Mark Harmon Fighting to Save ‘NCIS,’ But There May Be No Hope Left as Audience Moves On

NCIS Remains Strong Without Harmon

Even after Mark Harmon’s exit (Stepping away as Gibbs in late 2021), NCIS continues to perform well. Recent episodes have drawn solid viewership, such as the season premiere episode “Fight or Flight,” which attracted 7.4 million viewers—the largest audience since Harmon left. These ratings suggest stability and resilience, rather than a show in free fall. Story News

Long-Term Ratings Hold Up

Overall viewership may have dipped about 22 percent since Harmon’s departure, but that’s expected for a procedural series after two decades. Still, NCIS remains among the most-watched shows on U.S. network TV and hasn’t suffered catastrophic ratings collapse. movieguide.org

Harmon Involvement Continues—Just in Thought, Not as Lead

While Harmon is not actively starring, he remains part of the NCIS legacy:

• He narrates and serves as an executive producer on the prequel NCIS: Origins, which is slated for the 2024–2025 television season. EW.comPeople.commovieguide.org

• In the upcoming NCIS: Tony & Ziva spin-off, Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David actors share a subtle tribute gesture—hand signals—to honor Gibbs’ enduring impact, keeping Harmon’s spirit alive in the franchise. EW.com

Fans Are Divided—Some Miss Gibbs, Others Embrace the New Team

Reddit discussions capture a blend of nostalgia and acceptance:

“It’s been 22 years… Harmon’s interest just tanked… I personally really enjoy [Parker’s] quirks”
“Totally agree—I’m gonna watch Origins because I cannot watch NCIS anymore.”
Reddit

Some fans feel the old spark faded without Gibbs, while others welcome the new ensemble dynamic and fresh character energy. Reddit+1

Bottom Line

• The claim that Harmon is “fighting to save NCIS” or that the audience has completely moved on doesn’t reflect the actual state of affairs.

• NCIS remains a strong performer, even post-Gibbs, thanks to loyal viewers and smart adaptations.

• Harmon still contributes to the universe—more subtly—as narrator, producer, and legacy icon.

• Fan sentiment is mixed but engaged—some miss the old magic, others enjoy the new chapter