Mark Harmon is open to the possibility of reprising his iconic role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in future NCIS seasons. Despite departing the show in 2021 after completing 19 seasons, Harmon has left the door ajar for a potential return, given that Gibbs simply walked away from his position.
In a recent interview with ET Online, Harmon expressed interest in returning to the beloved character. However, he clarified that if there were plans to bring Gibbs back, he is currently unaware of them. Harmon humorously remarked, “He’s probably fishing in a stream up in Alaska. Is he going to make it out of the river? I’m not sure. But if he is, I’m not aware of it.”
As NCIS stands as one of the rare spin-off series that has outlasted its original predecessor, JAG (1995), the potential return of Gibbs could add a new dimension to the show.
Despite hopes for Gibbs and other fan-favorite characters to make cameos in NCIS Season 20, the season primarily focused on the current crew, with no returns from the mentioned characters. Following the recent passing of David McCallum, an original cast member since 2003 who portrayed Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard, the chief medical examiner, Gibbs’s return in NCIS Season 21 becomes particularly significant.
Given Ducky’s extensive connection with Gibbs, his return would carry emotional weight, serving as a fitting tribute to McCallum. Although CBS proceeded with NCIS Season 20 without Gibbs, his presence in Season 21 is essential for honoring Ducky’s memory. A tribute episode for the beloved examiner should include Gibbs, even if briefly, allowing him to pay respects to his old friend and take a break from fishing in Ducky’s memory.