The Untold Stories Behind the Exits of Fan-Favorite Characters from NCIS
As one of the longest-running shows on television, NCIS has become a staple in the CBS lineup, captivating audiences with its intriguing plots and beloved characters since its debut in 2003. Over the years, the show has seen significant turnover in its cast, with several fan-favorite characters making both temporary and permanent exits. While some departures were amicable, others were surrounded by tension and controversy. Here’s a closer look at why some of the most iconic characters left NCIS.
Caitlin Todd – Sasha Alexander
Caitlin Todd’s Shocking Exit
Caitlin Todd, played by Sasha Alexander, was one of the original special agents on the NCIS team. Her departure at the end of season 2 left fans stunned as her character was brutally killed by Mossad double-agent Ari Haswari. Originally signed on for six seasons, Alexander decided to leave the show much earlier due to the grueling demands of filming a 24-episode season, which required long hours and intense schedules. After her departure, Alexander found success on Rizzoli & Isles, where she lasted seven seasons, citing that leaving NCIS allowed her to find balance in her personal and professional life.
Ziva David – Cote de Pablo
Ziva’s Journey and Why She Left
Cote de Pablo’s portrayal of Ziva David, the Israeli Mossad officer turned NCIS special agent, quickly became a fan favorite. Ziva’s dynamic with Tony DiNozzo and her complex backstory made her one of the show’s most beloved characters. However, de Pablo chose to leave NCIS after feeling that her character wasn’t being treated with the respect she deserved. Despite being offered a lucrative deal to stay, de Pablo decided to maintain her integrity, stating that the scripts were no longer good enough for Ziva. She made a brief return in season 17, revealing that Ziva had faked her death, but ultimately, her character moved to Paris to reunite with Tony and their daughter, leaving fans yearning for more.
Tony DiNozzo – Michael Weatherly
Tony’s Farewell and What Led to It
Tony DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly, was one of the original NCIS team members, known for his charm and wit. After 13 seasons, Weatherly decided to leave the show, citing burnout from the demanding schedule and a desire for new challenges. Tony’s departure was tied to Ziva’s storyline, as he left to care for their daughter after believing Ziva had died. Weatherly went on to star in his own series, Bull, which ran until 2022. Despite his exit, fans continue to hope for a Tony and Ziva reunion, which may be realized in a potential upcoming spinoff.
Abby Sciuto – Pauley Perrette
Abby’s Controversial Exit
Pauley Perrette’s Abby Sciuto was a fan favorite, known for her quirky goth style and brilliant forensic skills. After 15 seasons, Perrette left NCIS amid reports of a feud with co-star Mark Harmon. The tension reportedly began after Harmon’s dog bit a crew member, leading to ongoing friction on set. Perrette eventually decided she could no longer work in the same environment as Harmon, revealing on Twitter that she was “terrified” of him. Although she attempted a comeback with the sitcom Broke in 2020, it was short-lived, and Perrette has since stepped away from acting.
Eleanor Bishop – Emily Wickersham
Bishop’s Departure and What Followed
Emily Wickersham joined NCIS in season 11 as Eleanor Bishop, bringing a fresh perspective to the team. Bishop’s exit in season 18 was framed as her character going undercover after being implicated in a leak. Though Wickersham never publicly explained her reason for leaving, her departure seemed amicable. Shortly after, Wickersham announced her pregnancy, and she has since focused on her family life.
Jacqueline Sloane – Maria Bello
Sloane’s Exit on Good Terms
Maria Bello’s Dr. Jacqueline Sloane brought a strong, grounded presence to NCIS as the team’s operational psychologist. After three years on the show, Bello chose not to renew her contract, leaving the series on good terms. Her character decided to stay in Afghanistan to continue helping those in need, marking a bittersweet end to her journey on the show. Bello has continued her career in the entertainment industry, contributing to the Netflix series Beef and co-writing the award-winning film The Woman King.
Leroy Jethro Gibbs – Mark Harmon
Gibbs Steps Back After 18 Years
Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs was the heart of NCIS, leading the team with his no-nonsense approach and fatherly wisdom. After 18 years, Harmon decided to step down from his on-screen role, although he continues to serve as an executive producer. Gibbs’ departure was depicted as a peaceful retirement to Alaska, where he finally found the tranquility he had long sought. While there’s no word on a potential return, fans hold out hope that Gibbs might make another appearance on the show.
Donald “Ducky” Mallard – David McCallum
A Fond Farewell to Ducky
David McCallum’s Donald “Ducky” Mallard was a beloved character who brought warmth and wisdom to NCIS from the very beginning. Although Ducky retired as Chief Medical Examiner in season 15, McCallum continued to appear in a limited capacity until his passing in 2023. The show honored both the character and the actor by writing Ducky’s death into the series, with a touching tribute that brought former cast members back for a final farewell.
The Return of Ziva David
Ziva’s Surprise Comeback and Future Prospects
Of all the characters who have left NCIS, Ziva David’s return was perhaps the most shocking. After faking her death, Ziva reappeared in season 17, seeking Gibbs’ help to eliminate a lingering threat. Her brief return left fans craving more, and rumors of a Tony and Ziva spinoff set in Europe have sparked excitement. If the spinoff comes to fruition, it will finally give fans the reunion they’ve been waiting for.
The Impact of Character Exits on NCIS
Caitlin Todd’s Death Set the Tone for the Series
While many characters have left NCIS over the years, Caitlin Todd’s death in season 2 remains one of the most impactful exits. Her sudden and brutal demise shocked viewers and established a precedent that no character was safe. Todd’s death was a turning point for the series, setting the stage for future departures and ensuring that NCIS would continue to surprise its audience with unpredictable twists.
NCIS has endured for over two decades, and while the departure of beloved characters is always difficult, the show has consistently found ways to evolve and captivate its audience. As fans continue to speculate about potential returns and spinoffs, one thing is certain: NCIS remains a powerhouse in the world of television, thanks in large part to the characters who have made it unforgettable.
