Mark Harmon Bids Farewell to NCIS After 19 Seasons – Relive the Best Moments from Gibbs’ Emotional Goodbye!

With a poignant declaration from Gibbs, “I’m not going back, Tim…. I’m not going back home,” CBS’ NCIS announced the departure of series lead Mark Harmon after more than 18 seasons this Tuesday night.

Harmon had contemplated leaving after the previous season, but the potential non-renewal of NCIS by CBS led him to return in a limited capacity. It was reported that Harmon would be back for only “a few” episodes, and true to that, in the fourth episode of Season 19, Gibbs chose not to reclaim his badge, gun, and job. Instead, he opted to stay in Alaska, where the recent multi-episode arc had led him.

NCIS showrunner Steve Binder emphasized in a statement, “As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show. Our north star has always been staying true to our characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go. So regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years… never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”