Mark Harmon’s Near Exit From NCIS: The Surprising Showrunner Clash That Almost Ended It All
Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs was the heart of NCIS for 19 seasons, but fans may be shocked to learn he nearly left the show during its fourth season. The reason? A behind-the-scenes clash with NCIS showrunner and creator Donald P. Bellisario, whose management style caused serious tension on set.
From 2003 to 2007, Bellisario’s perfectionism reportedly created a chaotic work environment. According to sources, Bellisario was infamous for ripping up scripts on shoot days and demanding last-minute rewrites, leaving actors scrambling to memorize new lines. Harmon, in particular, was pushed to his limits, often working grueling 16-hour days. A source revealed the strain was affecting Harmon’s personal life, making it nearly impossible for him to spend time with his family.
Fed up with the chaos, Harmon allegedly threatened to leave the show during its fourth season. This was a critical moment for NCIS, which was just gaining traction as a fan-favorite series. Studio executives, unwilling to lose their leading man, stepped in to address the situation. Not long after, Bellisario left the series in 2007, reportedly due to mounting conflicts with Harmon and other cast members.
Harmon’s decision to stay proved pivotal, as he went on to anchor the show for nearly two decades. Despite stepping back from his role in 2021, his legacy as Gibbs continues to shape the series.
NCIS is currently available for streaming on Netflix and Hulu.
