Mark Harmon Discusses Leaving ‘NCIS’ and His Return on ‘NCIS: Origins’

Mark Harmon is renowned for his iconic role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the beloved series Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Over 18 seasons, Harmon’s portrayal of Gibbs became central to the show’s enormous success. However, in October 2021, fans were taken aback as the actor stepped down from his long-standing role.

Excitingly, the 72-year-old star is gearing up for a return to the franchise with NCIS: Origins, set to premiere on October 14, 2024, on CBS. In a recent interview, Harmon reminisced about his time on the original show while also sharing his enthusiasm for the upcoming series.

Discussing his departure from NCIS, Harmon spoke fondly of his experiences on set, specifically pointing out the dedication and creativity of the writing team. He clarified that his exit was not due to any external pressures or dissatisfaction but because he felt it was the right time to move on.

Harmon has always believed in the enduring appeal of NCIS. From its inception, he was confident that the series would continue to thrive, regardless of cast changes. His faith in the show’s longevity has been validated as it remains popular among audiences even after his departure. He expressed contentment knowing that the legacy of NCIS continues strong.

As Harmon returns to work on NCIS: Origins, he will be teaming up with his son Sean and close friends David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal. Both David and Gina bring extensive experience and creativity, having served as showrunners and executive producers in the original series.

Reflecting on the new series, Harmon shared his excitement when executives first approached him about joining NCIS: Origins. Despite the initial lack of detailed information, the prospect of returning to the NCIS universe thrilled him. It seems that a part of Harmon missed being involved with the brand, and he affirmed his dedication to the new project while noting that it would be significantly distinct from the original series.