Since its debut in 2003, the television series NCIS has been a force to be reckoned with in the world of crime procedural dramas. A spin-off of the hit show JAG, NCIS quickly established its own identity, captivating audiences with its thrilling investigations, compelling characters, and a perfect blend of humor and drama. Created by Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill, NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) quickly became one of the most bingeable crime TV shows of the modern era.
NCIS has thrived on its ensemble cast, and while departures can be bittersweet, they have also allowed for fresh storylines and the introduction of new characters. The legacies left by these beloved characters will forever be etched in the hearts of NCIS fans, who eagerly anticipate the show’s ongoing success and the possibility of old faces returning. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most memorable characters who bid farewell to the NCIS team, along with the reasons behind their departures.
Leroy Jethro Gibbs
Played by Mark Harmon
After 18 seasons as the heart and soul of NCIS, Gibbs left the show to pursue a quieter life in 2021. His departure was primarily driven by actor Mark Harmon’s decision to step away from the series, to focus on other endeavors, and spend more time with his family. Gibbs’ exit left a significant void on the team, making it one of the most notable departures in the series.
One of the Show’s Hardest Departures for Fans
Following the departure of Mark Harmon, actor Gary Cole took on a leading role in the long-running series as NCIS Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker. CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach has not ruled out a future return of Harmon to the franchise, stating that, “The door for Mark is always open, it’s really up to him.” Though he might not directly step back into Gibbs’s shoes, Harmon has since remained a force in the world of NCIS, serving as an executive producer on NCIS: Origins, in which he also narrates parts of the series.
Ziva David
Played by Cote de Pablo
A presumed death initially marked Ziva’s departure, but the character later resurfaced (much to the delight of fans) and ultimately left the team to protect her loved ones from danger. This was brought on by actor Cote de Pablo decision to leave NCIS in 2013 for personal reasons, including a desire to explore other acting opportunities and spend time with her family.
True Feelings Revealed After a Slow Exit From the Show
In 2016, during a Q&A session, de Pablo opened up about the real reason she walked away from NCIS, revealing that she was ultimately dissatisfied with her character’s Ziva’s arc and felt the scripts she was given did little to entice her to stay. She said in a 2019 interview:
“Look, I love this character. I worked eight years crafting this character and loving her. And so when I felt or I perceived that the character was not being treated with the respect that she deserved, no money in the world [would make her stay].”
Nonetheless, devoted viewers of the series and fans of de Pablo were elated by the news of her return in a spin-off series, NCIS: Tony & Ziva. This would seemingly give Cote de Pablo the story she wanted for her character, as the series focused on Ziva and her partner, Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly), who were caught up in parenthood while trying to stay safe after being falsely accused of a cyberattack.
Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo
Played by Michael Weatherly
Tony bid adieu to NCIS to focus on his personal life and embrace fatherhood after discovering he has a daughter with his former flame and partner Ziva David. Michael Weatherly’s departure in 2016 was a personal choice, as he wanted to explore new acting avenues and pursue other projects, including his leading role in the hit series Bull, which concluded in 2022 after six seasons.
An Exit for Personal Reasons Leading to A Celebrated Return
Weatherly went on to later tell The Hollywood Reporter how he grew tired of the constant grind of the show’s production and felt “like a circle that had gone all the way around and I really felt happy with the resolution of character and my time on the show.” Fans rejoiced when the actor made a guest appearance on NCIS in the second episode of season 21, both paying tribute to co-star David McCallum and setting the stage for his spin-off in the previously mentioned NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
Timothy McGee
Played by Sean Murray
Although not a permanent departure, McGee temporarily left the team in Season 18 of NCIS to recover from a gunshot wound. This storyline was incorporated to accommodate Sean Murray‘s absence during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, as he wanted to prioritize the safety of his family.
Gone for a Short Time, But Not a Long Time
Beginning in season 20, Murray returned as a central character and has remained a beloved part of NCIS and a crucial member of the team. As more and more cast members depart, fans will be happy to know that Murray is eager about where the series will go and attributes its longevity and success to the camaraderie among the cast. He told Entertainment Weekly in 2023:
“The longer we’ve been around, the longer people have kind of really gotten to know these characters and like these characters, have become very protective of them. We really do. We work hard, but we have a lot of fun, and a lot of us spend time with each other outside of the set. We’re all very close friends, and I think that that shows.”
Abby Sciuto
Played by Pauley Perrette
Abby’s departure was a highly emotional moment for fans. After 15 seasons, Pauley Perrette decided to exit NCIS to explore new career opportunities and focus on philanthropic endeavors. Perrette also released information in recent years detailing her health struggles, including a stroke, which could have impacted her decision to leave the show.
Startling Revelations and a Decision to Leave the Industry
Abby’s exit was handled with great care, with a proper farewell that left the door open for possible future appearances, even if, in later years, any notion of a return was squashed by subsequent statements from Perrette. Notably, Perrette became more vocal in the years after her departure, stating that she experienced multiple physical assaults and was bitten by a dog on-set. She also declared that she was “terrified” of co-star Mark Harmon, and that she has no intentions of returning to NCIS due to her fear of the actor. Perrette has stated she has no interest in returning to acting (via Deadline).
Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop
Emily Wickersham
Ellie Bishop’s departure from NCIS marked the end of her character’s journey. After joining the team in Season 11, Emily Wickersham decided to leave the show in 2021 to pursue new opportunities and explore different creative projects. Bishop’s departure was met with mixed emotions from fans who had grown fond of her quirky and intelligent personality.
Wickersham’s Family Focus Made Her Take a Step Back From Acting
Wickersham’s character ends up resigning from the team after she confessed to leaking NSA secrets, and opts to go undercover for the CIA on a mission with Odette Malone. The actress has largely stepped away from the limelight since leaving NCIS, instead focusing on her family and having a son in 2021. Since she left the show, Emily Wickersham has remained inactive as an actor, making her return to the series unlikely.
Caitlin “Kate” Todd
Played by Sasha Alexander
Kate Todd’s exit from NCIS during the show’s second season came as a shock to viewers, as NCIS was a ratings powerhouse and had amassed a devoted fanbase, making an early departure hard to come to terms with. Sasha Alexander decided to leave the series to pursue other acting opportunities and expand her career horizons.
Leaving to Pursue Other TV Opportunities
A tragic twist marked Kate’s departure, as she was killed in the line of duty, leaving a lasting impact on the team and viewers alike. Following her exit, Alexander went on to star as Dr. Maura Isles in Rizzoli & Isles for seven successful seasons and later appeared in series such as Shameless, Law & Order: SVU, and The Morning Show. In recent years, however, she has remained largely inactive in television and film projects.
Jacqueline “Jack” Sloane
Played by Maria Bello
Jack Sloane’s departure from NCIS marked the end of her impactful tenure as the team’s forensic psychologist. Maria Bello left the show in 2021 to pursue other personal and professional opportunities. Sloane’s departure was handled with great care, allowing for a satisfying resolution to her character’s story arc and leaving fans with a sense of closure.
An Emmy-Winning Endeavor
After leaving NCIS, Bello appeared as Jordan Forster in the critically acclaimed Netflix dramedy Beef, which won eight Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. She also branched out, serving as a producer on the Viola Davis-led film The Woman King. While Bello has no current projects in the works, she remains active in the industry, including a lead role in the canceled-to-soon 2025 Netflix original The Waterfront.
Clayton Reeves
Played by Duane Henry
Clayton Reeves joined NCIS as a recurring character in Season 13 and was promoted to a main cast member in Season 14. However, Duane Henry‘s time on the show came to an end when his character was tragically killed in the line of duty. Henry’s departure left a void on the team, as fans mourned the loss of the charismatic, skilled agent.
A Devastating Death Behind-the-Scenes Led to an Aimless Character
Longtime viewers were left stunned by Henry’s departure from the show, which coincided with Pauley Perrette’s exit and packed quite the emotional punch for fans. The character of Clayton Reeves was created by NCIS showrunner Gary Glasberg, who suddenly passed away in 2016, and after his death, producers didn’t know how to move forward and develop Reeves, so they decided to write him out. The pivot and exit for actor Duane Henry did little to slow down his career, and he remains active in TV and film.
Jenny Shepard
Played by Lauren Holly
Jenny Shepard, the former Director of NCIS, bid farewell to the show in a dramatic fashion. Lauren Holly‘s character met her demise in Season 5, sacrificing herself to protect her team from a dangerous enemy. Shepard’s departure had a significant impact on the team and marked the end of an era.
Holly Becomes Creatively Restless After A Longer Stint on the Show Than Initially Planned
Holly made the decision to leave NCIS following her three-season stint, feeling that she had spent too much time with the character, having initially joined the show for a six-episode arc. The actress would later state that commuting from her home in Chicago to Los Angeles also took its toll as she was constantly away from her family, and she swiftly grew disenchanted with the experience. Holly reflected on her experience and wrote on her website:
“I enjoyed being on the show, and began some wonderful friendships. I was saddened that Don Bellisario [the original show runner] was forced out, and I missed him a lot. To be honest, now that the work bug had bitten me again, I got bored with my part of the ‘Director.’ Then the decision was made to kill me, and boy did they. About five different ways!”
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