Are there any chances for beloved Leroy Jethro Gibbs to return to the series? Continue reading to learn more.
Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs is definitely one of the most beloved and popular characters in the entirety of the NCIS franchise. Ever since he left the show, the fans have felt a huge difference in the plot of each episode. The one hopeful question that the fans ask on a daily basis on social media is whether it’s even possible to bring back Mark Harmon. Fans of the show will recall June 21, 2021, when it was revealed that Harmon would only appear in a limited capacity during NCIS Season 19.
As it was said, 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. He clearly stated in Season 19, quote, “This sense of peace, I have not had this since Shannon and Kelly died and I’m not ready to let it go,” Gibbs shared with Tim McGee before offering him to lead the office. “I could not have hoped for anyone better to watch my back for the past 18 years than you,” Gibbs shared with his colleague.
After the character’s exit from the series, many fans still have wondered if the star will ever return to the series in future seasons. After all, watching a character for so long tends to build a connection between the audience and the cast members, who enjoy it when the character does great antics and expands on the storyline and character arcs with each season.
Recently, as the 20th season has started to premiere on CBS, many rumors surrounding Mark Harmon’s return have once again gained momentum as NCIS fans believe that he might finally make a surprise comeback in the next season. If you are one of them who wants to get clarity about these theories and rumors, then keep on reading. We have complied with everything that has been speculated by the fans over the past few days on social media.
Is it possible that Mark Harmon may return to NCIS?
It does not look possible. However, the CBS Entertainment president stated that the door is still open if Harmon decides to go through it. “Everyone is aware that the door is open if he ever wants to pop in for an episode or multiple episodes,” CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl told TVLine.
In addition, after Harmon made his farewell appearance on NCIS, executive producer and showrunner Steven D. Binder also 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. Further adding, “So regarding the future of Gibbs, as longtime fans of the show may have noticed over the years… never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”
Moreover, 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, quoting, “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.
There is still a slight chance that Mark Harmon may return to “NCIS” after Season 20, as the series will head towards its 500th episode milestone. With each season having roughly 23 episodes, we wouldn’t be shocked if Harmon returns in the 500th episode, which would most likely be broadcast during the show’s 22nd season.
Furthermore, viewership for the show’s 20th season looks to be declining. There is no doubt that fans will undoubtedly pay attention to the show with great interest if CBS teases Harmon’s possible comeback. For the time being, we’ll have to wait many seasons to see what CBS has planned for the show’s future, but there’s little question they’ll do something spectacular for the show’s devoted fans. We’ll just have to wait and see if this is in fact possible or not.
Mark Harmon is no longer included in the opening credits of NCIS Season 20
When tuning into watching “NCIS” Season 20, the fans noticed that while Mark Harmon left NCIS in Season 19, his name was still present in the show’s opening credits. Fans wanting to catch another peek of Harmon in the opening credits of Season 20 will be disappointed.
According to Entertainment Tonight, Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs no longer appears in the opening credits. Instead, Sean Murray, who plays Tim McGee, starts the game. As we know, Gibbs appeared to pass the torch to McGee in season 19, so it’s only natural that McGee’s name now appears first in the credits. Fans may expect a lot more from the character in the future.
Where to stream NCIS?
When released, all the new episodes of NCIS will be available to stream on CBS, 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, 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 episode of NCIS Season 20, which airs on Mondays at 9/8c on CBS.