The Real Reason Mark Harmon Left NCIS Finally Revealed!

Mark Harmon, who portrayed Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs from Season 1 to Season 19 of CBS’s procedural drama “NCIS,” left the series in a significant shift for the show. Harmon’s departure has left fans curious about the reasons behind his exit and the fate of his character.

In a February 2023 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Wilmer Valderrama, who has played NCIS Special Agent Nicholas Torres since Season 14, praised Harmon’s leadership and the influence “NCIS” has had on the acting profession. Valderrama highlighted Harmon’s role in maintaining the show’s integrity and value throughout his tenure.

Harmon’s exit occurred in Season 19, Episode 4, titled “Great Wide Open,” where his character, Gibbs, decides to remain in Alaska after finding a sense of peace he had not felt since the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter. He offers his position at NCIS to Timothy McGee, acknowledging McGee’s extensive contributions over the years.

While the exact reasons for Harmon’s departure have not been fully disclosed, it is speculated that he left to explore other interests and spend more time with his family. In a special featurette for the NCIS Season 19 DVD, Harmon hinted at his desire to keep his career fresh and challenging, stating that Gibbs’ departure felt honest and fitting. In a 2020 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Harmon also mentioned his age as a factor, reflecting on the parallel evolutions of his character and his own life.

Although Harmon exited the series early in Season 19, his name continued to appear in the opening credits until Season 20. Since leaving “NCIS,” Harmon has not taken on any new roles but signed with The Gersh Agency in 2023, suggesting potential future opportunities. Despite Gibbs no longer being a regular presence, the possibility of special appearances remains open.