Is Mark Harmon Leaving 'NCIS'? All the Hints Suggesting This Is His Last Season

There are always rumors swirling about Mark Harmon leaving NCIS. He’s been playing Gibbs for eighteen seasons, so it’s natural to wonder how long he’ll continue. In the past, though, it’s been clear the whispers were only that. This time, it’s different.

A few factors are at play suggesting that Mark Harmon might exit NCIS in 2021—including the fact that the series hasn’t even been renewed yet. Let’s take a look at all the hints that Mark could be saying goodbye to Gibbs and the popular crime drama.

Mark’s contract is up.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mark’s contract with CBS is up this season, offering a prime opportunity for him to leave if that’s his wish. But the outlet also noted that if Mark didn’t return, CBS may not renew NCIS at all. Now, Mark is reportedly discussing the idea of appearing in a handful of episodes in season 19 to push NCIS forward. Mark saving the day to keep the most-watched show on television? He’s more like his character than we thought!

Gibbs is currently (and indefinitely) suspended.

Gibbs was recently suspended by Vance (Rocky Carroll) due to his inappropriate actions surrounding a case. But in the wake of the deaths of Palmer’s wife and Fornell’s daughter, plus Sloane leaving, it’s no wonder Gibbs is snapping a bit. Still, a suspension doesn't look good. In fact, the astute folks over at TVInsider suggested these handful of episodes without Gibbs at the center might be a test to see if there’s a future without him.

Either way, it’s possible they’re setting up a storyline about Gibbs reaching his limits in order to make way for a natural exit. After all, at the end of season 18, episode 11, Gibbs spoke to a journalist who published an article about him. Vance told Gibbs, in no uncertain terms, "Whatever comes of this story, whatever happens next Gibbs, I can't save you." Gibbs replied, "I know." 😬😬😬

Mark’s wife appeared on the show for the first time ever.

This is mostly a fan theory more than anything else, but Mark’s wife, actress Pam Dawber, is guest starring on NCIS for the first time ever. Why now after 18 years? Some people thought it was because it’d be her last opportunity to do so.

Pam herself, however, tried to squash that in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. She said the timing and the character finally spoke to her, and it all fell into place.

“That has nothing to do with anything,” she said when asked if her exit was tied to his swan song. “This is just a good storyline. I'm not going to go tip the hat on anything, but they don't think like that over there. A good story line is a good story line, and honest to God, we don't even know how it's going to end.”

This whole business is so stressful! What do you think will happen with Mark? Share in the comments!

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