Since its debut in 2003, the television series NCIS has been a force to be reckoned with in the world of crime procedural dramas. A spin-off of the hit show JAG, NCIS quickly established its own identity, captivating audiences with its thrilling investigations, compelling characters, and a perfect blend of humor and drama. Created by Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill, NCIS, which stands for Naval Criminal Investigative Service, follows a team of special agents as they solve complex cases involving crimes within the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Set in Washington, D.C., NCIS takes viewers on a gripping journey as the team delves into high-stakes investigations, unravels intricate mysteries, and navigates the personal and professional challenges that come their way. NCIS has captivated audiences for years with its thrilling investigations, compelling characters, and remarkable ensemble cast. However, over its long run, the show has seen several main characters depart, leaving fans with a mix of emotions.

NCIS has thrived on the strength of its ensemble cast, and while departures can be bittersweet, they have also allowed for fresh storylines and the introduction of new characters. The legacies left by these beloved characters will forever be etched in the hearts of NCIS fans, who eagerly anticipate the show's ongoing success and the possibility of old faces making triumphant returns. Let's take a closer look at some of the most memorable characters who bid farewell to the NCIS team and the reasons behind their departures.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon)

After 18 seasons as the heart and soul of NCIS, Gibbs left the show to pursue a quieter life in 2021. His departure was primarily driven by actor Mark Harmon's decision to step away from the series, focusing on other endeavors and spending more time with his family. Gibbs' exit left a significant void in the team and left fans eagerly awaiting his potential return.

An Unforeseeable Future

Following the departure of Mark Harmon, actor Gary Cole took on a leading role in the long-running series as NCIS Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker. CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach has not ruled out a future return of Harmon to the franchise, stating that, "The door for Mark is always open, it’s really up to him." Though he might not step back into the shoes of Gibbs, Harmon will serve as a producer for the upcoming spin-off NCIS: Origins.

Ziva David (Cote de Pablo)

Ziva's departure was initially marked by a presumed death, but the character later resurfaced (much to the delight of fans) and ultimately left the team to protect her loved ones from danger. Cote de Pablo decided to leave NCIS in 2013 due to personal reasons, including a desire to explore other acting opportunities and spend time with her family.

True Feelings Revealed

In 2016, during a Q&A session, de Pablo opened up about the real reason she walked away from NCIS, revealing that she was ultimately dissatisfied with her character's Ziva's arc and felt the scripts she was given did little to entice her to stay. She said in a 2019 interview:

“Look, I love this character. I worked eight years crafting this character and loving her. And so when I felt or I perceived that the character was not being treated with the respect that she deserved, no money in the world [would make her stay].”

Nonetheless, devoted viewers of the series and fans of de Pablo will be happy to know that the character is in fact returning to the franchise with her on-screen love interest Michael Weatherly, with the duo set to star in a spin-off series together on Paramount+.

Related: New NCIS Spin-Off Will Bring Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David Back Together After 10 Years

Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly)

Tony bid adieu to NCIS to focus on his personal life and embrace fatherhood after discovering he has a daughter with his former flame and partner Ziva David. Michael Weatherly's departure in 2016 was a personal choice, as he wanted to explore new acting avenues and pursue other projects, including his leading role in the hit series Bull, which concluded in 2022 after six seasons.

An Exciting Return

Weatherly went on to later tell The Hollywood Reporter how he grew tired of the constant grind of the show's production and felt "like a circle that had gone all the way around and I really felt happy with the resolution of character and my time on the show." Fans rejoiced when the actor made a guest appearance on NCIS in the second episode of season 21, both paying tribute to co-star David McCallum and setting the stage for his own spin-off.

Timothy McGee (Sean Murray)

Although not a permanent departure, McGee temporarily left the team in Season 18 of NCIS to recover from a gunshot wound. This storyline was incorporated to accommodate Sean Murray's absence during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, as he wanted to prioritize the safety of his family.

Optimistic Outlook on the Future

Beginning in season 20, Murray had returned and become the lead character of the show, and has remained a beloved part of NCIS and a crucial part of the team. As more and more cast members depart, fans will be happy to know that Murray is eager about where the series will go and attributes its longevity and success to the camaraderie between the cast members. He told Entertainment Weekly in 2023:

“The longer we’ve been around, the longer people have kind of really gotten to know these characters and like these characters, have become very protective of them. We really do. We work hard, but we have a lot of fun, and a lot of us spend time with each other outside of the set. We’re all very close friends, and I think that that shows.”

Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette)

Abby's departure was a highly emotional moment for fans. After 15 seasons, Pauley Perrette decided to exit NCIS to explore new career opportunities and focus on philanthropic endeavors. Perrette also released information in recent years detailing her health struggles, including a stroke, which could have impacted her decision to leave the show.

Startling Revelations

Luckily, her character's exit was handled with great care, allowing for a proper farewell and leaving the door open for possible future appearances. Perrette became more vocal in the years after her departure, shockingly saying in 2019 that she experienced multiple physical assaults and was bitten by a dog on-set. She also declared that she was "terrified" of co-star Mark Harmon, and that she has no intentions of returning to NCIS due to her fear of the actor.

Eleanor "Ellie" Bishop (Emily Wickersham)

Ellie Bishop's departure from NCIS marked the end of her character's journey. After joining the team in Season 11, Emily Wickersham decided to leave the show in 2021 to pursue new opportunities and explore different creative projects. Bishop's departure was met with mixed emotions from fans who had grown fond of her quirky and intelligent personality.

Wickersham's Family Focus

Wickersham's character ends up resigning from the team after she confessed to leaking NSA secrets, and opts to go undercover for the CIA on a mission with Odette Malone. The actress has largely stepped away from the limelight since leaving NCIS, instead focusing on her family and having a son in 2021.

Caitlin "Kate" Todd (Sasha Alexander)

Kate Todd's exit from NCIS came as a shock to viewers during the show's second season, as the series was the television world with its ratings and amassing a devoted fanbase. Sasha Alexander decided to leave the series to pursue other acting opportunities and expand her career horizons.

Continued TV Success

Alexander eventually went on to star in Rizzoli & Isles as Dr. Maura Isles for seven seasons and made subsequent appearances in shows like Shameless, Law & Order: SVU, and most recently The Morning Show. Kate's departure was marked by a tragic twist, as she was killed in the line of duty, leaving a lasting impact on the team and viewers alike.

Jacqueline "Jack" Sloane (Maria Bello)

Jack Sloane's departure from NCIS marked the end of her impactful tenure as the team's forensic psychologist. Maria Bello decided to leave the show in 2021 to pursue other personal and professional opportunities. Sloane's departure was handled with great care, allowing for a satisfying resolution to her character's story arc and leaving fans with a sense of closure.

An Emmy-Winning Endeavor

After walking away from NCIS, Bello appeared as Jordan Forster in the critically-acclaimed Netflix dramedy Beef, with the miniseries winning eight Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology series. She also branched out and served as a producer for the Viola Davis-led film The Woman King.

Clayton Reeves (Duane Henry)

Clayton Reeves joined NCIS as a recurring character in Season 13 and was promoted to a main cast member in Season 14. However, Duane Henry's time on the show came to an end when his character was tragically killed in the line of duty. Henry's departure left a void in the team, as fans mourned the loss of the charismatic and skilled agent.

Related: NCIS: Every TV Show in the Franchise, Ranked

A Devastating Death Behind-the-Scenes

Longtime viewers were left stunned by Henry leaving the show, as it happened to coincide with Pauley Perrette's departure and packed quite the emotional punch for fans. The character of Clayton Reeves was created by NCIS showrunner Gary Glasberg, who suddenly passed away in 2016, and after his death producers didn't know how to move forward and develop Reeves further so they decided to write him out.

Jenny Shepard (Lauren Holly)

Jenny Shepard, the former Director of NCIS, bid farewell to the show in a dramatic fashion. Lauren Holly's character met her demise in Season 5, sacrificing herself to protect her team from a dangerous enemy. Shepard's departure left a significant impact on the team and marked the end of an era.

Holly Becomes Creatively Restless

Holly made the decision to leave NCIS following her three season-stint after growing bored with her character, and had initially taken on the part for just a six-episode arc. The actress would later state that the commuting from her home in Chicago to Los Angeles also took its toll as she was constantly away from her family, and she swiftly grew disenchanted with the experience. Holly reflected about her experience and wrote on her website:

"I enjoyed being on the show, and began some wonderful friendships. I was saddened that Don Bellisario [the original show runner] was forced out, and I missed him a lot. To be honest, now that the work bug had bitten me again, I got bored with my part of the 'Director.' Then the decision was made to kill me, and boy did they. About five different ways!"

Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen)

While not a permanent departure, Jimmy Palmer temporarily left the team in NCIS Season 18 to fill in as the Acting Medical Examiner. Brian Dietzen's absence during a few episodes allowed for Jimmy's character to take on new responsibilities and showcase his growth within the team, as well as providing an opportunity for character development.

Dietzen's Health Battles

Diezten eventually returned to his character Jimmy Palmer (to the delight of audiences) after suffering from a stroke and undergoing cardiac surgery in 2020, and he even went on to write an episode for season 19, fulfilling a longtime goal he had to do so. The happy-go-lucky Jimmy remains an integral part of the NCIS team and a favorite among fans.

Stream NCIS on Paramount+