After four years as the cornerstone of NCIS, Mark Harmon has bid adieu to his iconic portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Harmon’s departure was unveiled during Season 19, as Gibbs made the decision to settle in Alaska. Despite the longing for a potential comeback, Harmon’s character has officially passed the baton to Sean Murray’s McGee in Season 20. Fans have responded with a mix of emotions, some embracing the change while others lamenting the absence of their beloved character. Harmon himself addressed his exit, clarifying that Gibbs hasn’t retired but rather opted for a life in Alaska.
Executive producer Steve Binder assured fans that Harmon will always have a place in the NCIS family in some capacity. While Gibbs may no longer grace the opening credits, the door remains open for his potential return in forthcoming seasons. The episode marking Gibbs’s departure, titled “Great Wide Open,” was laced with subtle cues, signaling the culmination of his journey with the team. Though it’s bittersweet to bid farewell to Gibbs, his departure signifies the end of an era and paves the way for new narrative avenues to explore.