Emily Wickersham’s departure from her role as Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop on NCIS left many fans wondering about the reasons behind her exit. Wickersham was a core cast member for eight seasons, joining the show in season 11 and making a significant impact on the Major Case Response Team. Her character played a vital role within the series, and her departure created a noticeable void for the show’s dedicated audience. While Katrina Law’s Jessica Knight is an excellent addition to the team, Wickersham’s absence was felt deeply within the NCIS universe.
Like many other original NCIS team members, Wickersham stepped into her role after a notable departure. She joined the series following Ziva David’s exit, filling the gap left by the beloved character. Ziva herself had been a replacement for Caitlin Todd, who left the show after a shocking death. So, Wickersham’s exit, while impactful, followed a pattern familiar to NCIS viewers. Despite this, Wickersham didn’t initially provide a specific reason for her departure, leaving fans speculating—until she addressed it three years later.
On the podcast Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch, hosted by former NCIS stars Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo, Wickersham opened up about her decision to leave. She revealed that she found out she was pregnant just a month after her exit, which led many to assume that her pregnancy was the reason for her departure. However, Wickersham clarified that the timing was purely coincidental.
Ultimately, Wickersham confirmed that her decision to leave NCIS stemmed from a desire to move on after eight years of portraying the same character. She expressed that it was simply time for a change, much like Michael Weatherly’s departure from the show. Her decision to step away was not related to her pregnancy but rather a personal choice to explore new opportunities and embrace the next chapter in her life, which eventually included motherhood.
