For more than 20 years, NCIS has been one of the most successful dramas on television. Since premiering in 2003, the CBS procedural has featured dozens of unforgettable agents, forensic experts, medical examiners, and directors.
While many stars have remained with the series for years, others have left because of creative decisions, personal choices, contract negotiations, or shocking character deaths.
Here’s a complete guide to every major NCIS cast exit and where those stars are now.
Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs)
Seasons: 1–19
Mark Harmon shocked fans when he stepped away from NCIS in 2021 after leading the series for 18 years.
In Gibbs’ final episode, he chose to remain in Alaska after solving a case, telling McGee he had finally found peace after years of personal tragedy.
Off-screen, Harmon said it simply felt like the right time to step back after nearly two decades. However, he never completely left the franchise, remaining an executive producer.
Is Mark Harmon returning?
Yes.
Harmon has since become the narrator of NCIS: Origins, and CBS has confirmed he’ll appear in every episode of Season 3 in a present-day storyline tied to one of Gibbs’ biggest unsolved mysteries. It marks his largest on-screen return to the franchise since leaving the flagship series.
Michael Weatherly (Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo)
Seasons: 1–13
Michael Weatherly departed in 2016 after 13 seasons.
The actor explained that he was ready for a new creative challenge after spending more than a decade playing Tony.
Within the story, Tony resigned after learning he and Ziva David had a daughter, Tali. Believing Ziva had died, Tony left NCIS to raise their child.
Is Michael Weatherly returning?
Yes.
CBS recently announced that Weatherly will reprise Tony DiNozzo in NCIS Season 24 as part of a season-long story arc, marking his biggest return to the flagship series in a decade.
Cote de Pablo (Ziva David)
Seasons: 3–11
Cote de Pablo’s exit remains one of the most controversial in NCIS history.
The actress later revealed she left because she didn’t feel Ziva was receiving the storylines or respect the character deserved creatively.
Although Ziva was initially believed dead, she later returned, revealing she had been hiding to protect her family.
She most recently reprised the role in NCIS: Tony & Ziva alongside Michael Weatherly.
Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto)
Seasons: 1–15
Pauley Perrette left in 2018 after portraying Abby Sciuto for 15 seasons.
Her character resigned following Clayton Reeves’ death to run a charitable foundation in his honor.
After leaving, Perrette publicly discussed behind-the-scenes conflicts and later announced she would not return to the series.
Sasha Alexander (Caitlin Todd)
Seasons: 1–2
Sasha Alexander requested to leave because she found the demanding production schedule exhausting.
Her character, Kate Todd, was dramatically killed by sniper Ari Haswari during the Season 2 finale.
Kate’s shocking death remains one of the most memorable moments in the franchise.
Lauren Holly (Jenny Shepard)
Seasons: 3–5
Lauren Holly chose to leave after three seasons.
She later explained that she had accomplished everything she wanted with the character.
Jenny Shepard was killed during a gunfight while investigating an old case.
David McCallum (Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard)
Seasons: 1–20 (regular)
David McCallum gradually reduced his workload before his death in September 2023.
The beloved actor remained closely connected to the series until the end, and NCIS honored both McCallum and Ducky with an emotional tribute episode that celebrated his decades of service to the team.
Maria Bello (Jack Sloane)
Seasons: 15–18
Maria Bello joined NCIS under a limited contract.
After fulfilling that agreement, Sloane departed for Afghanistan to continue humanitarian work.
Bello has since focused on producing and other film projects.
Emily Wickersham (Ellie Bishop)
Seasons: 11–18
Emily Wickersham exited in 2021.
Her character appeared to leak classified information before secretly accepting an undercover CIA assignment.
The ending intentionally left the door open for Bishop to return.
Jennifer Esposito (Alex Quinn)
Season: 14
Jennifer Esposito appeared for only one season.
Alex Quinn left to care for her ill mother, while producers shifted the show’s direction following the season.
Duane Henry (Clayton Reeves)
Seasons: 13–15
Clayton Reeves was killed while protecting Abby Sciuto during a mugging.
Henry later said he was ready for new opportunities after his run on the series.
Zoe McLellan (Meredith Brody)
NCIS: New Orleans
Although she departed the spinoff rather than the flagship series, Zoe McLellan’s exit remains one of the franchise’s most notable cast changes.
Her character transferred after becoming entangled in a corruption investigation.
Lucas Black (Christopher LaSalle)
NCIS: New Orleans
Lucas Black requested to leave to spend more time with his family.
LaSalle was later killed while investigating his brother’s murder, creating one of the franchise’s most emotional episodes.
Who Is Still on NCIS?
Several longtime stars continue to lead the series, including:
Sean Murray (Timothy McGee) Wilmer Valderrama (Nick Torres) Brian Dietzen (Jimmy Palmer) Katrina Law (Jessica Knight) Gary Cole (Alden Parker) Diona Reasonover (Kasie Hines)
As of now, none of these actors have announced plans to leave the series.
Final Thoughts
After more than two decades, NCIS has experienced countless cast changes, but each departure has helped shape the evolution of one of television’s longest-running dramas.
With Mark Harmon returning in every episode of NCIS: Origins Season 3 and Michael Weatherly set to reprise Tony DiNozzo in NCIS Season 24, longtime fans have plenty to look forward to as the franchise continues to grow.
Leave a Reply