When Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs left NCIS in Season 19, it was one of the most controversial moments in the show’s history. After leading the series for nearly two decades, his quiet departure left fans with mixed feelings. However, as shocking as Gibbs’ exit was, it wasn’t the most brutal goodbye in the show’s long history.
Over the years, NCIS has seen several beloved characters leave in ways that left fans devastated, frustrated, or downright furious. Whether due to behind-the-scenes drama, unexpected deaths, or creative decisions gone wrong, these eight character exits were even worse than Gibbs’ controversial farewell.
Let’s dive into the NCIS exits that hurt the most.
1. Caitlin “Kate” Todd’s Shocking Assassination (Season 2)
How she left: Shot in the head by Ari Haswari in a sudden and brutal execution.
Kate Todd (Sasha Alexander) was a fan favorite from the start. Her chemistry with Tony and Gibbs made for some of the best moments in the early seasons. But just when fans thought she had survived a life-threatening situation, a sniper’s bullet took her out—instantly and without warning.
Why was it worse than Gibbs? Because it was brutal, sudden, and completely unexpected. Unlike Gibbs, who got a peaceful sendoff, Kate was ripped away from fans in an instant, leaving viewers in shock.
2. Ziva David’s Off-Screen “Death” (Season 11, Later Retconned)
How she left: Initially left for personal reasons, then was “killed off-screen” in Season 13—only to return later.
Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) was one of the most popular characters in NCIS history, and her departure in Season 11 was already tough to swallow. But things got worse when the show decided to fake her death in Season 13—without even showing it on screen!
Fans were outraged, and it wasn’t until Season 16 that we found out she was actually alive. Gibbs’ exit was sad, but at least he got a proper farewell—Ziva didn’t even get that luxury (until later).
3. Jenny Shepard’s Tragic Last Stand (Season 5)
How she left: Died in a gunfight while protecting her past secrets.
Jenny Shepard (Lauren Holly) was a strong, complex character who had a lot of potential. But instead of getting a satisfying storyline, she was gunned down in the desert in a tragic final stand.
Her death was anticlimactic and unnecessary, leaving fans wondering what could have been. At least Gibbs got to retire on his own terms—Jenny never got that chance.
4. Tony DiNozzo’s Abrupt Goodbye (Season 13)
How he left: Left NCIS after finding out he had a daughter with Ziva.
Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) was the heart of NCIS for over a decade, and his departure was bittersweet. While it made sense for his character to leave after discovering his daughter, it still felt too rushed and unceremonious.
Fans didn’t get a proper goodbye, and it felt like the show pushed him out to move forward without one of its biggest stars. Unlike Gibbs, who got an emotional farewell, Tony just… left.
5. Abby Sciuto’s Dramatic Exit After an Attack (Season 15)
How she left: Survived an assassination attempt and left NCIS for good.
Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette) was the soul of NCIS, and fans adored her unique personality. However, her exit was marred by behind-the-scenes drama, including reported tensions between Perrette and Mark Harmon.
The writers had no choice but to write her off, and while she got a somewhat emotional sendoff, the real-life drama overshadowed her departure. Gibbs may have left quietly, but at least his exit wasn’t surrounded by controversy.
6. Mike Franks’ Brutal Murder (Season 8)
How he left: Stabbed to death by the Port-to-Port killer.
Mike Franks (Muse Watson) was a mentor to Gibbs and one of the show’s most respected characters. His death was both gruesome and heartbreaking, leaving fans devastated.
His exit was far more violent than Gibbs’ peaceful retirement, making it one of the show’s hardest goodbyes.
7. Clayton Reeves’ Senseless Death (Season 15)
How he left: Murdered in a mugging gone wrong.
Clayton Reeves (Duane Henry) was a promising addition to NCIS, and fans were excited to see where his story would go. Instead, the writers killed him off suddenly and without much impact.
The worst part? His death was used as a plot device to give Abby a reason to leave. Talk about a cheap sendoff. Gibbs may have left quietly, but at least his exit wasn’t just a throwaway moment.
8. Ned Dorneget’s Heroic But Heartbreaking Death (Season 12)
How he left: Died in a bombing while trying to save others.
Ned Dorneget (Matt Jones) was a lovable, comedic character who brought levity to the show. His death in a bombing was unexpected and heartbreaking, making it one of the show’s most underrated gut punches.
His sacrifice was noble, but his exit left fans wishing he had more time. Gibbs got to walk away, but Dorneget never had a choice.
Conclusion: NCIS Exits That Still Sting
While Gibbs’ departure was controversial, it was far from the worst exit in NCIS history. He got to leave on his own terms, something many characters never had the luxury of doing.
From brutal assassinations to off-screen deaths and rushed exits, NCIS has had its fair share of frustrating, heartbreaking, and downright unfair departures.
Fans may have mixed feelings about Gibbs’ retirement, but compared to these tragic, unexpected, and sometimes mishandled exits, he actually got one of the better sendoffs.
FAQs
1. Why did Mark Harmon leave NCIS?
Mark Harmon left NCIS in Season 19 to step away from the demanding schedule and explore other projects, though he remains an executive producer on the series.
2. Was Ziva really dead on NCIS?
No, Ziva was presumed dead in Season 13, but it was later revealed in Season 16 that she had faked her death to protect her family.
3. Why did Pauley Perrette leave NCIS?
Pauley Perrette left due to alleged behind-the-scenes conflicts, including reported tensions with Mark Harmon.
4. Will Gibbs ever return to NCIS?
There’s always a possibility, but as of now, Mark Harmon has not confirmed any plans to return.
5. Which NCIS exit was the most heartbreaking?
Many fans consider Kate’s sudden assassination, Ziva’s off-screen “death,” and Abby’s controversial departure to be among the most devastating exits in NCIS history.
