Mark Harmon Exits “NCIS” After 18 Years

Mark Harmon in
Mark Harmon in "NCIS"

Long-time star Mark Harmon is leaving NCIS after 18 years.

During the fourth episode of Season 19, Harmon’s character Leroy Jethro Gibbs decided not to return to his job at NCIS after almost getting killed in a boat explosion in the Season 18 finale. He remained in Alaska, which is where he and Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) tracked down a hitman that was hired by a local company.

Gibbs’ future was left ambiguous, so there’s a possibility he main return in the future. Harmon also serves as an executive producer on the series.

“As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show,” executive producer and showrunner Steven D. Binder said in a statement via Variety. “Our North Star has always been staying true to our characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go. So regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years … never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”