Mark Harmon has discussed how unexpected it was that “NCIS” succeeded while other long-running shows would have eventually failed.
As it enters its 21st season, NCIS is still going strong with no end in sight. However, the show’s actor Mark Harmon was amazed by the series’ remarkable runtime even in its early seasons.
Mark Harmon was surprised ‘NCIS’ never experienced a dip in quality
A unique achievement in the television industry has been made by NCIS. The show has not only established itself as one of the most enduring shows of the modern era, but it has also kept up its high caliber narrative. As a reward, NCIS experienced a rise in viewers during its run of television, which is not usually the case for shows of this caliber. The star of the show didn’t undervalue this accomplishment.
“It’s more usual,” Harmon once said in an interview with TV Guide. “for a series to get into Year 4 or 5, and all of a sudden you start seeing things slipping off, or people getting bored. And it’s unusual that we’re 12 years in and still excited about what we’re doing. You look forward to getting up and making that drive in the morning because you’re going to work with friends — and, oh, yeah, by the way, it’s the No. 1 show in the world. This is rare air, where we are, and we know it.”
Speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Harmon confided that he felt the secret to the show’s success was the cast and crew.
“You’ve got a bunch of people there who love their job. And there’s a responsibility there. There has been for a number of years. You work with these people every day. And [the show] only works when people want to be there,” Harmon said.
Mark Harmon once shared what he felt would spell the end of ‘NCIS’
Harmon acknowledged that, as long as NCIS has been broadcasting, the moment would eventually arrive. Harmon believed that the show’s writers would decide the series’ fate even if there was no set finale in mind.
“I’ve always believed that if authors ever find themselves in a situation where they’re stuck and don’t know what to do, we should all just stare at one another and call it a day. However, we haven’t arrived yet,” Harmon stated in a 2019 People interview.
At the time, Harmon also felt that NCIS would be the peak of his career. And he doubted a better opportunity would come along if the series ever reached its climax.
“I’ve been around long enough to know what this is,” Harmon said. “That commitment is part of what I signed up for; I know when this show ends that’s it — there won’t be anything else like this for me.”
At the time, it even seemed that Harmon planned to stick around as long as NCIS did.
“Nothing goes on forever, but you’ve got to respect what this show is doing, 16 years in, and how it’s doing it, and the people who are there punching in every morning and building what this is,” he said. “There’s a tremendous amount of pride there, so I see no reason to leave.”
Why Mark Harmon left ‘NCIS’
Harmon has seemingly changed his mind despite his initial plans. After playing Jethro Gibbs for 19 seasons, he officially quit the program. Entertainment Tonight claims that Harmon provided some explanation for his departure from NCIS.
The persona I play, as well as the need to make it interesting and hard, are what have always drew Harmon here. From a plot point of view, this character has chosen its course. I found it to be sincere and acceptable.
But he encouraged NCIS fans that Harmon might one day return to the series.
“I’m not retired… The character is living in Alaska as far as I know,” he said.