After an incredible 20-year run, Mark Harmon, the face of NCIS as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, has officially left the show. In the 19th season, Gibbs decided to stay in Alaska, marking his departure. While the actor had initially been in the credits for the final season, Season 20 has replaced him with Sean Murray, who now plays McGee.
Fan reactions to this change have been mixed, with some accepting it and others expressing sadness at Gibbs’ departure. Harmon himself mentioned that his passion for keeping the character fresh and challenging guided his portrayal.
Despite his exit, Harmon remains connected with the show off-air, leaving room for a potential guest appearance in the future. In his farewell episode, titled “Great Wide Open,” Gibbs and McGee solve a case in Alaska, where Gibbs decides to stay, leaving NCIS behind.
The episode dropped hints about Gibbs’ departure, making it feel like a farewell tour. While it was a bittersweet moment, many believe Gibbs deserved some peace and solitude. The door remains open for a possible return in future seasons.