Mark Harmon’s Epic Return to NCIS Confirmed! You Won’t Believe What’s in Store!

NCIS producers have provided an optimistic update regarding the potential return of Mark Harmon to the long-running CBS series. Harmon portrayed Leroy Gibbs from the show’s inception in 2003 until his departure in 2021, with his character opting to remain in picturesque Alaska following his final case.

In a recent interview with TV Line, showrunners Steven D. Binder and David North indicated that the possibility of Harmon’s return remains open, emphasizing that any comeback would need to be “something special.”

“Of course, the door is always open,” remarked Steven. “He’s such a pivotal character in the show, and we left him in such an ethereal place. I think when we bring him back, which we’d love to do, we’re not going to bring him back for two minutes. It’s going to be something special.”

These remarks follow Michael Weatherly’s cameo as Tony DiNozzo in the second episode of the 21st season, which paid homage to the late David McCallum’s character, Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. Weatherly’s appearance provided a moment of levity as he interacted with Dr. Jimmy Palmer, played by Brian Dietzen, during Ducky’s funeral.

Discussing Weatherly’s guest appearance, Steven explained, “We gave a lot of thought to who Ducky is connected to most, which on one level would be Gibbs. But it was Jimmy who was there, so it was [about] who Jimmy would connect with and also bring some levity… and that was Michael Weatherly.”

This isn’t the first time there’s been talk of Harmon’s return. Following his departure, Steven assured fans, “As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show. So regarding the future of Gibbs, as longtime fans of the show may have noticed over the years… never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”

The cast, too, has expressed enthusiasm for Harmon’s potential comeback. Sean Murray, who portrays Timothy McGee, voiced his belief that Gibbs could “pop up somewhere,” while Rocky Carroll, who plays Leon Vance, hinted at the ongoing possibility of Gibbs’ return as long as the series remains on air.

NCIS season 21 airs on CBS on Mondays at 9 p.m.