Mark Harmon, the longtime star of NCIS, recently opened up about one of the more pivotal moments in the show’s history—the decision to permanently write out his iconic character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. As one of the central figures on the series since its inception in 2003, Harmon’s departure at the end of season 19 in 2021 was a significant shift for the beloved procedural drama. Although Gibbs’ absence left a noticeable gap, Harmon’s comments reveal just how uncertain the change felt for the cast and crew at the time, and how it ultimately shaped the show going forward.
Harmon’s portrayal of Gibbs had become the heart and soul of NCIS. His character, a no-nonsense former Marine turned head of the Major Case Response Team (MCRT), was the anchor of the show’s emotional core. Gibbs’ leadership, quirky habits, and undeniable chemistry with his team helped the show become one of the longest-running and most successful dramas on television. So when it was announced that Harmon would be stepping down, many fans and crew members were left questioning how the series would continue without its beloved lead.
Reflecting on the decision, Harmon admitted that the shift was a difficult one for everyone involved. “It made us all a little concerned,” he said, acknowledging the weight of replacing a major character after nearly two decades of being at the center of the show. NCIS had always been a character-driven series, and with Gibbs being such an integral part of the show’s identity, it was unclear how the series could maintain its momentum without him.
Harmon’s departure marked the end of an era for NCIS. His decision to leave was driven by a desire to step away from the grueling production schedule and explore other creative pursuits. However, the producers had to make a tough decision: Should they simply end the show, or should they attempt to continue without him? In the end, NCIS chose the latter, opting to keep the series alive and move forward with a new lead agent. Gary Cole was brought in as Agent Alden Parker, who would fill the void left by Gibbs. His introduction in season 19 was handled with care, as the show gave Gibbs a proper send-off before seamlessly integrating Cole’s character into the team.
But as Harmon reveals, this transition was not without its challenges. The crew knew that replacing a character as significant as Gibbs would be no easy feat. While there was optimism about the future of the show, there were also concerns about whether NCIS could maintain its charm and chemistry with a new lead. “It was a huge adjustment for all of us,” Harmon admitted. “But we were all committed to making it work.”
For Harmon, the process of letting go of Gibbs was an emotional one. After spending so many years portraying the character, the idea of passing the torch was not a simple decision. He said that one of the hardest parts of leaving was knowing that the fans, who had followed Gibbs’ journey for nearly two decades, would have to say goodbye to a character they had grown so attached to. “Gibbs meant a lot to people, and I understood that,” he shared.
Despite the initial concerns, NCIS has managed to carry on successfully without Gibbs. The show continues to draw large audiences, and Agent Parker has become a fan favorite in his own right. The writers have done their best to honor Gibbs’ legacy while allowing the team to evolve and bring in fresh dynamics. In fact, Harmon himself has continued to remain involved in the show behind the scenes, even if he’s no longer in front of the camera. He is still listed as an executive producer, offering guidance and support to the team as they move forward.
Looking back, Harmon expressed gratitude for his time on NCIS and the lasting impact the show has had on both the audience and the cast. “It was a great run, and I’m proud of what we did,” he said. However, he also acknowledged that every show must eventually evolve, and that the success of NCIS would depend on how well the team adapted to change.
Ultimately, while the shift was a difficult one, it allowed the series to continue its legacy while introducing new challenges and fresh energy to the team. Harmon’s departure proved to be just another chapter in the show’s storied history, and NCIS remains as strong as ever, with a dedicated fanbase and an ever-evolving cast. As Harmon put it, “The show has its own life now. It’s bigger than just one character, and it always will be.”
