### Mark Harmon Reflects on “NCIS” Exit and Possibility of Return
Mark Harmon’s iconic character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, remains part of the “NCIS” universe as the narrator for the upcoming prequel series “NCIS: Origins.” However, Harmon hasn’t appeared on screen since early Season 19 in 2021.
At the Television Critics Association summer press tour on July 13, Harmon discussed his departure from “NCIS,” stating, “It wasn’t so much a decision to leave, but the right timing to push away a little bit” (per TVLine). He expressed satisfaction with his character’s storyline and the way the show handled his exit.
Gibbs was last seen informing NCIS Senior Field Agent Timothy McGee that he would stay in Alaska, where he had found peace after his family’s death. His final appearance was in the 2021 episode “Great Wide Open.” Since then, Gibbs’ whereabouts have remained largely unexplored, though a polaroid sent to McGee in the most recent season suggests he is still in Alaska.
Although Harmon continues as an executive producer on “NCIS,” he did not feature in the McCallum tribute episode or the show’s 1,000th episode. When asked about a potential return, Harmon said he has always let the writers decide and hasn’t received any direct invitations from producers in the past three years. Regarding a possible comeback for the series finale, he remained non-committal, emphasizing the need to feel fulfilled with a role.
“NCIS” co-showrunner Steven D. Binder has previously stated that “the door is always open” for Harmon’s return, promising it would be for something special.
Catch “NCIS” Season 22 on Mondays this fall at 9/8c on CBS, and don’t miss the “NCIS: Origins” premiere on September 1 at 10/9c on CBS.
