NCIS has been on air for over two decades. That’s a lot of episodes, plot twists, and yes — heartbreaks. While some characters got powerful exits or heroic arcs, others were sidelined, abruptly killed, or written off without closure. These are the NCIS characters who deserved better — more screen time, better storylines, or just plain respect.
Grab a tissue. This list is about to hurt.
🔟 Caitlin “Kate” Todd
Cause of Exit: Shot in the head by Ari Haswari (Season 2)
Kate’s death was iconic, but brutal. She was smart, strong, and the glue of the early team. After just two seasons, she was suddenly gone — leaving fans shocked and grieving. Her potential as a long-term character was cut short, and many still feel the show rushed her out for shock value.
9️⃣ Jenny Shepard
Cause of Exit: Killed in a shootout in a diner (Season 5)
Jenny was a layered, complex character — and one of the most powerful women in the franchise. Her death was poetic, sure. But the lack of closure and the cryptic illness subplot left fans hanging. She deserved a more dignified and clearer send-off.
8️⃣ Clayton Reeves
Cause of Exit: Killed in a robbery gone wrong (Season 15)
Clayton had depth, charm, and a unique backstory. Just as viewers started connecting with him, he was randomly killed off in a street robbery. Seriously? For a show that juggles terrorists and Navy plots, this felt cheap and lazy. Fans never forgave NCIS for this one.
7️⃣ Ziva David
Cause of Exit (original): Presumed dead, then not, then maybe? (Seasons 11–17)
Ziva’s goodbye was confusing and frustrating. She left off-screen, was presumed dead, then returned in a short arc — only to leave again. She’s a fan favorite who deserved a proper, in-depth farewell. Her relationship with Tony and daughter Tali also needed more time to evolve on-screen.
6️⃣ Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop
Cause of Exit: Left NCIS for a secret mission (Season 18)
Bishop evolved from an awkward analyst to a badass field agent. But then? She gets caught up in a rogue mission and quietly disappears. No big farewell, no follow-up. Fans were left scratching their heads — especially since her chemistry with Torres was finally heating up.
5️⃣ Tobias Fornell
Cause of Exit: Still alive, but phased out
Fornell isn’t dead, but he’s practically ghosted by the writers. As Gibbs’ best friend and a former FBI agent, he brought grit and sarcasm to every scene. His daughter’s overdose storyline had weight, but after that? Crickets. He deserved more than being a glorified guest star.
4️⃣ Paula Cassidy
Cause of Exit: Sacrificed herself in a suicide bombing (Season 4)
Cassidy went out like a hero, but it felt rushed. She was smart, tough, and brought a unique energy. Her bond with the team was just starting to shine when she was killed off. She could’ve been a mainstay — instead, she became a footnote.
3️⃣ Mike Franks
Cause of Exit: Killed by the Port-to-Port killer (Season 8)
Mike was Gibbs’ mentor, and honestly, a badass. His death was noble, but devastating. For someone so important to the lore of NCIS, he deserved a longer arc or at least a few more episodes building to his final stand. Instead, he went out abruptly.
2️⃣ Ned Dorneget
Cause of Exit: Died in a hotel bombing (Season 12)
Dorneget started as comic relief but grew into a brave, likable agent. His death was part of a terror plot, sure — but it felt like a lost opportunity. The show could’ve developed him more. His growth was just beginning when he was gone in a flash.
1️⃣ Abby Sciuto
Cause of Exit: Left after an assassination attempt (Season 15)
Let’s be clear — Abby leaving NCIS hurt like hell. After 15 years, she deserved a grand exit. Instead, her goodbye felt rushed and politically charged due to behind-the-scenes drama. We didn’t get proper closure with McGee, Gibbs, or even her lab. For one of the most iconic characters, it just wasn’t enough.
💬 Conclusion: NCIS, We Love You… But Come On
Look, we get it. TV shows evolve. Characters come and go. But how they go matters — especially when viewers have invested years into watching them grow. These ten characters were loved, respected, and deserved way more than what they got. Here’s hoping future exits are handled with the care these characters didn’t receive.
❓ FAQs
1. Why do NCIS characters get killed off so often?
Often it’s due to actor contracts, behind-the-scenes disputes, or to shake up the story. But it’s not always well received.
2. Will any of these characters ever return?
Some, like Ziva, have returned. Others, especially those killed off, are unlikely — though flashbacks are always a possibility.
3. Which NCIS death was the most controversial?
Ziva’s fake death and sudden return drew mixed reactions, but Clayton Reeves’ death was widely criticized for its randomness.
4. Did Mark Harmon have a say in how characters were written off?
As a producer, yes — Harmon likely had input, especially during the earlier seasons.
5. Are any of these characters based on real people?
Not directly, but NCIS draws inspiration from real federal cases and sometimes reflects real law enforcement personalities.
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Thanks for revisiting the heartbreaks and fan-favorite fails of NCIS with us. If this list hit you in the feels, share it with fellow fans and let the writers know who really deserved better. Long live Team Gibbs!
