Is Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) leaving NCIS in Season 22? Fans are worried about the show’s veteran character.

Sean Murray’s storyline in NCIS Season 22 seems to be paving the way for Timothy McGee’s potential exit, and as a longtime fan, I can’t help but feel anxious. With Ducky Mallard no longer part of the cast following his passing, McGee is one of the last remaining original characters. Despite not being a founding member of Gibbs’ team, Murray has been a key part of NCIS since Season 1, first as a recurring character, and later as a series regular.

I appreciate how NCIS has managed to push forward after major character departures over the years. Still, as much as I’ve enjoyed watching the new MCRT under Alden Parker, there’s something undeniably special about the early years with Gibbs at the helm. It’s been two years since Mark Harmon left, a moment many thought might spell the end for the show. Yet, NCIS continued, as it always has. Now, with the possibility of McGee’s departure, I can’t help but dread what that might mean for the show.

McGee’s Unexpected Career Shift in NCIS Season 22

In the lead-up to NCIS Season 22, much of the attention has been focused on Parker’s mysterious connection with Lilly and Jessica Knight’s departure from the team. However, it turns out that showrunner Steve Binder and his team have something surprising planned for McGee. According to new updates, McGee is seeking a promotion to deputy director. While details about this shift are still under wraps, it’s an intriguing development for the show’s longest-serving cast member.

When Mark Harmon’s Gibbs exited in NCIS Season 19, McGee was offered the chance to take over his role, but he declined, explaining that the additional responsibilities would take him away from his family. At the time, McGee’s decision made sense — he had been with the team for nearly 20 years, working his way up from a probie to senior field agent. Now, however, his sudden interest in a promotion is unexpected and raises questions about the direction of his storyline. Could this be the beginning of Murray’s farewell?

Can McGee Stay at NCIS If He Gets Promoted?

If McGee does secure the promotion, it’s difficult to see how he could remain with the MCRT. Moving up the ranks would mean stepping away from the fieldwork that has defined his role. Additionally, Director Vance still seems committed to his job, even after his near-death experience in the show’s 1000th episode, leaving little room for McGee to grow within the agency. This could mean McGee is eyeing a transfer to another agency, which would set the stage for his exit.

Is Sean Murray Really Leaving NCIS?

It’s hard to imagine NCIS without Sean Murray. Given McGee’s previous reluctance to take on more paperwork-heavy roles, it’s surprising that he’s now pursuing a promotion. Perhaps there are personal factors at play, such as a desire to retire from fieldwork and spend more time with his family. If Knight, who had only been with the team for a few years, struggled with her decision to leave, McGee’s departure would likely be even more difficult, especially for those who have watched him grow over the past two decades.

While NCIS has a long history of fake exits and misdirections, I can’t help but hope that this storyline is just the latest entry in that tired trope. For now, I’m left wondering if Season 22 will mark the end of McGee’s journey — or if he’ll stick around just a little longer.