MEAWW.COM / ENTERTAINMENT / TV

Fans gutted as CBS announces Mark Harmon leaving 'NCIS'

Mark Harmon quit 'NCIS' after exactly 19 seasons onscreen as the show's star actor

The hit CBS show 'NCIS' may never be the same again after Mark Harmon, most famous for playing the lead role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the series calls it quits. Harmon's character of 'NCIS' special agent was introduced in just a guest-starring role in two episodes of JAG, a legal drama TV series. As of 2003, Harmon has starred in 'NCIS', and become a fan favorite.

As of October 11 night, the 'NCIS' star has decided to call it quits, and ended his longtime run as a regular on the series, thereby opting out of a future in law enforcement. It's officially time to bid farewell to Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, with a heavy heart.

RELATED ARTICLES 

'NCIS: Hawai'i': Release date, spoilers and all about NCIS spin-off on CBS

'NCIS: New Orleans' Season 7: Release date, plot, cast and all you need to know about the CBS police procedural

Gibb's decision to wave goodbye to his post and give up his badge came to light during Season 18, during a suspension for assaulting a murderer and abuser of dogs, paired with a boat explosion in the finale, that nearly killed him.

The showrunner of 'NCIS', Steve Binder, marveled at Harmon, in a statement regarding the airing of episode 1904 of the show. Harmon had been the talk of the town since the show's launch, 18 years ago, while also throwing light to his future on the series. "As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show", Binder said in a statement. "Our north star has always been staying true to characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go. So regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years...never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out". 

While we are still unsure about Harmon's return to the 'NCIS' series, CBS Entertainment President, Kelly Kahl, backed up Binder's statement at an I\interview with Deadline saying, "Mark's always been a part of the show, Mark's always going to be a part of the show. In terms of his on-air appearance, we're just going to have to see how it plays out going forward". 

Fans are both upset and appalled at Horman's decision. A series of ongoing ambivalent feelings have stirred on social media since the news spread. A fan said, "That should just about do it for the original NCIS! No Gibbs No #NCIS", while another shared, "#ncis  #Gibbs  noooooo Gibbs is gone @NCIS_CBS". "All good things must come to an end... With Ziva, Tony, Ducky, Abby, and now Gibbs gone, that's the guts of #NCIS. I love Tim and Jimmy but it's a fond farewell. It's been awesome 18 years. Thanks for the memories", a fan tweeted. An ardent fan also shared, "It won’t be #NCIS without #Gibbs - Mark Harmon Exits NCIS After 19 Seasons — Here Are the Best Moments From Gibbs' Goodbye Episode".