Mark Harmon has finally broken his silence on his NCIS departure, leaving fans with a mix of heartbreak and shock. For nearly two decades, Harmon carried the show as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, becoming the face of the series and a cornerstone of its success. His sudden exit in Season 19 felt abrupt, and while official statements at the time suggested it was Harmon’s personal choice, the actor now reveals there was far more to the story.

According to Harmon, creative differences played a major role in his departure. After years of shaping Gibbs’ journey, he reportedly disagreed with the direction the writers and producers wanted to take the character. Rather than continue on a path that felt untrue to Gibbs, Harmon decided to step aside — though he admits the pressure to leave was stronger than many realized. Behind closed doors, the decision was not as mutual as it was presented to fans.

The actor explained that the show was evolving in ways that didn’t align with his vision, and while he wanted to keep Gibbs’ legacy intact, producers were pushing for a shift that left him sidelined. Harmon described the experience as bittersweet, acknowledging that while it was painful to walk away, he felt it was the right decision for himself and for Gibbs’ storyline.

Still, Harmon remains proud of his time on NCIS and the global impact the series has had. He emphasized his gratitude toward fans, castmates, and crew, but admitted the way his exit unfolded left him feeling more “pushed out” than ready to retire. For many longtime viewers, his words confirm what they had always suspected — that Gibbs’ story didn’t end naturally, but was forced to a close sooner than anyone expected.