Is it possible that Mark Harmon may return to NCIS? Continue reading to find out.
Mark Harmon plays NCIS Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a fictional character in the CBS TV series NCIS. He is a former U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper turned special agent who commands a team for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Gibbs is the most accomplished marksman on the team and the most skilled at handling violent standoffs; he depends on his other agents heavily for technical forensics and background checks. On June 21, 2021, it was reported that Harmon would only appear in a limited capacity during NCIS Season 19.
Having found peace in Alaska for the first time since his family’s death, Gibbs leaves NCIS in the episode “Great Wide Open” in search of adventure, which was released on October 11, 2021, and viewed by 7.66 million US viewers. After the characters exit from the series, many fans have wondered if the star will ever return to the series in future seasons. As NCIS Season 20 will be premiering new episodes on September 19, 2022, Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Many rumors surrounding Mark Harmon’s return have gained momentum as NCIS fans believe that he might finally make a surprise comeback in the next season.
Why did Mark Harmon leave the show?
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight, Mark Harmon opened up for the first time about his exit from NCIS last fall. He stated, “What has always drawn me here is the character I play and to keep it fresh and to keep it challenging,” the 70-year-old actor said in the clip, before alluding to the possibility that it was time to close this chapter in his career — for now. “Plot-wise, this character has taken the path that it did. I thought it was honest and OK with.” Harmon then assured NCIS fans Gibbs is still alive and kicking, enjoying the simpler things in life: “I’m not retired… The character is living in Alaska as far as I know.”
Additionally, he also acknowledged that he was “not sure” how long he would be gone, quote, “My gut’s telling me, I’ll know when I find it,” Gibbs said of what exactly he’s looking for. “This sense of peace, I have not had this since Shannon and Kelly died and I’m not ready to let it go.” He then offered his protege the unofficial reins of the NCIS office. “I could not have hoped for anyone better to watch my back for the past 18 years than you,” he said to McGee.
In addition, after Harmon made his farewell appearance on NCIS, executive producer and showrunner Steven D. Binder issued a statement, leaving the door open for a future comeback, quoting, “As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show. 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,” Binder said in a statement to ET. “So regarding the future of Gibbs, as longtime fans of the show may have noticed over the years… never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”
It is important to note that when a series’ themes frequently change when it lasts for 19 seasons, which is a very long time. Despite several cast changes, the show’s grandeur has endured the test of time. It’s interesting that they create a great dynamic together, whether they’re veteran cast members or newcomers. In order to wrap up her character arc with the other characters and provide closure to the plot’s holes, it would be wonderful to have his return if NCIS Season 20 turns out to be the final season of the show. Take a look at how the “NCIS” cast members are honoring the passing of a time period. Mark Harmon, who has played Leroy Jethro Gibbs for 20 years, has left the franchise, and his co-stars are reflecting on how hard it must have been for him to leave.
Where to stream NCIS Season 20?
When released, NCIS Season 20 will be available to stream on Paramount+, fuboTV, and Netflix, along with all the prior seasons of this major franchise on the streaming platforms. The viewers can also stream the series by renting or purchasing it on Vudu, Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, and Google Play, with a vast number of membership plans according to the preference of the users. Moreover, the series is also available to watch exclusively on CBS.com, where the episodes are published after they air on the channel on Mondays in the 9 a.m. time slot. You are able to stream NCIS for free on Pluto and NBC based on the viewers’ location.
NCIS Official Synopsis
The synopsis of the series states, “NCIS follows a fictional team of Naval Criminal Investigative Service Major Case Response Team (MCRT) special agents based at the Washington, D.C. field office in Washington Navy Yard. For the first eighteen seasons, the team was led by Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a Marine veteran, and seasoned investigator.”
Catch up on the previous seasons while you wait for more NCIS Season 20 updates.