NCIS and Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) have just officially parted ways. There have been rumors that Harmon is leaving the series this season, and fans just got the answer to their question. Yes, Harmon's Gibbs is not coming back to the show.
NCIS Part Ways With Mark Harmon And Leroy Jethro Gibbs
In NCIS Season 19 Episode 4 titled Great Wide Open, Gibbs and McGee (Sean Murray) headed to Alaska to investigate the company that hired hitman Paul Lemere (Jason Wiles), Sonova. The company wants to take out anyone who poses a threat in its plan to build a copper mine.
The team found out that Sonova's CEO Sonia Eberhart (Valarie Pettiford) hired Lemere. When they were preparing to return home, Gibbs surprised McGee, he said he was not going home with him.
He decided to stay in Alaska. "Mark Harmon just left NCIS," TV Insider reported.
The outlet noted that his exit was foreshadowed in the first scene of the episode. When FBI Special Agent Parker (Gary Cole) led a team to arrest Gibbs. He saw a giant hole in a wall in the basement and quipped, "Something tells me he's not coming back." McGee pleaded not to arrest Gibbs and Parker eventually listened.
Did Mark Harmon Leave NCIS Due To Health Problems?
Before NCIS Season 19 premiered, there were speculations that Harmon would soon be leaving the series. CarterMatt previously reported that he would have a smaller role this season. Apparently, it was true. He only appeared in four episodes.
Previous reports claimed that Harmon had health problems that is why he decided to leave NCIS. In 2018, the same rumors made headlines — that he would be leaving the show due to "failing health."
His rep denied the rumors telling Page Six that he wasn't leaving the series at the time and the reports were "completely false."
Harmon is doing well and has no health problems. Showrunner Steve Binder hinted that he might return as a guest star, so the viewers still have a chance to see Gibson.
"As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show," Binder said. "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. 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."
Harmon had been part of the show for 18 years. He had been the most significant character on the show and it would be difficult to think of the series without him.
NCIS Season 19 airs Monday night at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
RELATED: Mark Harmon Shock: Is Leroy Jethro Gibbs Actor Leaving The Series After NCIS Season 19?
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