Why Did Mark Harmon Leave NCIS?
When fans think of NCIS, one name instantly comes to mind—Leroy Jethro Gibbs. For nearly two decades, Mark Harmon brought to life the stoic, rule-driven yet compassionate leader who held his investigative team together through thick and thin. From the very first season, Gibbs became the anchor of the show, shaping its tone, its characters, and its success. That’s why when Harmon left the series during Season 19 in 2021, viewers were left stunned. Gibbs had been such an inseparable part of the NCIS identity that his departure felt like losing a member of the family.
But why did Harmon step away after all those years? And is there still a chance that Gibbs could make a return to the franchise? Let’s break down the reasons behind Mark Harmon’s departure and what the future may hold for both the actor and his iconic character.
Gibbs’ Final Case: A Farewell in Season 19
Harmon’s exit wasn’t abrupt—it was written carefully into the show’s storyline. At the beginning of Season 19, Gibbs became entangled in a major case involving serial killer Paul LeMere and the corrupt corporation Sonova Industries. In a four-episode arc, Gibbs went rogue, pursued justice outside the law, and relied only on longtime colleague Timothy McGee to trust him.
The case wrapped up in the emotional fourth episode, “Great Wide Open.” Gibbs arrested LeMere and helped expose Sonova’s crimes, but in doing so, he broke federal law. When FBI agent Alden Parker was ordered to arrest him, he let Gibbs walk free instead. This wasn’t just the conclusion of a case—it was the conclusion of Gibbs’ journey as a federal agent.
In one of the most memorable farewell scenes in the franchise, Gibbs told McGee that he had finally found peace in Naktok Bay, Alaska. After years of living with grief and loss, he was content to simply fish, reflect, and live a quiet life. For fans, the moment was bittersweet. Gibbs wasn’t killed off or written out in a dramatic cliffhanger—he was given the rare gift of closure, something few TV characters ever get.
Why Mark Harmon Decided to Leave NCIS?
Behind the scenes, Harmon’s decision boiled down to one simple truth: after nearly 20 years of playing the same character, he felt it was time to move on.
In DVD commentary for Season 19, Harmon himself admitted that he had “nothing new left to say” with Gibbs. After so many years of portraying the no-nonsense leader, he believed it was best to let the character rest rather than risk repeating storylines or diluting Gibbs’ legacy.
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There were signs leading up to his departure. In the later seasons, Gibbs was featured less frequently in investigations, and his storylines began shifting toward personal arcs. For example, much of Season 17 and 18 focused on Gibbs’ relationship with Phineas, his neighbor’s son, only for Gibbs to discover that Phineas’ mother was a sleeper terrorist. These quieter, character-driven plots reflected both the writers’ and Harmon’s desire to explore different sides of Gibbs before his farewell.
Age also played a role. Harmon was in his 70s during his final episodes, and NCIS often required its lead actor to handle physical, action-heavy sequences. Shifting Gibbs toward a mentor role was a natural transition, and eventually, stepping away entirely felt like the right choice.
Importantly, Harmon didn’t leave on bad terms. Despite rumors of tension with co-star Pauley Perrette years earlier, Harmon’s actual exit was amicable. He even stayed connected to the show as an executive producer, ensuring that he would continue to influence the franchise’s direction even if he wasn’t in front of the camera.
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The Possibility of Gibbs’ Return
For fans, the biggest question since 2021 has been: Will Gibbs ever return?
So far, Harmon has not reprised his role. His absence was especially noticeable in Season 21, during the tribute episode for Donald “Ducky” Mallard, following the death of actor David McCallum. Fans expected Gibbs to be there, given his deep connection with Ducky, but producers made it clear they want any Gibbs return to be “a special event.”
That doesn’t mean the door is closed. In fact, the NCIS franchise is expanding more than ever. With Michael Weatherly recently reprising his role as Anthony DiNozzo, and with the upcoming Tony & Ziva spinoff on Paramount+, fans believe Gibbs could eventually make an appearance. His history with DiNozzo and Ziva makes a cameo not just possible but narratively satisfying. Even a short reunion scene would feel like a victory for longtime fans.
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Mark Harmon’s Career Beyond NCIS
Though Harmon stepped away from Gibbs, he hasn’t disappeared from Hollywood. He is set to star in the upcoming film Freakier Friday, the sequel to Disney’s hit Freaky Friday, alongside Lindsay Lohan, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Chad Michael Murray. Scheduled for release on August 8, 2025, the movie marks his first film role since 2011.
At the same time, Harmon remains involved with the NCIS universe through NCIS: Origins, a prequel series set in 1991. While a younger actor portrays Gibbs, Harmon narrates the series and produces it with his son, Sean Harmon. This spinoff offers fans a deeper look into Gibbs’ early years and his training days, keeping the character alive even without Harmon on screen.
Gibbs’ Legacy in NCIS
Ultimately, Mark Harmon’s decision to leave wasn’t about abandoning fans or the franchise. It was about giving both himself and Gibbs the respect they deserved after nearly two decades of storytelling. By allowing Gibbs to find peace in Alaska, the show gave the character a graceful exit while leaving the door cracked open for a potential return.
For fans, Gibbs remains the soul of NCIS. His rules, his leadership style, and his personal sacrifices still resonate through the current seasons. While the series continues to evolve, the shadow of Gibbs lingers—a reminder of how Mark Harmon helped transform NCIS from just another procedural into a global TV phenomenon.
✅ In summary: Mark Harmon left NCIS because he felt it was time to close Gibbs’ chapter after 20 years. His departure was handled with dignity, giving Gibbs peace instead of tragedy. While Harmon has moved on to new projects, fans can still enjoy Gibbs’ story through NCIS: Origins—and who knows, maybe one day Gibbs will return for one final mission
