Open for Gibbs’ Potential Comeback

Mark Harmon’s beloved character chose to embrace a quiet life rather than exit in a blaze of heroic glory, which keeps the door ajar for a future return. Showrunner Steve Binder confirmed this in a statement released on the night of Harmon’s departure (via Instagram):

As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show … Our north star has always been staying true to our characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go. So regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years…never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.

How NCIS Thrived After Mark Harmon’s Departure

Gary Cole Steps Up to Fill the Void Left by Gibbs

NCIS managed to sustain its viewership even after Mark Harmon exited the CBS military procedural series. Throughout the years, Gibbs has been the central character, and audiences have developed a deep connection with him. However, many other shows have successfully continued after losing their main character. NCIS season 19’s ratings played a critical role in assessing whether viewers could adapt to the show without Gibbs.

This cautious approach informed Mark Harmon’s decision to leave NCIS at the onset of the season: to ascertain if the series could thrive without him. The show has a history of parting ways with various fan-favorite characters, so audiences are somewhat accustomed to these changes. Yet, the loss of Gibbs marked one of the most significant character departures in NCIS history. Fortunately, Agent Parker helped bridge the substantial void left by Gibbs’s departure from the series.

Mark Harmon’s Reflections on His Departure from NCIS

Mark Harmon Leaves the Door Open for Future Appearances

A year after Gibbs’ exit, Mark Harmon shared his thoughts on why he left NCIS and what he aimed to achieve now that the long-running show was behind him. These insights were revealed during the DVD release of season 19, where Harmon discussed Gibbs’ legacy within the series and the broader NCIS franchise. According to Harmon, after 18 seasons dedicated to the role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, he was eager to explore “fresh” and “challenging” material, something that the demanding NCIS schedule did not permit.

However, Harmon also hinted at some positive news. He mentioned during the DVD feature that Gibbs is not “retired” as a character, which keeps the possibility for his return alive. “The character is living in Alaska as far as I know. Plot-wise, this character has taken the path that it did. I thought it was honest.” While Gibbs has yet to reappear, his memory remains vibrant within the series, assuring fans that his character will not be forgotten.

Mark Harmon’s New Ventures Following His Exit from NCIS

Exploring Harmon’s New Projects: Freaky Friday, NCIS: Origins, and His Authorial Debut

Following his time on NCIS, Mark Harmon took a significant break from acting to focus on personal renewal. While he expressed a desire to engage with fresh and challenging roles, he opted for an extended hiatus to refresh himself creatively. During this time, he collaborated with retired NCIS Special Agent Leon Carroll Jr. to co-author a book titled Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, a Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor, in which he also lent his voice to the audiobook narration.

Now that his time off has concluded, Harmon is actively engaging in exciting new projects. In 2025, he is set to return to the silver screen in his first movie role since 2010, reprising his character Ryan in Freaky Friday 2. He originally portrayed Jamie Lee Curtis’s fiancé in the 2003 film and will presumably return as her husband in the sequel. While this prospect excites longtime fans, the thrilling news for those who miss Gibbs is that Harmon will also be featured in NCIS: Origins.

Understanding Harmon’s Role in NCIS: Origins and Its Implications for His Future as Gibbs

Mark Harmon Makes a Comeback in the NCIS Prequel

Austin Stowell portrays a younger version of Gibbs in the highly anticipated NCIS prequel NCIS: Origins. However, this does not imply that original actor Mark Harmon is absent from the show. In fact, Harmon serves as an executive producer and lends his voice as the narrator for this military police procedural series.

The actor even makes a special appearance as the older Gibbs in the two-part premiere of NCIS: Origins, titled “Enter Sandman,” on CBS. The episodes of NCIS: Origins showcase Harmon’s Gibbs still residing in Alaska, reflecting on his past experiences with the Naval Investigative Service as he writes in a journal.

Since Harmon appears in the premiere of the NCIS prequel, many fans are curious about the potential for his return to the original series or other NCIS spinoffs. Unfortunately, CBS and the producers have yet to make any announcements regarding this matter. While Harmon is currently not expected to reprise his role in NCIS, he will continue to feature in the prequel following his cameo in the first two episodes. Initially, it seemed that Harmon was only slated for a brief appearance, but his character’s role may expand as NCIS: Origins season 1 progresses.

Imagining the Dynamics of a Potential Gibbs Return to NCIS

Mark Harmon Suggests He Could Appear Again If Necessary

Over three years have passed since Mark Harmon left NCIS, and the show has demonstrated its ability to endure without Gibbs as part of its core team. Nonetheless, the question remains whether audiences will see Gibbs again in a significant capacity. His brief appearance in NCIS: Origins reassures fans that he is alive and well, but many viewers may prefer a more substantial return for the character.

Considering Gibbs seems to have found solace in his Alaskan life, any compelling reason would be needed to draw him back into the field and onto another case after such an extended absence. A typical situation would not suffice, so perhaps involving a former colleague in peril or sending Gibbs on a quest for vengeance could provide a compelling narrative pathway for the show if they decide to reintroduce the beloved character.

Moreover, the new prequel series might serve as an ideal platform to facilitate Gibbs’ return. Harmon’s appearances in the new series hint at the possibility of revisiting past cases. This approach could effectively connect NCIS: Origins with NCIS through a crossover episode. Reopening a past case that Gibbs was involved in could create dramatic tension, prompting him to return to address unresolved issues. Such a storyline would not only unify the franchise but also provide an exciting opportunity for Gibbs’ triumphant return.