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
NCIS has accomplished a rare feat in the television industry. Not only has it become one of the longest-running programs in modern times, but the show has continued to deliver quality storytelling. As a reward, NCIS once saw its viewership increase during its years on air, which is typically uncommon for shows with its lifespan. It was an accomplishment that wasn’t overlooked by the show’s star.
Harmon previously stated, “It’s more usual,” in a TV Guide interview. “When a series reaches its fourth or fifth year, you suddenly start to notice things falling apart or people becoming disinterested. Furthermore, it’s remarkable that after 12 years, we’re still enthusiastic about our work. You eagerly anticipate rising early and doing that morning journey because you’ll be working alongside friends on the world’s most popular show. We are aware that the air we are in is unusual.
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’
As long as NCIS has been on the air, Harmon conceded that its time would come sooner or later. But although the series had no definite ending in mind, Harmon felt the series’ fate would be up to the show’s writers.
“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.
Harmon believed that NCIS would be the pinnacle of his career at the moment. And if the show ever made it to its conclusion, he doubted a greater chance would present itself.
Harmon remarked, “I’ve been around long enough to know what this is.” “I know that when this show ends, that’s it — there won’t be anything like this for me. That commitment is part of what I signed up for.”
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’
Despite Harmon’s original plans, it seemed he had a change of heart. He officially left the show after 19 seasons as Jethro Gibbs. According to Entertainment Tonight, Harmon gave a little insight into why he and NCIS parted ways.
“What has always drawn me here is the character I play and to keep it fresh and to keep it challenging,” Harmon said. “Plot-wise, this character has taken the path that it did. I thought it was honest and OK with.”
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.