Being on air for over two decades, NCIS introduced many beloved characters throughout its run, such as Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Sasha Alexander’s Kate Todd. While the series continues its impressive run, not every character introduced along the way has remained for the long haul, including Kate Todd.
Debuting in the pilot episode, the Special Agent’s story came to an abrupt end when the character was assassinated in the Season 2 finale. The unexpected exit of such a prominent character left fans shocked and full of questions. However, it was later revealed that Alexander herself chose to step away due to the grueling schedule.
Sasha Alexander Left NCIS Due to the Grueling Work Schedule
Introduced in the pilot episode, Yankee White, Sasha Alexander’s Kate Todd was soon one of the most beloved characters on the show, as the audience watched her transition from a Secret Service agent to becoming a key member of Gibbs’ Major Case Response Team.
However, just as fans grew attached to her character, Kate Todd was unexpectedly killed off in the Season 2 finale. The creator and former showrunner, Donald Bellisario, later revealed that it was Alexander herself who chose to leave.
In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Bellisario shared that Alexander decided to leave the show as she was physically overwhelmed by the grueling schedule that came with starring in the police procedural drama.
Sasha came in [to my office] with tears in her eyes, she said, ‘I just can’t work this hard,’” he recalled. He further stated that NCIS is “a hard show to make. We work very long hours, and Sasha just didn’t feel she was physically up to that kind of time and commitment.”
Despite her character’s tragic end, Kate Todd remained a significant presence on the show through mentions, photographs, and flashback appearances. Alexander has also expressed no regrets about her decision to step away from the popular show.
Sasha Alexander on Her Departure From NCIS
Sasha Alexander later reflected on her departure from the police procedural drama, emphasizing the intense demands of working on a network television show.
“People don’t realize that on a network show, you make 24 episodes a year — that’s 10 and a half months a year, 17 hours a day. It’s hardcore,” she shared in an interview with TV Guide. She further stated that she has no regrets about leaving the show.
I really firmly believe in my heart that I would not be where I am today — happily married, with two kids, doing things creatively that I want — if I had stayed. I didn’t want to wake up and be in my forties and go, “Oh, my gosh!” But people don’t understand.
Alexander is not alone in being affected by the grueling work hours of TV productions, as reports suggested that her co-star Mark Harmon, who also later left the show, had grown frustrated with the longtime producer’s “chaotic management style.”
Following her exit from the CBS drama, Alexander has continued to enjoy a fruitful career, from film appearances to TV roles in shows like House, Shameless, and The Morning Show.
