For more than two decades, the NCIS franchise has delivered high-stakes cases, explosive twists, and gut-punching character exits. Some deaths left us reeling because they were shocking yet meaningful — but others? They felt rushed, unnecessary, or simply unworthy of the characters fans had grown to love.
Here are seven of the most disappointing NCIS character deaths that still spark debate among viewers.
1. Caitlin “Kate” Todd (NCIS)
Kate’s death in the Season 2 finale is one of the most iconic moments in the show’s history — but it still divides fans. Sniped by Ari right after a lighthearted moment with Gibbs and Tony, her exit was brutal and abrupt. While powerful, many felt she deserved a longer arc, especially since her chemistry with the team was just hitting its stride.
2. Jenny Shepard (NCIS)
The tough-as-nails NCIS Director went out in a blaze of glory in Season 5, gunned down during a desert shootout. While the moment was cinematic, it frustrated fans who wanted to see Jenny and Gibbs’ complex relationship explored more deeply. Killing her off felt like cutting short a storyline with major untapped potential.
3. Ned Dorneget (NCIS)
Affectionately remembered as one of the show’s most lovable probies, Dorneget was killed off during Season 12 in a terrorist bombing. His cheerful personality and occasional comic relief were a bright spot in the series. Many fans argue his death was unnecessary and robbed the team of a promising recurring agent.
4. Clayton Reeves (NCIS)
Reeves was finally finding his place on the team — with hints of deeper stories ahead — when he was suddenly killed in Season 15 while protecting Abby. His selfless sacrifice was touching, but the abrupt end to his character felt like a waste. Fans were doubly upset when Abby left the show right after, making his death feel like a plot device.
5. Mike Franks (NCIS)
The gruff, retired agent and Gibbs’ longtime mentor was a fan favorite, so his Season 8 death at the hands of the Port-to-Port killer was tough to swallow. While the storyline raised the stakes, many viewers felt Franks’ wisdom and grizzled humor could have fueled the show for years longer.
6. Henry (NCIS: Tony & Ziva)
Introduced as Tony’s old Interpol friend, Henry quickly became a trusted ally in the Paramount+ spinoff. But just as audiences warmed to him, he sacrificed himself in Episode 5 to save Tony, Ziva, and Tali. His death packed an emotional punch, but many fans argued the show wasted a strong new supporting character too soon.
7. Michelle Hanna (NCIS: Los Angeles)
Sam Hanna’s wife was brutally killed off-screen in Season 8, kidnapped and suffocated in a revenge plot. Her death was a turning point for Sam, but many felt it was a cruel, lazy way to give the character angst. The decision sparked lasting disappointment, especially since Michelle had been a rare glimpse into Sam’s life outside of work.
The Verdict
Death is inevitable in a crime drama, but in the NCIS universe, the way it happens matters. Some losses elevate the story, while others feel like wasted opportunities that cut beloved arcs short. As the franchise continues to expand with NCIS: Sydney and Tony & Ziva, fans can only hope future character exits balance drama with respect for the people we’ve invested in for years.
