Mark Harmon ‘NCIS’ Exit: Stars & Fans React to Dramatic News

Martin Holmes
11 Comments
Mark Harmon Gibbs NCIS
Sonja Flemming/CBS

After 18 years, NCIS star Mark Harmon has said farewell to the long-running CBS procedural drama, and fans are feeling emotional about it.

In the Monday, October 11 episode of NCIS, Harmon’s Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs officially announced that he was stepping away from his career in law enforcement. After wrapping up a case in Alaska, Gibbs told Tim McGee (Sean Murray), “I’m not going back, Tim… I’m not going back home.” As for what he’s looking for next, Gibbs said, “I don’t know. My gut’s telling me I’ll know when I find it.”

After the episode had finished airing, tributes and farewells from cast, crew, and viewers poured in for Harmon.

“My head gets why tonight’s ep had to happen but my heart…? That’s going to take a while to get used to the idea,” tweeted one fan. Another added, “If this is a setup for a possible #Gibbs exit, I’m calling it now, it’ll be the end of #NCIS. I’m not saying #MarkHarmon IS the show but he’s a big part of it. Not looking good for a season 20.”

A more understanding viewer wrote, “I am grateful to Mark Harmon for the years he dedicated to @NCIS_CBS. I am a die hard fan and watch reruns daily. It was time to give up working such a grueling schedule. I’m sad but ok. Enjoy! Hope to see Gibbs in flashbacks and cameos or remain as a consultant like Dr Mallard!”

Another thanked Harmon for his time on the show, writing, “I don’t even have the words but I thank Mr. Harmon for these fabulous years of work. I love everyone still on NCIS so I will still be there every Monday night but I will be watching even more reruns than I currently do. Thank you.”

Meanwhile, Diona Reasonover, who plays NCIS Forensic Specialist Kasie Hines, live-tweeted the episode, writing, “Only 10 mins in and I’m already tearing up.”

However, while Harmon may be out as a series regular, viewers shouldn’t totally count out future appearances. “As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show,” said NCIS showrunner Steve Binder.

He continued: “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.”

Check out more reaction to Harmon’s exit below.

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  1. P

    PurpleTeepee

    Sorry to see Mark Harmon go, but look forward to Gary Cole coming on the show. Also would like a different female agent. The one that replaced Bishop is pretty shallow. I hope the show survives with better story lines, stronger females, and occasional visits from Mark Harmon.an G

    5 1

  2. O

    OliveDice

    Well, they didn't bring back Ziva and Tali, so I guess with Gibbs gone, Ducky isn't on screen enough to get me to watch. I have always liked McGee, but I have never liked

    Gary Cole, and to tell the truth, I don't remember why. I still don't like him.

    3

  3. O

    OliveSailboat

    I will miss McGee, I have watch this show since it started like many others! I hate to see him leave, he has always added to the show with that personality of control of the team, coming in the room with a new case!! I enjoyed adding his real wife” Pam” to the show, and was hoping for a permanent part to show with her and McGee!! I hope after awhile with a good rest McGee will return as the boss over the team!!!

    2

    1. R

      RedBulb

      I think you’re referencing the wrong character…..

  4. P

    PurpleFlame

    will miss him boping his men on the back of the head and all the other quirks

    1

  5. P

    PurpleFlame

    mark harmon is ncis!

    1

  6. C

    CyanPin

    I am devastated. I'll keep watching for now, but it will be very interesting to see what happens to the ratings.

    1

  7. G

    GreenLobster

    I've watched and see is from the very beginning. With losing important people starting with Kate and and Ziva then Tony and Abby Gibbs was the only one that was left from the beginning besides McGee and ducky now duck he's gone. And now Gibbs so it's just going to be another cop show it will not be the same without Gibbs. He wasn't the whole show but he was a big player. If you had some of the original cast still there it might have been okay but not with all the original cast on except for McGee and I love McGee but he can't carry the whole show by himself

  8. G

    GreenElephant

    Not sure I'll be watching much any more. Gibbs is NCIS.

  9. G

    GoldChilli

    Gibbs brand of management just doesn't fly in 2021, kissing and standing too close to females such as Abby, Ziva, Bishop; walking out of the room while people are still talking; disappearing without telling anyone where he is going, etc. He always had to be the hero, it got tiring. I like Gary Cole so look forward to NCIS moving forward. I hope the producers actually put liquid into the myriad cups of coffee everyone is always drinking, it is so obvious that the cups are empty the way they sip from them and carry a tray with 4 large cups supposedly filled with coffee in one hand. More attention needs to be paid to the small details. I'm not as addicted to this show as I once was, watch it when I can, it's not a priority since Tony and Ziva left, though I like Torres and McGee.

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  10. G

    GreenPalmtree

    The show hasn't been the same since Ziva & Tony left.

    2