Gary Cole’s NCIS exit stunned fans in the Season 22 finale, “Reef Madness,” aired May 5, 2025. Alden Parker’s father is murdered by mob boss Carla Marino, driving him to seek vengeance. Cole, 68, told Us Weekly he’ll briefly return in Season 23 to wrap up Parker’s arc before leaving. Sources say he left after four seasons to pursue new roles, feeling Parker’s story was complete.

Fans took to X, with #SaveParker trending as they pleaded for Cole’s return. “Parker was a fresh change after Gibbs—why end it?” one user wrote. Some believe the writers wanted to shake up the team, especially post-Harmon. Cole joined in Season 19, winning fans with Parker’s tech-savvy leadership.

But some fans worry about the show’s future. Reddit users noted declining ratings since Harmon’s exit, fearing Cole’s departure could worsen it. “First Gibbs, now Parker—NCIS is losing its soul,” a fan said. Showrunners hint at a new leader, possibly McGee or a new character.

As Season 23 nears, Cole’s exit marks a shift for NCIS. He’ll briefly return to finish Parker’s story but is focusing on new projects. “Someone’s gonna pay,” Cole said of Parker’s mindset, though fans feel the emotional cost most.