NCIS’ 21-Year Casting Record EXPOSED: The Real Secret Behind Its Success Amid Shocking Exits!

For over two decades, NCIS has upheld a remarkable casting tradition, reflecting the series’ unwavering commitment to its characters, even amidst numerous exits. As the show approaches its 22nd season this October, NCIS continues to be one of the longest-running scripted series on television, a testament to its dedication to character integrity. The franchise has successfully navigated significant casting changes by adhering to a fundamental rule that safeguards character continuity.

NCIS is a series built on principles, much like the rules that guided Mark Harmon’s iconic character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Gibbs, whose set of personal rules was famously inspired by his late wife Shannon, underscored the show’s commitment to its characters. One of the best episodes, “Heartland,” features a flashback where the young Shannon Gibbs reveals her own code, reinforcing the series’ success with Gibbs’ Rule #34: There is no such thing as a coincidence. This principle of careful planning extends to the show’s longevity, rooted in a crucial rule: never recast a character.

NCIS Has Never Recast a Major Character in 21 Years

Since its inception in 2003, NCIS has steadfastly avoided recasting major characters. Instead, when an actor leaves the series, the show opts to write the character out rather than replace them. This strategy has been pivotal to the show’s success, as it mirrors real life—where people move away, take new jobs, or pass on, and those left behind must adapt. Conversely, the disorienting effect of recasting familiar characters with different actors is avoided. In life, people may leave, but their core traits remain unchanged, a concept NCIS respects.

Notable characters who have been written out include Kate Todd, Ziva David, Tony DiNozzo, Eleanor Bishop, and Leroy Jethro Gibbs. While recasting is a common practice in television, NCIS prefers to send its characters off, enhancing the narrative complexity while preserving continuity. For instance, when Sasha Alexander departed after just two seasons, her character, Caitlin Todd, was dramatically killed off and replaced by Cote de Pablo’s Ziva David. Kate’s shocking death underscored that no character was safe, adding tension and intrigue to the series. Ziva, in turn, became one of the most beloved characters in NCIS history.

Why Recasting Main Cast Members Is Tricky for NCIS

NCIS characters are irreplaceable. Many stay with the series for decades, making it difficult for anyone else to step into their roles. Recasting Leroy Jethro Gibbs, for example, was inconceivable when Mark Harmon exited the series. Harmon’s portrayal was instrumental in establishing NCIS, and no one else could fill his shoes. Instead, the show introduced Gary Cole’s Alden Parker, an FBI agent who was markedly different from Gibbs, yet intricately connected to his departure.

The only exception to this no-recast rule has been with characters from Gibbs’ past. In NCIS: Origins, some characters have been recast due to the prequel nature of the show. While Sean Harmon, Mark Harmon’s son, could have reprised his role as young Gibbs, his limited involvement in the original series made it reasonable for the show to take a casting risk. Beyond this, NCIS has maintained its impressive record of never recasting a major character from the flagship series.

NCIS Season 22 and NCIS: Origins are set to premiere on CBS on Monday, October 14.