Why did Mark Harmon leave NCIS?

Mark Harmon simply was ready to move on from NCIS. Hence he decided to exit the show after almost two decades.

NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service, has been one of the longest-running primetime series for CBS. The American procedural drama had its first season aired on September 23, 2003. Since then the show has been seen success over success season-wise and has built up a massive fan following. From titles like the most watched show to the most favorite show, NCIS has bagged it all.

With NCIS's success, the makers were able to grow the police family by producing four spin-offs - NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawai'i, and NCIS: Sydney. NCIS was created by Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill. It recently aired its 20th season and has been renewed for the 21st season.

What does Mark Harmon have to say about leaving NCIS?

Mark Harmon has been an anchor for NCIS since the very beginning. The actor has been a part of the CBS series for almost two decades. However, he decided to say goodbye to the Naval drama after 19 years, leaving fans heartbroken. After announcing his decision to step down from NCIS, Harmon did not disclose the reason as to why he is doing it.

However, a year later he opened up on why he bid adieu to his character as Leroy Gibbs and NCIS. In a special featurette on the show's season 19 DVD release, Mark Harmon was seen discussing the legacy of his character and explaining why he decided to step down. Harmon said, "What has always drawn me here is the character I play and to keep it fresh and to keep it challenging." He then explained that his character is "not retired."

Harmon said, "The character is living in Alaska as far as I know. Plot-wise, this character has taken the path that it did. I thought it was honest and OK."

Will Mark Harmon return to NCIS?

Mark Harmon's character Leroy Jethro Gibbs was not killed off on the show. His character was shown choosing to live a peaceful life somewhere in Alaska after his last case. Hence it's possible that the actor would return to the show shortly for the storyline. Talking about Harmon's departure from NCIS, the showrunner Steve Binder made a statement in which he said, “Our north star has always been staying true to our characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go. So regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years…never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”

Hence, it is very much possible that the actor would return as the character in the CBS series.

Is Mark Harmon sick?

Since Mark Harmon announced that he was set to leave NCIS, this decision sparked rumors about his health. Some rumors went on to claim that the actor had cancer. However, the rumors were later debunked and it was made clear that the actor is all fine.

Harmon decided to leave the show because he felt it was high time for it. There is no other reason for it.