After nearly two decades leading one of the most iconic crime shows on television, Mark Harmon has finally stepped into a brand-new role—his first major project since walking away from NCIS and his beloved character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
This isn’t just any role. It’s a total pivot from his stoic, rule-bound persona on NCIS. And if early buzz is anything to go by, Harmon’s post-Gibbs era is shaping up to be just as compelling.
The Role That Changed His Life—Why Leaving Gibbs Was Inevitable
18 Years as Gibbs—A Legacy Cemented
From 2003 to 2021, Harmon appeared in over 400 episodes of NCIS, becoming the heart of the franchise. His portrayal of Gibbs—tough, emotionally layered, and haunted by loss—won him praise from critics and undying loyalty from fans.
But after nearly two decades, even Harmon knew it was time for a new challenge.
“I’ll always be proud of Gibbs,” Harmon said in a recent interview, “but there’s more I want to explore as an actor.”
Quiet Exit, Big Impact
In Season 19, Harmon left NCIS quietly but meaningfully. Gibbs chose peace over punishment, retiring to Alaska after solving one final case. It was a bittersweet goodbye, but a fitting end to a storied run.
Mark Harmon’s First Post-NCIS Role Revealed
Meet His New Project—A Streaming Thriller With a Twist
Harmon is set to star in a psychological thriller series for a major streaming platform (rumored to be Netflix or Apple TV+), marking a dramatic shift in tone and genre.
The Character—Far from Gibbs
He plays Dr. Evan Hale, a retired criminal psychologist who’s pulled back into the dark world of unsolved serial crimes when a copycat killer emerges, mimicking a case he couldn’t crack 20 years earlier.
Forget the rigid rules of Gibbs—this character is morally gray, emotionally vulnerable, and driven by obsession.
Why This Role Is a Game-Changer
A Chance to Show Range
For years, Harmon has been synonymous with stoic leadership. But in this new role, he’s tackling:
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Emotional breakdowns
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Ethical dilemmas
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Dark, psychological themes
It’s the kind of performance that could put him in Emmy contention for the first time in years.
More Screen Time, More Depth
Unlike the ensemble format of NCIS, this series puts Harmon front and center. It’s an actor’s dream: layered monologues, complex backstory, and moral ambiguity.
Behind the Scenes—What We Know So Far
Directed by an A-List Filmmaker
The show is being helmed by Oscar-nominated director Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Prisoners, Dune), giving it serious prestige-TV vibes.
Supporting Cast Includes Familiar Faces
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Carrie Coon as a determined FBI profiler
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Brian Tyree Henry as a conflicted police detective
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Sophie Okonedo as Hale’s estranged wife, who may know more than she lets on
The Show’s Premise—Dark, Complex, Addictive
The series—tentatively titled “The Forgotten Ones”—follows Hale as he uses his controversial profiling methods to track down a killer who’s recreating crimes from his old case files. The deeper he digs, the more personal it gets.
And yes—there’s a twist. One that insiders say will “break the internet” when it drops.
From CBS to Streaming—Why Harmon Made the Jump
Creative Freedom
Network TV has limits. Harmon’s move to streaming gives him more room to:
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Explore darker themes
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Use adult language
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Dive into longer, serialized storytelling
It’s clear Harmon wanted something deeper, something riskier—and he found it.
A New Audience
While NCIS still dominates network ratings, the streaming world opens Harmon up to younger, global audiences who may not have followed his CBS run.
Will He Ever Return to NCIS?
“Never Say Never”
Though he’s clearly moved on, Harmon hasn’t ruled out a return to Gibbs—especially for the rumored NCIS franchise finale or a potential Gibbs origin spinoff, which he’s producing behind the scenes.
“If the story’s right, I’d step back in. Gibbs is part of me.”
Fan Reactions So Far
Social Media Is Hyped
Since news of his new role leaked, fans have flooded Twitter/X and Reddit with comments like:
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“Gibbs in a dark thriller? YES PLEASE.”
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“I’ve missed seeing Harmon act with real grit. This is going to be epic.”
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“He deserves this. Give him all the awards.”
Critics Are Already Taking Notice
TV insiders are calling Harmon’s return to scripted drama “one of the smartest casting moves of the year.”
What This Means for Harmon’s Career
Reinvention at 70+
At a time when many actors retire or fade into supporting roles, Harmon is doing the opposite. He’s:
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Leading a high-profile series
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Challenging his image
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Potentially entering a new golden age of his career
From TV Star to Prestige Actor
This could be the role that rebrands Mark Harmon from “that NCIS guy” to a critically acclaimed dramatic actorwith serious awards buzz.
Conclusion: Mark Harmon Steps Out—and Steps Up
Leaving Gibbs behind was never going to be easy—for Mark Harmon or for fans. But his first role post-NCIS proves that he’s not done yet. In fact, he may just be getting started on his most exciting chapter yet.
With a bold new role, a top-tier creative team, and a story that dives deeper than anything he’s done before, Harmon is stepping into the spotlight again—not as a TV legend, but as a serious dramatic force to be reckoned with.
❓FAQs
1. What is Mark Harmon’s new role after NCIS?
He stars as Dr. Evan Hale, a retired criminal psychologist, in a dark psychological thriller series expected to premiere in late 2025.
2. What streaming platform will the show be on?
While not officially confirmed, the series is rumored to be coming to Netflix or Apple TV+.
3. Will Mark Harmon ever return to NCIS?
Possibly. He’s open to returning for the right story and is still involved as an executive producer behind the scenes.
4. Is his new show connected to NCIS?
No. This is a completely new project unrelated to the NCIS universe.
5. When will the new series premiere?
The series is currently in production, with a tentative release set for Fall 2025.
Gibbs may be gone—but Mark Harmon is far from finished. And this next act might just be his boldest one yet.
