Mark Harmon Opens Up About His ‘NCIS’ Departure
Mark Harmon, who played Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs in 19 seasons of NCIS, has opened up about his decision to leave the long-running CBS procedural last fall.
Speaking in a special featurette on the DVD release of the show’s 19th season, Harmon said (via Entertainment Tonight), “What has always drawn me here is the character I play and to keep it fresh and to keep it challenging.” He continued, “Plot-wise, this character has taken the path that it did. I thought it was honest and OK with.”
Harmon’s character exited the series in the fourth episode of Season 19, choosing to stay in Alaska in search of adventure. In his final episode, Special Agent Gibbs made it clear that he wasn’t returning to his home of Washington D.C. “I’m not going back, Tim,” he told Special Agent Timothy McGee (Sean Murray). “I’m not going back home.”
However, that doesn’t mean that we’ll never see Gibbs again. As far as Harmon understands it, his character is still very much alive and active in Alaska. “I’m not retired… the character is living in Alaska as far as I know,” he said in the featurette.
At the time of Harmon’s last episode, NCIS executive producer Steve Binder told People, “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.”
Binder continued, “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.”
NCIS: The Nineteenth Season is out on DVD on Tuesday, August 16
NCIS, Season 20, Premieres, Monday, September 19, 9/8c, CBS
Grab Your News!
Get absolutely everything about NCIS in your inbox!
Conversation31 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Comments are closed on this story.
-
P
I think Gibbs is awesome he made the team what it was. I was sad when Ziva, Tony and Abby left
22
-
R
I wish they would.bring Gibbs, Tony, Abby Ducky , back miss them the series is not the same. Wish y'all.would.bring back new Orleans back too. I miss them
And Lucas. Black
22 2
-
P
I really liked New Orleans except for gregarious. She always seemed to posing, like a model. Her lips were so full of filler she couldn’t close her mouth. Over all it was entertaining. But seriously I like Hawaii best. These are no Dick Wolfe productions, obviously!
-
P
Dumb spellcheck…..I meant GREGARIO!
-
-
-
B
Since Gibbs left the show has been lame for me. I'm just watching reruns.
16
-
G
Well Gibbs...I see you taking on a roll much like Frank. I see Tony coming back for a few important episodes with Gibbs. Not without the help of Abby. I'm sure the producers will figure it out. In the end. It's not the same without them. Sorry Frank...but maybe Gibbs will have memories of you to help solve the ...WE GOT A DEAD MARINE/NAVY!!!
19 3
-
T
His leaving was not a deal breaker for me, but I do miss him. The new guy is doing an OK job in an impossible situation. I don't see Tony coming back, and especially don't see Abby, seeing as how she seemed to burn that bridge when she left. I am always glad when Ducky pops in and Frank always adds some comedy
15
-
G
I love, love the series. These new characters just don't seem to pull me in as the others did. They clicked. Even when Ziva came in, I liked the give and take with the boys and she could definitely hold her own. As they said in one episode, we have a Ziva. Why can't you make another girl as tuff as nails as Ziva? Nick sulks all the time, Jimmie acts differently, Tim doesn't act the same, come on writers you can do better!! 🤣🤣🤣
15 2
-
C
Well I always thought that Gibbs would find his wife and daughter alive in a witness protection program that some how got lost in the program they could have Gibbs & Tony & Ziva McGee and his family. Abby and Gibbs deserves their family just like McGee and Tony. Isn't that what the whole show is about??
8
-
O
Want Gibbs back NCIS needs. Him
8 1
-
G
The person who took Gibbs place does not work please bring Gibbs back.
11 4
-
C
I loved Gibbs when he was a team leader. He started being a loner, that isn't what team is about. He deserves his break. I don't miss Ziva, Tony, or Abby. Tim has always been true. Ducky to. Jimmy is good. I haven't decided about the newest cast members yet. Nick is to mixed up to be a NCIS member.
6
-
P
All due respect, to the current cast members. The show has lost a lot of what made it a great show. Ziva and Tony’s departure hurt a lot. Then Abby left the show and it was just a shell of what it once was. Now the glue that kept the show worth watching is gone and I don't know if as a fan I can get past that...
5
-
G
I agree, there's nothing I would like more than to see all four return. Even for one complete season, ratings would be off the charts.
2
-
G
I felt the same, temporarily, when Ziva, then Tony, then Abbey, and some others, now Gibbs left. Remaining characters work well, watch some shows, you'll agree it is still one of the best.
1
-
R
Why do all the good ones go????
1
-
R
I Love the show I'm so disappointed everyone leaves
1
-
C
I'll miss Gibbs but I'm still a fan of the show. Hopefully they're do some cameos of him in different episodes. I really miss NCIS NEW ORLEANS. I've been a loyal fan of all the NCIS Shows. I rarely miss one.
1
-
G
...and Frank, Ellie, and Leon. Then it would be the best super over-the-top show of all times!
-
G
There were a lot of great characters that left a void in their passing, but it's still a great show.
-
B
I still watch NCIS but I do miss Mark Harmon as Gibb's
-
O
With Gibbs gone I am no longer a fan. Gibbs was the best I now just watch RE-runs!
-
C
It’s not the same poor acting !!
-
R
No Gibbs...no NCSI. PERIOD.
-
G
Would love to see Tony, Zeva & their little girl come back to the show. Such good actors n personalities.
-
C
I would love to see a reunion with Gibbs, Abby, Ziva and Tony. I’m going to start a “WE WANT GIBBS” campaign. Not to take anything away from the newbies, but I love the originals. They are what drew us long -timers in to NCIS.
-
G
If Gibbs does not come back… I’m DONE! Abby left, Ziva left, Tony left…. It will never be the same! Hello reruns
-
G
@Markharmon PLEASE COME BACK .ARE YOU DIRECTING??? IT WASN'T A LONG ENOUGH EXIT. WE NEEDED THE OTHER GUY TO BE IN YOUR SHADOW LONGER. PLEASE COME BACK AS ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR OR SOMETHING AND GET MARRIED OR SOMETHING. CAN'T BELIEVE THEY KILLED OF FORNELL'S DAUGHTER. WHHHYY! THEN THEY TEASED US WITH ZIVAH *TEARS* TO FOR BISHOPS EXIT LIKE WHAT
-
-
R
It’s just not the same…
I’m watching all the seasons on Netflix!!!
-
O
Want the old charters back Ziva, Abby,Gibbs , Tony and Tally they need to come back to NCIS to make this show work .
-
O
I like Parker better than Gibbs anyway
1
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services