Shocking Revelations: The Real Reason Behind Every NCIS Main Character's Departure!

Summary

Abby Sciuto left NCIS due to a feud with Mark Harmon, feeling she couldn't work with him anymore.

Ziva David decided to depart from NCIS due to the poor development of her character and Cote de Pablo's desire for more improved scripts. Tony DiNozzo, on the other hand, left NCIS as he had become exhausted and sought a fresh and exciting endeavor, which led him to star in his own series called Bull.

Why did Abby and other fan-favorite characters leave NCIS? The long-running show has seen its fair share of turnover among its special agents. While some beloved characters make occasional appearances, others have left for good. Since its debut in 2003, NCIS has become a mainstay on CBS. The cast and characters play a significant role in the show's success. As it approaches its 21st season, NCIS remains one of the most-watched scripted series in television history, attracting millions of viewers each season. Spun-off from JAG, NCIS has also launched successful spin-offs in Los Angeles, Hawai'i, and elsewhere. The show's intricate plots and unexpected turns have captivated fans for almost two decades, but the characters are what truly drive the show's emotional core. So, why did Mark Harmon and other characters decide to leave NCIS?

Caitlin Todd - Sasha Alexander

Caitlin Todd departed from NCIS due to her inability to maintain the required level of stamina for the show. Todd, portrayed by Sasha Alexander, was among the first special agents to join the NCIS team. Her past experience as a Secret Service Agent on Air Force One made her an expert in psychological profiling, often taken aback by NCIS' disregard for protocol. Todd's departure from NCIS during the finale of season 2 proved to be one of the most shocking moments in the series, as her own teammate, Ari Haswari, who was a Mossad double-agent and a recurring antagonist, fatally shot her in the head. Initially, Alexander had signed on for a six-season run playing Todd.

Nonetheless, at the conclusion of NCIS season 2, she left the show as a regular character. Donald Bellisario, the then-showrunner, explained that Alexander lacked the endurance required to keep up with the demanding filming schedule of a 24-episode season. According to Alexander's statements to TV Guide, the filming took place over "10 1/2 months a year, 17 hours a day." Following her departure from NCIS, Alexander went on to star in another television series, Rizzoli & Isles, where she portrayed one of the primary characters, Dr. Maura Isles. This time, she managed to withstand the rigorous schedule and remained with the show for all seven seasons until its conclusion in 2016. Alexander does not regret her choice to leave the highly popular series.

"I really firmly believe in my heart that I would not be where I am today -- happily married, with two kids, doing things creatively that I want -- if I had stayed."

Ziva David - Cote De Pablo

Ziva David made the decision to depart from NCIS due to her dissatisfaction with how her character was being portrayed. Initially introduced as an Israeli Mossad officer, Special Agent Ziva David (played by Cote de Pablo) joined the team after the untimely death of Agent Todd. Initially serving as a Liason Officer, David eventually resigned from the Mossad to devote herself fully to being a member of the NCIS team, working alongside DiNozzo and McGee. Notably, her relationship with fellow agent Tony became a central and powerful storyline throughout the series, resulting in the joyous arrival of their daughter, Tali David-DiNozzo.

After the entire team of NCIS resigned to protect their leader in season 1, David made the decision to return to her home country of Israel while her colleagues went back to work. Although it was believed that David had died in an attack on her farmhouse in season 13, it was later revealed that she had actually faked her death. This deception allowed her to go deep undercover and eliminate the criminals responsible for the attack on her and her family. Once the threat was eliminated, David retired to Paris with her loved ones.

Cote de Pablo, who played Ziva David on NCIS, had a lengthy tenure on the show and leaving was not an easy choice. Despite being offered a higher salary to stay, de Pablo prioritized the integrity of her character. In a 2016 Q&A, she explained that the scripts were no longer up to par for her character and expressed her desire for better treatment. She stated, "until someone can write something truly exceptional for Ziva, I won't return." Since her departure from NCIS, de Pablo has done very little acting, with only five credits to her name and nothing since her brief return.

Tony DiNozzo - Michael Weatherly

Tony's departure from NCIS was primarily due to his weariness with the show. As a vital member of the NCIS team, Tony DiNozzo's presence was significant from the very beginning. Known for his engaging personality, wit, and womanizing tendencies, the charismatic Special Agent Tony DiNozzo appeared to be unwavering in his commitment. However, love ultimately prevailed and influenced his decision to leave. After the supposed demise of Ziva, Tony departed to care for their daughter, but his story did not conclude there. Upon discovering that Ziva was still alive, Tony resolved to settle down with her in Paris once the chaos had subsided.

Michael Weatherly, who portrayed Tony, had been a prominent figure on NCIS for 13 seasons. Following such an extensive tenure, the actor found himself burned out by the demands of the show. In an interview with Hollywood Reporter, Weatherly expressed his readiness for a fresh challenge. He longed for the on-screen chemistry he shared with Ziva David, who had already departed. However, Weatherly's primary motive for leaving was the opportunity to star in his own series. In 2015, he took on the lead role in Bull, which he continued until its conclusion in 2022.

Abby Sciuto - Pauley Perrette

Abby Sciuto departed from NCIS due to her inability to work alongside Mark Harmon anymore. Despite not being a field agent, Sciuto was adored by both her team and viewers. As the offbeat, gothic forensic specialist, no piece of evidence could evade Sciuto's perceptive eye - as long as she had enough Caf-Pow to fuel her, of course. Even though her methods were far from conventional, Abby consistently accomplished her tasks. Following 15 seasons on NCIS, Sciuto left the show to establish a charity in memory of her late friend, Clayton Reeves, who sacrificed his life to save hers.

Notwithstanding Abby and Gibbs' tight bond on NCIS, Pauley Perrette and Mark Harmon had a falling out after Harmon's dog attacked a crew member during filming. Reportedly, Harmon continued to bring the dog on set, causing the animosity between the two to intensify to the point where they filmed their scenes on separate days and the script was carefully crafted to prevent their presence together on screen. Perrette ultimately made the decision to exit the series, expressing via Twitter that she was "terrified of Harmon" and experienced nightmares of him attacking her. While fans held onto hope for a potential return, Perrette was unwavering in her stance, leaving no room for doubt in her tweet.

Perrette got her own sitcom called Broke in 2020, but it only lasted one season before it was canceled. She hasn't done anything acting-wise since that show.

Eleanor Bishop - Emily Wickersham

Following her departure from NCIS, Eleanor Bishop's pregnancy became public knowledge just two months later. Special Agent Emily Wickersham portrayed Eleanor Bishop, who filled the void left by Ziva in Season 11. With her background in the NSA, Bishop proved to be an exceptionally skilled and astute member of the NCIS Major Case Response Team. However, she chose to leave the team after it was revealed that she had previously leaked an NSA document. This revelation, however, turned out to be part of a larger plan for Bishop to embark on an undercover operation following her "disgraced" exit from NCIS.

Though Wickersham's reason for leaving NCIS was never explicitly mentioned, her departure appears to have been amicable and made in good spirits. In a 2021 Instagram post, she announced her exit and expressed gratitude towards the cast and crew for the opportunity to be a part of the show. Following her departure, Wickersham has not been involved in any projects but did welcome a son with her partner. There have been no appearances by Wickersham in movies or TV shows since her departure from NCIS.

Jacqueline Sloane - Maria Bello

Maria Bello departed from NCIS due to her decision not to renew her contract for the series. Playing the role of Dr. Jacqueline "Jack" Sloane, a former US Army Lieutenant, she served as the team's operational psychologist and profiler. With her close association to team leader Jethro Gibbs, the NCIS senior special agent often faced playful teasing about a possible romantic link between them. Despite aspiring to retire in Costa Rica, Sloane ultimately chose to return to Afghanistan, following the footsteps of a murdered friend, in order to continue aiding those in need.

Maria Bello's departure from the show seems to have been amicable. After three years, the actress chose not to renew her contract, although she never disclosed the reason behind her decision. In a 2020 Instagram post, Bello expressed her love and gratitude for the cast and crew, stating that she had never worked with a more kind and generous group of people. Following her departure from NCIS, Bello made appearances in the Netflix series "Beef" and also worked as a co-writer on the critically acclaimed film "The Woman King".

Leroy Jethro Gibbs - Mark Harmon

After years of leading the NCIS Major Case Response Team, Agent Jethro Gibbs bid farewell to his role, opting for retirement from the series. With his no-nonsense demeanor, Gibbs oversaw his team like a tightly-knit family, instilling discipline through his set of rules and guaranteeing successful apprehensions. Although it appeared that Gibbs would remain at the helm indefinitely, he stunned everyone by announcing his retirement to Alaska in 2021, where he ultimately discovered inner peace.

After 18 years on the show, Mark Harmon is leaving his acting role on NCIS. However, he will continue to be involved as an executive producer, working behind the scenes. It is possible that Gibbs may make an on-screen return, but no confirmation has been given yet. Many fans of NCIS are eagerly waiting for his comeback. Since leaving NCIS, Harmon has mostly focused on his role as a producer and has not appeared in any other acting projects. Harmon expressed satisfaction with his departure from NCIS, stating that the character he played has taken a certain trajectory in the plot, which he found honest and acceptable.

Who Hasn't Left NCIS Yet

In the upcoming 21st season of NCIS, most of the original cast members did not continue on, except for one who still appears, albeit in a limited role. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, who was introduced as the Chief Medical Examiner in the pilot episode, quickly became a beloved character among fans. His unique traits include engaging in detailed conversations with the deceased during autopsies, often interrupted by Gibbs, and his extensive collection of vibrant bow ties. However, his eccentricities are not the only aspects of his character. Ducky has a backstory and character arc that includes his previous service in the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Despite his associations with the CIA and allegations of war crimes, Ducky (portrayed by David McCallum) retired from his role as the Medical Examiner in NCIS season 15. However, he continues to make occasional appearances on the series in a reduced capacity. This decision was made after NCIS season 16, as it was announced that McCallum wanted to prioritize spending more time with his family. Additionally, McCallum's age of 89 may also be a factor in this decision. Overall, he has appeared in 443 episodes of NCIS and remains a part of the series to this day.

Who Has Returned To NCIS?

Cote de Pablo made the most significant comeback to NCIS among the departed cast members. Her return in season 17 came as a shock to most fans who believed she had died. In reality, she had faked her death and sought help from Gibbs. After resolving her issues, she left once again, appearing to go to Paris to reunite with Tony and their child for a happily ever after. However, Tony did not show up, disappointing fans who were hoping to witness their long-awaited farewell moment.

Nevertheless, there is a possibility that this could change in the future. Rumors suggest that both Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly might return in small capacities for the next season of the show (via Radar Online). This could finally allow fans to witness the anticipated Tony and Ziva reunion. It would also be a pleasant return for Harmon's character, Gibbs, as fans have always wondered if he would appear occasionally as a guest star to provide assistance on NCIS.