Mark Harmon’s Shocking NCIS Exit: What Really Happened?

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Summary

  • Mark Harmon decided to leave NCIS to keep his acting career “fresh”.
  • Gibbs was replaced by FBI agent Alden Parker in NCIS season 19.
  • Gibbs’s final episode was emotional as he reflects on his family loss.

Ever since the debut of NCIS back in September 2003 on CBS, I’ve been hooked! This show has an incredible cast, with the charismatic and endearing Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) being one of my favorites. Just like The Rookie in its seventh season or Chicago P.D. in its twelfth, NCIS manages to keep me on the edge of my seat as much as it did when I first started watching.

Fans found joy in watching Gibbs unravel mysteries and inspire others, but unfortunately, he departed from the show, leaving many viewers longing for his return. However, another character stepped into Gibbs’s role on NCIS, albeit with good reason. Fortunately, Gibbs’s final episode was a poignant and fitting farewell.

Why Was Gibbs Replaced On NCIS?

Leory Gibbs departed from NCIS as Mark Harmon opted to conclude his run on the series. In an interview for the NCIS season 19 DVD bonus features, Harmon shared that he chose to leave because he desired a new and invigorating phase in his acting career.

What consistently attracts me to this role is its unique character and the opportunity to make it engaging and intriguing. As for the storyline, my character followed a certain trajectory, which I found authentic and acceptable.

In the year 2024, Harmon made an appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and discussed the hectic workload he faced while portraying Gibbs on “NCIS.” The actor expressed this during the show.

For quite some time, it felt like I was simply exhausted. Taking on this job meant being home more often due to a young family and less travel for movie work. The very first day, we worked an exhausting 22 hours. This wasn’t at all what I expected. However, during the initial four years, there were many days much like that one.

In the 19th season, I found myself stepping down from my role as the character Gibbs, making room for the newcomer, FBI Special Agent Alden Parker, played by Gary Cole. Just like other police procedurals such as Chicago P.D., The Rookie, and Ryan Murphy’s hit series 9-1-1, characters in NCIS frequently join and depart, but many of them linger in the minds of viewers long after they’re gone.

Initially introduced in season 19, episode 2 titled “Nearly Departed,” Parker’s character shares many traits with Gibbs. Much like Gibbs, Parker is a seasoned agent known for being tough, intelligent, and quick-witted. However, unlike the more patient Gibbs, Parker doesn’t tolerate foolishness. Given the significant impact Gibbs had on the show over nearly 20 seasons, it’s challenging to step into his shoes. Nevertheless, Cole delivers an exceptional performance as the rugged and straightforward character, who, despite appearances, shows genuine care. Both Parker and Gibbs are equally smart and charming, much like John Nolan (portrayed by Nathan Fillion) on The Rookie.

What Was Gibbs’s Final NCIS Episode?

In the final episode of NCIS season 19, titled “The Great Wide Open,” Leory Gibbs finds himself in Naktok Bay, Alaska working alongside Timothy McKee on a case involving a copper mine. After much contemplation, Gibbs decides to stay in this peaceful town, reminiscing about his wife Shannon and daughter Kelly who tragically passed away in a car accident years ago. The loss of these loved ones resonates as deeply for Gibbs as the death of Nadia Decotis on Chicago P.D., yet NCIS fans can see that he is gradually finding solace in Alaska, even though no one can replace his family.

It seems that Harmon appeared content with the conclusion of Gibbs’s role on NCIS, and now he is involved in the prequel, NCIS: Origins, which debuted in September 2024. Additionally, Harmon made a guest appearance in the series premiere. Similar to the Dexter prequel series Dexter: Original Sin, NCIS: Origins focuses on a new narrative revolving around a cherished character. The series follows a young Gibbs (Austin Stowell) as he embarks on an exhilarating career.

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2025-04-09 22:35