Mark Harmon Finally Breaks Silence on Leaving Gibbs – What He Revealed About His NCIS Return Will Shock You!
Mark Harmon stepped away from his iconic role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on “NCIS” after 18 seasons in October 2021. Whether he’ll return remains uncertain—even to him. During the CBS presentation of “NCIS: Origins” at the Television Critics Association press tour, Harmon joked with reporters that he recently changed agents, so he’s not even sure if he’d receive a call about coming back.
On a more serious note, Harmon told Parade that his departure wasn’t a definitive decision but more about the timing. “I always paid attention to the writing room creatively. It wasn’t so much a decision to leave as it was just the right time to step back a little. I was thrilled with the storyline they came up with and how they handled the character. And the show has continued on. I always believed this show would carry on, no matter who left or joined,” he explained.
Harmon’s interest in returning to the world of “NCIS” is partly driven by the opportunity to work with longtime colleagues. He is serving as executive producer and narrator on the new series, alongside his son Sean, and showrunners/executive producers David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal, with whom Harmon worked closely during his time on “NCIS.”
The idea to explore Gibbs’ origin story came from Sean, while the concept of Harmon narrating was pitched by North and Monreal. “When they pitched this, I thought it was a really cool idea, but no one defined how it would work,” Harmon admitted. “We’re going to figure it out, and it sounded like a good idea to me. What they wrote is interesting. It’s going to be a different show. Mike Franks [Kyle Schmid] is going to play a significant role, and there’s a reason for that.”
The reason behind Franks’ involvement will be revealed when the series premieres on October 14. Harmon, who is deeply appreciative of his 18 years on “NCIS,” hopes that “Origins” will find similar success.
“Right now, we’re just hoping to get an order for the back nine, which is the real perspective in this business,” Harmon said. “I’m only thankful. Being part of this is really fun, and working with these people again is a treat. I’m involved in a lot of different things, and this is one of them. Working with Sean is especially rewarding.”
Even with his role as executive producer, Harmon is content to leave the major decisions to North and Monreal, though he remains a presence on the project. “I love this cast, and I love what I’m seeing in the dailies and on set,” he shared. “I’m pleased to be a part of it, even if it’s in a distant capacity. I’m here to support however I can. If they need my help, great. If not, that’s OK, too.”
As for what Leroy Jethro Gibbs might be doing these days, Harmon humorously told Parade, “I don’t think he’s still standing in the stream in Alaska.”
“NCIS: Origins” will premiere Monday, October 14, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
