What Happened to Eleanor Bishop on NCIS? Why did Eleanor Bishop Leave NCIS?
Updated Jul 03, 2023
What Happened to Eleanor Bishop on NCIS?
In the TV show NCIS, the character Eleanor Bishop, portrayed by Emily Wickersham, experienced significant developments in Season 18. She found herself caught up in an investigation where she was accused of leaking documents. Initially, Bishop defended herself against the accusations, but eventually, she admitted to leaking the documents. As a result, she was fired from NCIS.
However, another character named Nick Torres realized that there was more to the situation than initially perceived. It was revealed that Bishop had actually leaked the documents as part of an undercover operation. She had assumed the role of a disgraced agent and went undercover alongside Odette, who had been training her and had a mission planned for her.
This turn of events left the possibility open for Emily Wickersham's character to return to the show in the future. However, despite this potential, Emily confirmed that she would not be coming back to NCIS. She expressed her gratitude on Instagram, sharing her appreciation for the cast and crew. Emily described her time on the show as a great ride and expressed her admiration for the talented individuals she had the pleasure of working with over the course of nearly eight years and 172 episodes.
She acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry, noting that consistency is a rarity. Emily considered herself fortunate to have been part of a show where she could show up, act, laugh, and learn with such wonderful people. She expressed her gratitude to CBS and NCIS for including her in a part of television history.
Why Did Eleanor Bishop Leave NCIS?
Eleanor "Ellie" Bishop, portrayed by Emily Wickersham, left NCIS after seven successful seasons. Although no official reason was given for her departure, Wickersham chose to step away from the show on her own terms rather than being written out by the writers or producers.
In May 2021, Wickersham announced her exit on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of a show where she could act, laugh, and learn with wonderful people. She thanked CBS and NCIS for including her in television history. The official CBS network Instagram account left a heartfelt comment acknowledging Wickersham's contribution to the show.
It is worth noting that two months after her exit, Wickersham revealed on Instagram that she was pregnant with her first child. This may have played a role in her decision to leave the show at the conclusion of season 18.
As for the character Eleanor Bishop, her departure from NCIS was written into the storyline. In the season 18 finale titled "Rule 91," it was revealed that Bishop had leaked a confidential NSA file. However, it was later discovered that her CIA instructor, Odette Malone (played by Elayn J. Taylor), had intentionally planted the file as part of an undercover mission for Bishop.
Consequently, Bishop was fired from NCIS. The vague nature of the storyline left room for the possibility of her return in the future, although neither CBS nor Wickersham has made any official statements regarding a potential comeback.
Eleanor Bishop's departure from NCIS is not the only exit from the show over the years. Mark Harmon, who portrayed Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, left the series after 19 seasons in August 2022. Maria Bello, who played Forensic Psychologist Jack Sloane, also departed in season 18 alongside Wickersham.
NCIS
NCIS is a popular American police procedural television series and the first installment in the NCIS television franchise. It combines elements of military drama, police procedural genres, and comedy. The show follows a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The concept and characters were initially introduced in two episodes of the CBS series JAG, titled "Ice Queen" and "Meltdown." The spin-off from JAG premiered on September 23, 2003, on CBS.
The show has had a long and successful run, currently airing its 20th full season and also being broadcast in syndication on the USA Network. The creators and executive producers of NCIS are Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill. As of 2022, NCIS is the third-longest-running scripted, non-animated primetime TV series in the United States. It is surpassed only by Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order. Overall, it is the seventh-longest-running scripted primetime TV series.
Originally, the series had a partly redundant title, Navy NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service. This was later shortened to NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service and eventually to NCIS. In season six, a two-part episode led to the creation of a spin-off series called NCIS: Los Angeles. Similarly, a two-part episode in the 11th season resulted in the spin-off series NCIS: New Orleans.
Although the show had a slow start in the ratings, it gained popularity over time. By the third season, it consistently ranked in the top 20, and by the sixth season, it became a top-five hit, maintaining its popularity since then. In 2011, NCIS was voted America's favorite television show in an online Harris Poll.
At the end of its 10th season, it was the most-watched television series in the U.S. during the 2012–13 network television season. Currently, NCIS is in its 20th season and was renewed for a 21st season on February 21, 2023.
NCIS Cast
Mark Harmon
Leroy Jethro Gibbs
Sasha Alexander
Caitlin Todd
Michael Weatherly
Anthony DiNozzo
Pauley Perrette
Abby Sciuto
David McCallum
Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard
Sean Murray
Timothy McGee
Cote de Pablo
Ziva David
Lauren Holly
Jenny Shepard
Rocky Carroll
Leon Vance
Brian Dietzen
Jimmy Palmer
Emily Wickersham
Eleanor Bishop
Wilmer Valderrama
Nicholas Torres
Jennifer Esposito
Alexandra Quinn
Duane Henry
Clayton Reeves
Maria Bello
Dr. Jacqueline Sloane
Diona Reasonover
Kasie Hines
Katrina Law
Jessica Knight
Gary Cole
Alden Parker
Actor
Character
NCIS Plot
NCIS is an engaging and popular American police procedural drama series that follows a group of fictional special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. This elite team is responsible for investigating high-profile crimes and criminal activities involving the United States Navy and Marine Corps, as well as their families. The show focuses on the NCIS team based at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.
The series delves into various criminal cases, ranging from suspicious deaths and acts of terrorism to cases of treason and force protection. The agents use their specialized skills and expertise to uncover the truth behind these complex crimes. Throughout the series, the team works tirelessly to maintain the safety and integrity of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by actor Mark Harmon, served as the team leader for many seasons, bringing his extensive experience as a former Marine Corps gunnery sergeant scout sniper, and skilled investigator. However, in late season 18, the team experienced a leadership change. Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker, played by Gary Cole, a former FBI special agent, stepped in to lead the team and guide them through new challenges.
NCIS has captivated audiences with its thrilling storylines, intriguing characters, and the perfect blend of drama and investigative work. The series has become a long-running success, drawing viewers in with its compelling narratives and the unique perspective it provides into the world of naval criminal investigations.
What Happened to Eleanor Bishop on NCIS - FAQs
She found herself caught up in an investigation where she was accused of leaking documents. Initially, Bishop defended herself against the accusations, but eventually, she admitted to leaking the documents
Emily Wickersham, who portrayed Eleanor Bishop, chose to leave NCIS after seven seasons. The exact reason for her departure was not officially stated, but she announced her exit on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the show. Her decision to leave may have been influenced by personal reasons, such as her pregnancy, as she announced her pregnancy two months after her departure.
NCIS stands for Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
NCIS premiered on September 23, 2003.
As of now, there have been no official announcements regarding Emily Wickersham returning to NCIS. While her character's departure left room for a potential return, Wickersham confirmed that she would not be coming back to the show. However, it's worth noting that television shows can sometimes surprise viewers with unexpected comebacks, so it's not entirely impossible for her character to return in the future.