Mark Harmon’s exit from NCIS has been officially confirmed by the show’s runner, Steven Binder. Harmon left the series during its 19th season, marking the departure of the long-standing main character, Leroy Gibbs. NCIS, a hit procedural series, has been a CBS mainstay since its debut in 2003.
NCIS is currently in its 19th season, surpassing the run of its predecessor, JAG, from which it spun off. The show centers on the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, following a team of agents investigating crimes related to the Navy and Marine Corps. At its core is Mark Harmon’s character, Leroy Gibbs, a former Marine sniper who leads the central team with his no-nonsense approach.
Harmon’s exit from NCIS in the episode “Great Wide Open” marks a significant moment for the series, as fans had long speculated about when and if he would depart. In response to Harmon’s exit, showrunner Steven Binder paid tribute to the actor’s legacy on the show.
This departure is not the first major exit from NCIS, as several original cast members had left the series earlier. Notable exits include Michael Weatherly’s Anthony DiNozzo, Pauley Perrette’s Abby Sciuto, and Cote de Pablo’s Ziva David. Harmon’s departure, however, was gradual, with the actor reducing his role and shifting responsibilities to other actors, particularly Gary Cole, who joined as a series regular, Special Agent Park.
Harmon’s departure is bittersweet for fans, but it could also offer an opportunity for NCIS to redefine itself and appeal to a new generation. Gibbs’ role had diminished in recent episodes, and his formal exit allows the show to move forward and establish its identity without him. While the door remains open for Gibbs to return, NCIS can now explore new possibilities.