In a special retrospective to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the program, “NCIS” executives discuss one action they initially believed would spell the program’s demise. For almost two decades, the popular CBS crime show NCIS was synonymous with Mark Harmon’s Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs character. Fans and industry insiders were concerned about the future of the series after his departure during the show’s 19th season.
Charles Floyd Johnson, the executive producer, recently said that the group was concerned that Mark Harmon’s departure may mean the death of NCIS. According to Johnson, the worries weren’t simply about how the fans would respond, but also about Harmon’s crucial function as the series’ unifying force.
‘NCIS’ boss confesses that Mark Harmon’s exit would be the ‘Death’ of the series
For many years, it was practically a given that Mark Harmon’s name would come to mind when NCIS was discussed. He played Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and oversaw the enormously popular CBS crime drama for almost two decades. However, Harmon left the program in the first few episodes of the 19th season, which debuted in 2021.
Charles Floyd Johnson, one of the show’s executive producers, recently shared his reflections on Harmon’s exit during a special retrospective marking the 20th anniversary of NCIS. Johnson conveyed that the production team had long feared Harmon’s departure would spell the end of the series.
“We thought [Harmon leaving] was the death knell,” Johnson revealed. “Coming in at 6:30 a.m., five days a week, and being the major character that was the linchpin — that’s pretty tough, and he did it for 18 seasons.”
Johnson revealed that as Harmon neared his 70s, he desired to focus more on his family life with his wife, Pam Dawber, and their children. Harmon had also been dropping subtle hints about potentially leaving since around the 15th or 16th season, according to Johnson.
Mark Harmon finally bids farewell to CBS’ hit crime drama
In the end, Harmon extended his NCIS tenure for a few more years. His decision was primarily driven by his strong sense of commitment to the series. Yet, when the show hit its 18th season, hints began to emerge, signaling his eventual exit.
In the “Great Wide Open” episode of the show’s 19th season, Harmon said his final goodbyes. His character Gibbs made the decision to live a more sedate life in Alaska in that episode, finding consolation for the first time since the tragic deaths of his first wife and kid.
It’s impossible to predict if Harmon will return to NCIS in a guest or recurrent role. Fans would undoubtedly be overjoyed to see him return, but the final decision is with him. On the plus side, viewers can watch a ton of NCIS episodes through a Paramount+ membership to relive Harmon’s legendary performances as Gibbs.
‘NCIS’ bosses believe this character saved the series
Johnson went into more detail about how pleased they were to have Gary Cole join as NCIS Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker. The NCIS head credited Cole with reviving the program by deftly balancing continuity with just the appropriate amount of innovation to keep things interesting. Johnson explained that a large number of applicants were taken into account for the position. Cole wasn’t advertised as a simple Gibbs replacement, though, when the team decided to go with him.
This nuanced approach proved essential for both Cole and the show’s viewers. Johnson revealed that they offered the role to Cole with a flexible scope. This approach allowed him to develop his character without the burden of filling the shoes of a figure who had been a cornerstone of the series for almost 20 years.
According to the producer, this decision was a jackpot for the series. And it could not have happened at a better time.