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NCIS Hawaii creator claims Mark Harmon ‘felt responsible’ for CBS firing him from NCIS
NCIS HAWAII’S co-creator was fired from the original CBS drama almost two decades ago, but has recently paid tribute to Mark Harmon for his comeback to the franchise.
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NCIS Hawaii has proved to be a massive hit with CBS viewers following its launch in September 2021, with the future looking bright. Co-creator Christopher Silber brought the drama to life alongside NCIS writing veterans Jan Nash and Matt Bosasck. However, Silber didn’t exactly have the best relationship with the franchise when he was first working on the mothership series. NCIS Hawaii’s Silber was hired during the middle of the second season of NCIS and stayed until the end of series three.
He was then let go by NCIS creator Don Bellisario who claimed he didn’t “understand the show”, according to the writer. Silber stated in an interview with the Screaming into the Hollywood Abyss podcast that he was warned not to take the job in the first place as it was a “horrible place to work”. “Every day you wondered if it was going to be your last day. Every single day.”
Mark Harmon, the face of NCIS for nearly two decades, has suddenly become the center of a swirling storm of controversy. When NCIS: Hawaii’s creator recently revealed that Harmon “felt responsible” for CBS letting him go, it sent shockwaves through loyal fans and Hollywood insiders alike. But what really happened behind the scenes?
Let’s dive deep into this drama, unravel the truth behind Harmon’s mysterious departure, and explore the larger implications it might have for the NCIS franchise.
Who Is Mark Harmon? A Legacy on the Small Screen
From Football Star to TV Royalty
Mark Harmon wasn’t always Special Agent Gibbs. Before he became a household name, he was a UCLA football star with a promising future in sports. But fate had other plans.
Building the Gibbs Persona
Harmon stepped into the NCIS universe in 2003, and the rest is history. Leroy Jethro Gibbs became one of the most iconic TV characters ever—gruff, loyal, and fiercely respected.
NCIS: Hawaii – A Spinoff with Its Own Storm
Expanding the NCIS Universe
When NCIS: Hawaii launched, it seemed like a natural progression. But beneath the surface, tensions were brewing.
Vanessa Lachey’s Role and Shifting Dynamics
With Vanessa Lachey as the lead, fans noted a shift in tone and energy. Some loved it. Others… not so much.
The Big Reveal: What the Creator Said
“He Felt Responsible” – The Bombshell Statement
Christopher Silber, co-creator of NCIS: Hawaii, recently made headlines when he revealed that Mark Harmon “felt responsible” for his own departure. But what did he really mean?
Harmon’s Protective Nature Over the Franchise
Those close to Harmon describe him as deeply invested in the integrity of NCIS. Could it be that he stepped aside for the good of the franchise?
Behind the Scenes: Tension with CBS?
Creative Clashes and Corporate Decisions
Some sources suggest Harmon had creative disagreements with CBS execs. Could these tensions have contributed to his exit?
Was It Really a Firing or a Quiet Exit?
Let’s be honest: Hollywood loves a clean exit story. But rumors are swirling that Harmon’s “retirement” might’ve been less voluntary than we thought.
The Ratings Game: Did Harmon’s Exit Hurt NCIS?
Decline in Viewership Post-Gibbs
Since Harmon’s departure, NCIS ratings have taken a noticeable dip. Coincidence? Maybe not.
Fan Loyalty and Franchise Fatigue
Fans connected deeply with Gibbs. Without him, the show just doesn’t feel the same—and the numbers prove it.
How NCIS: Hawaii Fits In
A Bold New Direction or a Misstep?
NCIS: Hawaii brought fresh faces and a different vibe. But some fans felt it strayed too far from what made NCIS great.
Backlash from Loyalists
Social media lit up with criticism. Many blamed the shift—and even Harmon’s departure—on the spinoff’s tone.
The Psychology of Guilt: Why Would Harmon Feel Responsible?
Leadership Comes with Burden
Mark Harmon wasn’t just a lead actor. He was the heart and soul of NCIS. If decisions he made led to changes fans hated, guilt would naturally follow.
A Protector of the Brand
Insiders say Harmon always wanted what was best for NCIS. If CBS used his influence or decisions to justify a pivot, it makes sense he’d carry that weight.
Reading Between the Lines: Corporate Spin vs. Reality
What CBS Isn’t Saying
TV networks rarely show their cards. Harmon’s exit may have been wrapped in PR-friendly statements, but the real story is probably messier.
Silencing the Star?
Could CBS have gently nudged Harmon out to make room for a new generation? It wouldn’t be the first time a studio forced a shift.
Public Reaction: Fans Aren’t Happy
Twitter, Reddit, and Fan Forums Explode
The moment Silber’s comments hit the internet, fan communities went wild. Outrage, sadness, betrayal—you name it.
“Bring Back Gibbs!” Campaigns Spark Up
Petitions are already circulating, calling for Harmon’s return. Will CBS listen?
The Foundation of NCIS: Built on Harmon’s Shoulders
Can NCIS Survive Without Its Core?
No one wants to say it outright, but fans are wondering: Is this the beginning of the end?
The Legacy Left Behind
Whether he returns or not, Mark Harmon’s influence on NCIS will never be forgotten.
What’s Next for Mark Harmon?
Retirement or Reinvention?
Harmon’s been quiet since his exit. But could he return to acting? Or maybe even direct or produce?
Fans Hope for a Comeback
Never say never in Hollywood. If fans scream loud enough, maybe Gibbs will return.
Final Thoughts: The Heart of NCIS May Be Gone—But Not Forgotten
Mark Harmon’s unexpected exit from NCIS left fans heartbroken and confused. The recent claim from NCIS: Hawaii’s creator only adds fuel to the fire. Whether Harmon left on his own or was subtly shown the door, one thing’s clear: his legacy is etched into the bones of the franchise. CBS might’ve thought they could move on. But for millions of fans, NCIS without Gibbs just isn’t NCIS.
