Why did Mark Harmon leave ‘NCIS?’

Not every show has a main character, but most do, and even among shows with large ensembles, there’s typically one main character whose actor, in turn, becomes the face of the show. Ellen Pompeo in Grey’s Anatomy and Mariska Hargitay in Law & Order: SVU are two examples, as well as Kiefer Sutherland in 24 and Mark Harmon in NCIS. 

Harmon played Leroy Gibbs for 19 seasons, the beloved former U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper turned special agent commander of a Naval Criminal Investigative Service team. His tenure on the show lasted 19 seasons from 2003 to 2022. Following season 18’s conclusion in 2021, rumblings of Harmon’s retirement ensued after The Hollywood Reporter announced his contract was coming to an end. Then, as we know, he gave his final bow in the fourth episode of season 19 titled “Great Wide Open.”  

For a while there, Harmon’s name still appeared in the opening credits, but that’s done now. Enough time has passed and the show has officially moved on without him. Now, thanks to a special featurette in season 19’s DVD release, we know the reason why.

Why did Mark Harmon decide to leave NCIS after 19 seasons? Was it on good terms?

As with any actor who portrays a character long enough, there comes a time when the desire for change outweighs the comfort of staying. According to Harmon, it was the want for “fresh” and “challenging” material that kept him from sticking around. 

“What has always drawn me here is the character I play and to keep it fresh and to keep it challenging,” he said. “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 and OK with.”

Had he not been concerned with CBS canceling the show, Harmon would have bowed out in season 18, according to The Hollywood Reporter. To ensure the show lived beyond his exit, he agreed to return for a limited capacity in season 19, which saw his character’s story arc conclude in the scenic expanse of icy Alaska. 

Will Mark Harmon return as Leroy Gibbs in future seasons?

Following his departure, NCIS’s executive producer Steve Binder released a statement to fans that all but confirmed Gibbs will return at some point.

“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.”

Season 20 of NCIS aired its first full-length season sans Harmon on Sept 19 2022 and concluded on May 22, 2023. Despite initial concerns that it would putter out without Harmon at the helm, the show has continued to thrive and is scheduled to premiere its 21st season in the fall of 2023.