Mark Harmon's Leroy Jethro Gibbs is Making an Epic Comeback to the 'NCIS' Franchise

I think we all knew it was coming, but Mark Harmon's departure from NCIS is still a shock. After 18 years as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, it was finally time to turn in his badge.

And because Mark still executive produces on the show, he's still closely tied to the franchise. In fact, there's a chance we might even see Mark return as Gibbs to the NCIS world. Here's everything we know about his possible return.

Mark Harmon was only supposed to return in Season 19 in a limited capacity which fueled questions regarding his permanent exit from NCIS. It didn't help when Gary Cole stepped in as FBI Special Agent Alden Park, which really stoked the departure flames. In an emotional scene from his last episode, the fourth of Season 19, Gibbs told Special Agent Timothy McGee (Sean Murray), "I'm not going back, Tim. I'm not going back home." But that doesn't mean he's never coming back to the NCIS family.

In a statement from executive producer and showrunner Steven D. Binder, he said, “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. 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.”

Mark Harmon is clearly committed to the show. As a veteran and producer, it's in his best interest to make sure it remains successful.

The outpouring of love and support from fans and colleagues for Mark Harmon is overwhelming. Jamie Lee Curtis wrote a touching tribute to Mark and her time on the show in a lovely Instagram post in which she said, "One of the unexpected delights of my varied career was being able to do five episodes opposite him and his team in front of and behind the camera. My favorite line was when I was coming down from his bedroom, 'Practice makes perfect.'"

Fans are equally as saddened but are applauding Mark for his time on the show. The general response is one of happiness for him and his character, as both somewhat retired in a sense. Fans agreed that he had earned his break, and they are eager to see what he does next. People have great faith in the show, and in Mark. Perhaps that is what drove him to take on a new project, NCIS: Origins.

Although it's still unclear if Mark will return to NCIS, he's rejoining the franchise as a narrator for the CBS series, NCIS: Origins. In a January 2024 press release, CBS announced a straight to series drama order for NCIS: Origins, a prequel to NCIS. "NCIS: ORIGINS begins in 1991, years prior to the events of NCIS and follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, narrated by Mark Harmon," the press release states.

It continues, "In the series, Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks." Although Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, confirmed that viewers can look forward to Mark Harmon returning to the franchise, she didn't mention any on-screen appearances, though one can hope.

In addition to narrating, Mark will executive produce NCIS: Origins alongside his son, Sean Harmon, as well as David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal. The NCIS prequel is scheduled to release during the 2024-2025 broadcast season.

New episodes of NCIS air Mondays at 9 p.m. EST on CBS.