The era of Mark Harmon’s on-camera appearances as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS seems to have concluded. Almost a year after Harmon’s last appearance, the Season 21 opening credits no longer feature the series veteran. Instead, Sean Murray, who portrays McGee, has taken the lead position in the opening montage.
It’s worth noting that Harmon was listed among the series regulars in CBS press releases for the season opener but not for any subsequent episodes. Harmon was initially ready to retire Gibbs after Season 18, but upon learning that CBS might not renew NCIS without his participation, he agreed to return in a limited capacity for Season 19. Eventually, he left the show four episodes into the season.
In his farewell episode, Gibbs chose to remain in Alaska, refusing to take back his badge, gun, and job. Despite his departure from the active team, Harmon continued to be featured in the opening credits for the remainder of Season 19.
CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl described Season 19 as a “transition” year, and looking ahead to Season 20, suggested the possibility of removing Harmon from the opening credits. While the door remains open for Harmon to make future on-screen appearances, it appears that Season 21 marks the end of an era for his regular presence in the opening credits.