✨ Why Mark Harmon Left NCIS: Inside His Emotional Departure from the CBS Hit 👉 Full information in the comments 👇👇
After nearly two decades as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Mark Harmon’s exit from NCIS was more than just a career move — it was deeply emotional and born out of exhaustion. Harmon has repeatedly admitted that he was simply tired. He recalled working grueling hours in the early seasons — “the first day, we worked 22 hours” — and said that over time, the physical and mental toll of leading such a high‑profile show caught up with him.
But it wasn’t just fatigue. Harmon also expressed a desire for balance, explaining that he valued his family life and wanted more time at home. He described his decision to leave as a matter of “timing” rather than a permanent farewell — he wasn’t retiring, but he needed space to explore other challenges.
From the creative side, the showrunners crafted a meaningful exit for Gibbs. In his final episode (“Great Wide Open”), Gibbs decides to stay in Alaska — a choice that harmonized with his character’s long history of seeking peace and solitude. The decision allowed Gibbs to leave without a definitive end, keeping the door open for possible returns.
While Harmon stepped back from his daily role, he hasn’t severed ties with the NCIS universe. He continues to serve as an executive producer, and his exit was handled with respect — a farewell that earned emotional tributes from cast and crew who saw him as a “linchpin” of the series.
💬 Fan Question:
Do you think Gibbs’ exit was handled in the right way — or do you wish Mark Harmon had stayed on for longer? 👇
