“The Unbelievable Near-Exit: Why Mark Harmon Almost Walked Away from NCIS in Season 4 – You Won’t Believe the Behind-the-Scenes Drama!”
Mark Harmon’s departure from NCIS after 18 seasons raised questions about the show’s future, but what many may not know is that he came close to quitting back in 2007 during Season 4. While the series has seen various cast members come and go, Harmon served as the anchor for the team, both on and off-screen, and had been an executive producer on NCIS since its inception in 2003.
His exit in Season 19 made fans wonder if NCIS could survive without Gibbs, but it’s even harder to imagine how the show would have fared had he left after just four years. NCIS is now a well-established and highly-watched network series with a dedicated fan base, many of whom have followed the procedural drama for nearly two decades. Had Harmon left during Season 4, NCIS might not have become the long-running success it is today.
The reason behind Harmon’s near-departure during Season 4 was tension between him and the original showrunner, Donald Bellisario. Reports from that time suggested that they clashed over working hours and deadlines until the network had to make a choice. CBS ultimately sided with Harmon, and he continued with the show while Bellisario, who also produced other successful series like Magnum P.I., departed.
In contrast to his NCIS character, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Mark Harmon is known for his level-headedness and discipline. For him to engage in a standoff with his producer, the situation must have been quite challenging. The conflict stemmed from Bellisario’s habit of submitting scripts late, causing difficulties in meeting deadlines. Harmon was working exceptionally long hours, which impacted his personal life. He also felt micromanaged and disliked Bellisario’s “chaotic management style.” Remarkably, despite this turmoil, Harmon never missed a day of work due to these issues.
Harmon’s departure from NCIS was ultimately postponed until 2021. It’s difficult to determine how close he came to leaving in 2007, but CBS recognized the problem and decided to part ways with Bellisario before the standoff escalated. Chas. Floyd Johnson and Shane Brennan took over for Bellisario, and NCIS continued its successful run. This incident highlights Harmon’s significant influence on the show over the years. While the lead actor is crucial to any series, Harmon’s role extended beyond the screen to behind-the-scenes production. This leaves the future of the show uncertain, emphasizing the importance of Harmon’s decision not to quit NCIS during Season 4 when he had the opportunity.
