Nearly two decades have passed since major events behind the scenes of NCIS completely changed the direction of the show. Although time has passed, the repercussions of those events still reverberate, especially regarding the series’ original creator, Donald P. Bellisario — a controversial figure not only among loyal viewers but also among members of the cast.
A Turbulent Start to a Resounding Success
When NCIS first premiered in September 2003, few predicted that the naval crime drama would become a global television hit. However, behind that resounding success was a chaotic production process that left both the cast and production crew feeling tense and frustrated.
At the center of all the conflict was Bellisario — a man known for his unpredictable work style. He often changed the script abruptly, even just hours before filming, forcing the actors to scramble to keep up. Charles Floyd Johnson, one of NCIS’s executive producers, once commented that such a working environment was extremely challenging, especially as the show began to gain more attention.
By the fourth season, lead Mark Harmon was nearing the end of his patience. While he did not publicly ask Bellisario to leave, Harmon made it clear that the current way of working was unsustainable. Eventually, CBS, the network that aired the show, intervened and asked Bellisario to take a temporary step back. By the fifth season, he was no longer directly involved in the show’s day-to-day production.
Controversy Still 16 Years Later
Despite the network’s clear decision, Bellisario has always maintained that his departure was of his own free will. “It was time to do something else,” he said in a recent interview. “I felt like I had done enough for the series and decided to step away. It was my choice.”
However, many fans and industry insiders see it differently. On online forums and fan pages, he is often called “the most controversial figure” in NCIS history — not because of the stories he created, but because of the turmoil and conflict that took place behind the scenes. For a show that relies on the smooth coordination and harmony between its actors, these real-life tensions are unsettling to many.
The show thrives through the storm
Interestingly, NCIS has not only survived but thrived since Bellisario’s departure. The show has run for 21 seasons and counting, and has spawned a number of popular spin-offs, including NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawai‘i, and NCIS: Sydney. A prequel series called NCIS: Origins is coming soon, following the early years of the series’ most beloved character, Gibbs, proving the franchise’s enduring popularity and influence in popular culture.
Even more notable is the global expansion of the NCIS universe, with a spin-off currently in development in Europe. It’s rare for a series to maintain such long-term success, especially when it’s going through a major crisis from within.
A complicated legacy and an unfinished story
After 16 years, the debate is still unresolved: was Bellisario forced out of his role or did he leave voluntarily? Regardless, NCIS has proven that sometimes radical changes can produce unexpected success. And while Donald P. Bellisario’s name will forever be synonymous with the creation of one of the most enduring television franchises in history, his controversial departure remains an important and dramatic chapter in the long-running NCIS story.
