Emily Wickersham, who portrayed Special Agent Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop on NCIS for eight seasons, announced her departure from the series following the Season 18 finale in May 2021. 

In her exit storyline, Agent Bishop was implicated in leaking an NSA document from a decade prior. This revelation was later unveiled as part of an undercover operation, allowing her to work covertly with Odette Malone, a character introduced in earlier seasons. Her departure was marked by a heartfelt farewell to her colleagues, particularly Agent Nicholas Torres, with whom she had a complex relationship throughout the series. Their final scene together highlighted the depth of their bond before her exit. 

Wickersham expressed deep gratitude for her time on NCIS, reflecting on the rarity of consistency in the entertainment industry and praising the show’s cast and crew. She wrote, “This business is finicky and weird and consistency is a rarity. I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of a show where I got to show up and act and laugh and learn with wonderful people.” 

Since her departure, Wickersham has kept a low public profile, with no major projects announced. In July 2021, she revealed she was expecting her first child, though further details about her personal and professional endeavors have remained private. 

Her exit marked a significant change for NCIS, a show known for its evolving cast over the years. Fans continue to express their appreciation for Wickersham’s portrayal of Agent Bishop, and her character’s departure remains a poignant moment in the series’ history.