David James Elliott made television history as Harmon Rabb Jr., leading JAG for ten seasons and playing a pivotal role in launching the NCIS franchise through its backdoor pilot episodes, “Ice Queen” and “Meltdown,” back in 2003. Now, with NCIS heading into its 23rd season this fall, fans are wondering: Could Harm return once more—this time to the mothership series?
Elliott addressed the idea in a recent interview with TV Insider while promoting his upcoming Syfy series, Revival. His answer? Not entirely promising—at least not for now.
“I don’t see that happening,” Elliott said candidly.
That said, he hasn’t completely closed the door. He previously returned to the franchise in 2019 for a three-episode arc on NCIS: Los Angeles, reprising his beloved JAG role alongside Catherine Bell (Sarah “Mac” MacKenzie). That reunion storyline picked up where the JAG finale left off, giving longtime fans a glimpse into Harm and Mac’s complicated relationship years later.
Elliott explained that return was largely thanks to NCIS: LA showrunner R. Scott Gemmill—an early JAG writer and longtime friend of the actor. “I pitched an idea to him, and he liked it… We were talking about maybe doing something else with Harm or a similar character,” Elliott shared. “But he had another plan. And I said, ‘Great, let’s do it.’”
While Elliott admits he doesn’t know many of the current cast or creatives behind NCIS, he added, “If they came to me, I certainly would consider it. So who knows?”
In his last appearance on NCIS: LA, Harm was serving as the executive officer aboard the USS Allegiance—a role that could realistically intersect with the main NCIS team through a case or military crossover. Though there are currently no plans in motion, the door seems slightly ajar.
Would you welcome a surprise visit from Harm in NCIS Season 23? Fans of JAG and NCIS: LA alike would surely be thrilled to see Elliott in uniform one more time.
Let us know your thoughts—should Harm return to the NCIS universe?
