NCIS: Why Key Characters Left and How Their Departures Shaped the Show
NCIS, one of television’s longest-running series, has captivated audiences since 2003. As a staple in CBS’s lineup, the show has seen numerous cast changes over its 20+ seasons. While some characters occasionally make surprise returns, others have exited permanently, with their departures often shrouded in intrigue and emotion. Here’s a look at why some of the most beloved characters left NCIS and the impact of their exits.
Caitlin Todd – Sasha Alexander
Sasha Alexander’s Caitlin Todd was one of the original special agents on NCIS. A former Secret Service Agent with a knack for psychological profiling, Todd’s sudden death at the hands of Mossad agent Ari Haswari at the end of season 2 shocked fans. Alexander, who had signed on for six seasons, decided to leave early due to the intense demands of the show. Filming 24 episodes a season, each lasting nearly 11 months with long hours, proved too exhausting. After NCIS, Alexander found success on Rizzoli & Isles, where she remained for all seven seasons, reflecting that her decision to leave NCIS allowed her to pursue other creative and personal opportunities.
Ziva David – Cote de Pablo
Cote de Pablo’s Ziva David, the Israeli Mossad officer turned NCIS special agent, was another fan favorite. Ziva’s complex relationship with Tony DiNozzo and her dramatic storyline captivated audiences. However, de Pablo left the show after feeling her character wasn’t being treated with the respect she deserved. Despite being offered more money to stay, she chose to leave, citing dissatisfaction with the scripts. Ziva later made a surprising return in season 17, revealing she had faked her death. Although fans hoped for a reunion with Tony, this was left for a future spinoff, set to air in 2025.
Tony DiNozzo – Michael Weatherly
Michael Weatherly, who played the charming Tony DiNozzo, left NCIS after 13 seasons due to burnout and a desire for new challenges. His character left to take care of his daughter after Ziva’s supposed death, eventually reuniting with her off-screen in Paris. Weatherly went on to star in Bull, a series that ran until 2022. His departure marked the end of an era, as DiNozzo’s wit and chemistry with the team were central to NCIS’s success.
Abby Sciuto – Pauley Perrette
Pauley Perrette’s Abby Sciuto, the quirky, goth forensic specialist, was beloved by fans for 15 seasons. However, her exit was fueled by an ongoing feud with Mark Harmon (Gibbs) after Harmon’s dog attacked a crew member on set. The situation escalated to the point where they filmed on separate days. Perrette eventually left the show, stating on Twitter that she was “terrified of Harmon” and had nightmares about him. After leaving NCIS, Perrette starred in the sitcom Broke, which was canceled after one season.
Eleanor Bishop – Emily Wickersham
Emily Wickersham’s Eleanor Bishop joined NCIS in season 11, filling the void left by Ziva. Bishop’s departure in 2021, after it was revealed her character had leaked NSA documents as part of an undercover operation, seemed amicable. Wickersham announced her exit on Instagram, expressing gratitude for her time on the show. Shortly after, she welcomed her first child, stepping back from acting for a while.
Jacqueline Sloane – Maria Bello
Maria Bello, who played operational psychologist Dr. Jacqueline Sloane, left NCIS after three seasons. Her departure was amicable, as she chose not to renew her contract. Sloane’s character opted to stay in Afghanistan to help those in need. After NCIS, Bello continued her work in the entertainment industry, contributing as a co-writer on the award-winning movie The Woman King and appearing in the Netflix series Beef.
Leroy Jethro Gibbs – Mark Harmon
Mark Harmon, the face of NCIS as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, stepped down after 18 years on the show. Gibbs retired to Alaska, marking Harmon’s departure from the screen, though he continues to serve as an executive producer. Harmon expressed satisfaction with his exit, appreciating the natural conclusion to Gibbs’ journey. While fans hope for a return, Harmon has remained out of the acting spotlight since leaving NCIS.
Donald “Ducky” Mallard – David McCallum
David McCallum’s Donald “Ducky” Mallard, the Chief Medical Examiner, was a beloved fixture on NCIS. Though he reduced his role after season 15, he remained a part of the show until his death in 2023. The series honored McCallum by giving Ducky a heartfelt farewell, and his legacy continues to be cherished by fans.
Notable Returns and Impactful Exits
Among the most significant returns was Cote de Pablo’s Ziva, who shocked fans with her reappearance after faking her death. Her return set the stage for a much-anticipated spinoff with Tony, slated for 2025.
However, the most impactful departure was Caitlin Todd’s shocking death in season 2. As the first major character to die, her exit set the tone for the show, proving that no one was safe and dramatically altering the NCIS dynamic.
NCIS continues to thrive, thanks to its strong ensemble cast and compelling characters. While the series has weathered many changes, the legacies of these fan-favorite characters endure.
