What Happened to Mark Harmon in NCIS? Is Mark Harmon Still on NCIS?

Mark Harmon's departure from NCIS occurred during its 19th season when his character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, retired from the force after a case led him to Alaska, leaving the door open for a potential return.

by Rubaditsha | Updated Feb 12, 2024

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NCIS (TV series)

NCIS, the inaugural entry in the NCIS media franchise, follows a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they tackle military and civilian cases with a blend of drama, comedy, and procedural elements. Initially introduced in two episodes of JAG, NCIS premiered on CBS on September 23, 2003. Created by Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill, it has since become the third-longest-running scripted U.S. prime-time TV series as of 2022.

Originally titled Navy NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the show was later shortened to NCIS. Its success led to spin-offs, including NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans. Despite early ratings challenges, NCIS gained momentum, becoming a top-five hit by its sixth season.

It has consistently ranked among the top-rated television shows and was voted America's favorite in 2011. Currently in its 20th season, NCIS was renewed for a 21st season set to premiere in 2024, alongside the announcement of a prequel spin-off, NCIS: Origins, slated for the 2024–25 season.

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What Happened to Mark Harmon in NCIS?

Mark Harmon's departure from NCIS occurred during its 19th season when his character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, retired from the force after a case took him to Alaska. While this marked a significant loss for the show, Harmon's exit left the door open for a potential return. Harmon is confirmed to narrate an NCIS prequel, but fans are hopeful for his physical reappearance, particularly in a tribute episode dedicated to his friend, Ducky Mallard.

The bond between Gibbs and Ducky, established long before the events of the series, provides a compelling reason for Harmon's return. Their friendship, spanning decades, is a cornerstone of the show's narrative, making Ducky's passing a profoundly impactful event. The tribute episode in NCIS season 21 is expected to honor Ducky's legacy, presenting an opportunity for Harmon to pay his respects.

Given Gibbs' heartfelt farewell to Ducky in his departure episode, it's reasonable to assume he would return upon learning of Ducky's passing. Even if Gibbs doesn't actively participate in the investigation during the tribute episode, his presence would be deeply meaningful. Harmon's departure from NCIS was marked by Gibbs' retirement, but the potential for his return, especially for the Ducky tribute episode, promises a poignant and heartfelt moment for fans of the show.

Is Mark Harmon Still on NCIS?

As of now, Mark Harmon is not a regular cast member on NCIS. The actor, known for his portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, departed the series in October 2021 after 19 seasons. Despite his exit, Harmon continues to serve as an executive producer for the show. Recent comments from Harmon regarding Gibbs' potential return have sparked speculation among fans, but there hasn't been a clear confirmation of his comeback.

In an interview, Harmon remained ambiguous when asked about Gibbs' future on NCIS, leaving room for interpretation. Reflecting on his initial reluctance to take on the role of Gibbs, Harmon shared insights into his journey with the character and the show's enduring legacy. While fans eagerly await any updates regarding Harmon's involvement, the future of NCIS remains uncertain, with viewers curious and hopeful about what lies ahead for the beloved series.

Who Replaced Mark Harmon on NCIS?

Gary Cole has joined NCIS as FBI Special Agent Alden Park, becoming a new series regular in Season 19. With Mark Harmon's reduced role in the forthcoming season, Cole's character is poised to play a significant role in the show's narrative. As Special Agent Park, Cole collaborates with the NCIS team in Gibbs' absence, adding a fresh dynamic to the ensemble cast.

While Cole's character assumes a prominent position in the series, the extent of Harmon's involvement remains uncertain, fueling speculation about the future direction of the show. With Cole's addition to the cast, NCIS continues its tradition of introducing compelling characters to keep audiences engaged. As fans eagerly anticipate the season ahead, they await further developments regarding both Harmon and Cole's roles in shaping the evolving storyline of NCIS.

When Did Mark Harmon Leave NCIS?

Mark Harmon left NCIS during its 19th season. His departure came as his character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, retired from the force after a case led him to Alaska. While Harmon's exit marked a significant loss for the show, it left the door open for a potential return. Fans eagerly anticipate his physical reappearance, especially in a tribute episode dedicated to his friend, Ducky Mallard.

The bond between Gibbs and Ducky, established long before the events of the series, provides a compelling reason for Harmon's return. Their friendship, spanning decades, is a cornerstone of the show's narrative, making Ducky's passing a profoundly impactful event. The tribute episode in NCIS season 21 is expected to honor Ducky's legacy, presenting an opportunity for Harmon to pay his respects.

Given Gibbs' heartfelt farewell to Ducky in his departure episode, it's reasonable to assume he would return upon learning of Ducky's passing. Even if Gibbs doesn't actively participate in the investigation during the tribute episode, his presence would be deeply meaningful.

NCIS Mark Harmon Return

Mark Harmon's potential return to NCIS has been a subject of speculation, and recent comments from the actor have left fans intrigued. Harmon, who portrayed Leroy Jethro Gibbs for 19 seasons, departed the series in October 2021.

In a recent interview about his new book, "Ghosts of Honolulu," when asked about Gibbs' future on NCIS, Harmon remained cryptic, stating, "They left him there in a stream fishing... Is he going to get out of the stream? I don’t know." Despite the uncertainty, Harmon's response did not definitively rule out the possibility of Gibbs' return, leaving room for speculation and hope among fans.

Reflecting on his initial reluctance to take on the role of Gibbs, Harmon shared that the character's name, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, ultimately convinced him to join NCIS. The actor's candid revelation adds depth to his connection with the character and the show's enduring legacy. As fans eagerly await any news of a possible return, the future of NCIS remains shrouded in uncertainty, leaving viewers intrigued and hopeful for what lies ahead.

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What Happened to Mark Harmon in NCIS: FAQs

1. When did Mark Harmon leave NCIS?  

Mark Harmon left NCIS during its 19th season, departing the series in October 2021.

2. Is Mark Harmon still on NCIS?  

No, Mark Harmon is not a regular cast member on NCIS; he departed the series in October 2021 after 19 seasons.

3. Who replaced Mark Harmon on NCIS?  

Gary Cole joined NCIS as FBI Special Agent Alden Park, becoming a new series regular in Season 19.

4. Is there potential for Mark Harmon's return to NCIS?  

Yes, there's speculation about Mark Harmon's potential return to NCIS, especially given recent comments from the actor.

5. What led to Mark Harmon's departure from NCIS?  

Mark Harmon's departure from NCIS occurred when his character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, retired from the force during the 19th season.