The Real Reasons Every Main Character Left NCIS – The Truth Will Shock You!

NCIS has had an impressive run, but fans have often wondered why beloved characters like Abby left the show, along with several other fan favorites. As one of television’s longest-running series, NCIS has seen significant turnover among its team of special agents. While some characters make occasional returns, others have left permanently. Though many departures were on good terms, some exits were less amicable. Since its debut in 2003, NCIS has become a staple of CBS’s lineup.

The success of NCIS is largely due to its cast and characters. Even after more than 20 seasons, it remains one of the most-watched scripted shows, drawing millions of viewers each season. Originally a spin-off of JAG, NCIS has launched its own successful spin-offs in Los Angeles, Hawai’i, and other locations. While the show’s plots and twists have entertained fans for nearly two decades, it is the characters who provide its true heart. However, the reasons behind the departures of Mark Harmon and other key actors remain unclear.

Caitlin Todd – Sasha Alexander

Sasha Alexander Was Originally Signed for Six Seasons

Caitlin Todd left NCIS because Sasha Alexander didn’t have the stamina to continue with the show. Todd, a former Secret Service Agent on Air Force One, was one of the first special agents on the NCIS team. Her expertise as a psychological profiler often clashed with NCIS‘s rule-breaking tendencies. Todd’s shocking exit at the end of season 2, where she was shot by Mossad double-agent Ari Haswari in front of her team, stunned audiences.

Alexander was initially signed on for six seasons, but she left at the end of season 2 due to the demanding schedule. Showrunner Donald Bellisario explained that the filming demands, which spanned “10 1/2 months a year, 17 hours a day,” were too exhausting for Alexander. After leaving NCIS, she starred in another successful series, Rizzoli & Isles, where she stayed for all seven seasons.

Alexander later reflected on her departure, saying, “I firmly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today — happily married, with two kids, doing things creatively that I want — if I had stayed.”

Ziva David – Cote de Pablo

Cote de Pablo Felt Her Character Wasn’t Being Respected

Ziva David left NCIS because Cote de Pablo felt the character wasn’t being treated with respect. Introduced as a Mossad officer and later becoming a full-time NCIS agent, Ziva was a beloved character whose romance with Tony DiNozzo was a highlight of the series. Although viewers believed Ziva died in an attack on her farmhouse in season 13, it was later revealed that she had faked her death to go undercover.

Despite being offered more money to stay, de Pablo chose to leave, citing dissatisfaction with how her character was being written. She stated in a 2016 Q&A that her character “wasn’t being treated with the respect she deserved,” and until someone could write something “fantastic” for Ziva, she wouldn’t return. De Pablo’s decision to maintain her character’s integrity led to her departure.

Tony DiNozzo – Michael Weatherly

Michael Weatherly Was Burnt Out After Many Seasons

Tony DiNozzo left NCIS because Michael Weatherly was tired of the show. DiNozzo, known for his charm and humor, was a key member of the NCIS team from the start. After Ziva’s supposed death, DiNozzo left to care for their daughter, Tali, and later reunited with Ziva in Paris.

After 13 seasons, Weatherly felt burnt out and ready for a new challenge. He missed the on-screen chemistry with de Pablo’s Ziva and decided to leave to star in his own show, Bull, where he remained until 2022.

Abby Sciuto – Pauley Perrette

Pauley Perrette Had an Ongoing Feud with Mark Harmon

Abby Sciuto left NCIS due to a feud between Pauley Perrette and Mark Harmon. Abby, the quirky forensic specialist, was a fan favorite for her unique style and expertise. After 15 seasons, Sciuto left NCIS to start a charity in honor of her friend, Clayton Reeves.

However, behind the scenes, tensions were high. Perrette and Harmon had a falling out after Harmon’s dog bit a crew member on set. When Harmon continued to bring the dog to set, the feud escalated, leading to them filming on separate days. Perrette eventually left, stating on Twitter that she was “terrified of Harmon” and would never return.

Eleanor Bishop – Emily Wickersham

Emily Wickersham’s Departure Seemed Amicable

Eleanor Bishop left NCIS for unspecified reasons, but her pregnancy was announced shortly after her exit. Bishop, who joined in season 11, was a capable and quick-witted agent. She left after it was revealed she had leaked an NSA document, which was part of a ploy for an undercover operation.

Wickersham’s departure seemed amicable, as she thanked the cast and crew in a 2021 Instagram post. Since leaving, she has not appeared in any new projects but welcomed a son with her partner.

Jacqueline Sloane – Maria Bello

Maria Bello Chose Not to Renew Her Contract

Maria Bello left NCIS because she didn’t want to renew her contract. Dr. Jacqueline “Jack” Sloane, a former Army Lieutenant, served as the team’s operational psychologist and had a close relationship with Gibbs. Sloane ultimately returned to Afghanistan to continue her humanitarian work after three years on the show.

Bello’s exit was amicable, and she expressed her love and gratitude for the cast and crew in a 2020 Instagram post. Since leaving, she has appeared in the Netflix series Beef and co-wrote the award-winning movie The Woman King.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs – Mark Harmon

Mark Harmon Stepped Down After 18 Years

Gibbs left NCIS because Mark Harmon decided to retire from the series after 18 years. Gibbs, the no-nonsense team leader, retired to Alaska in 2021, finding peace after years of leading his team.

Harmon continues to serve as an executive producer on the show, working behind the scenes. While a return for Gibbs hasn’t been confirmed, many fans are hopeful. Harmon has stepped back from acting, appearing in no projects since leaving NCIS.

Donald “Ducky” Mallard – David McCallum

David McCallum Passed Away in 2023

Donald “Ducky” Mallard was the last original cast member to remain with NCIS, although in a limited capacity. The Chief Medical Examiner was beloved for his quirks and wisdom. Ducky retired in season 15 but continued to appear occasionally.

Sadly, McCallum passed away in 2023, ending his time on NCIS. The show honored him by having Ducky’s character die as well, leaving the team heartbroken. Michael Weatherly returned for a one-time appearance to honor the character.

Who Has Returned to NCIS?

Cote de Pablo Returned After Faking Ziva’s Death

The most notable return was Cote de Pablo, whose character, Ziva, shocked fans by returning after faking her death. She reappeared in season 17 to seek Gibbs’ help before moving to Paris to reunite with Tony and their daughter.

Tony and Ziva have a spin-off coming to streaming, set to air in 2025. This will finally allow fans to see the couple together again as they embark on a globetrotting adventure across Europe.

Which Exit Impacted NCIS the Most?

Caitlin Todd’s Death Changed Everything

Of all the exits, Caitlin Todd’s death had the most significant impact on NCIS. In season 2, Caitlin was unexpectedly shot in the head, signaling that no character was safe. As the audience surrogate in the first season, her death shocked viewers and set the template for the show’s unpredictability.

While Tony, McGee, and Ziva eventually made fans forget about Caitlin, her death marked a turning point in the series, establishing the high stakes and emotional depth that NCIS would become known for.