Even after leaving NCIS in season 19, Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs remains a beloved figure. Fans recently saw a younger Gibbs in the NCIS: Origins premiere, but many are still hoping for Harmon’s return to the main series.

Though Harmon didn’t physically appear, Gibbs was featured in NCIS season 22, episode 19, “Irreconcilable Differences.” The episode follows Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) as he investigates Deputy Director LaRoche (Seamus Dever). During a stressful late night, McGee dreams of Gibbs, visualizing him in a basement with an Alaska postcard, even donning his iconic sweatshirt. In a funny twist, Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) admits to dreaming of Gibbs too – who told him to stop slouching.

Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) later explains McGee’s dream reflects his self-doubt and desire to live up to Gibbs’s legacy. The episode also references Gibbs’s famous Rule #45: “Left a mess I gotta clean up,” reinforcing his lasting influence on the team.

Is Mark Harmon Retired?

In a 2023 Parade interview, Harmon clarified he’s not retired- just selective. He explained, “If the right thing comes along, I’ll probably go to work. If it doesn’t, I have plenty of other things to do.” For now, fans can look forward to seeing him in Freakier Friday, releasing August 8, 2025.

Though Gibbs is living quietly in Alaska, his impact on NCIS is still deeply felt – and viewers continue to hope for a future return.