The dwindling love for “NCIS” has reportedly pushed the series’ former star and executive producer, Mark Harmon, to reconsider his semi-retirement.
The Hollywood veteran, per sources, can no longer stand the poor ratings his beloved series has received. The show thrived during his time as the lead role, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a character he may once again embody to reclaim lost viewership.
Mark Harmon portrayed the Special Agent for 18 seasons and left the show in the fourth episode of season 19. Although he remained an executive producer, his possible comeback to the series has allegedly left many bitter about his involvement.
Mark Harmon Allegedly Plans To Return To Save ‘NCIS’
According to new reports, the criminal investigation series is no longer the most beloved show on TV, as it has dropped to number 10. The plummeting ratings reportedly made showrunners, including Harmon, panic.
“NCIS has sunk in the ratings for the first time, and people are nervous and seeing that as a bad omen of things to come,” a source said about the show’s situation. They claimed Harmon believed it was up to him to fix the problem, telling RadarOnline:
“Now there’s talk of Mark coming back to save the show on a recurring basis at least. He’s already had one cameo on [the spinoff] NCIS: Origins, and it’s been teased that he may appear on that show again.”
Many Are Reportedly Not Thrilled By The Actor’s Possible Return
The source added that Harmon was the right man for the job, noting, “He’s ready to come out of semi-retirement to raise the original show from the dumpster. And if anyone can do it, it’s Mark.” Despite their claims, not everyone was happy about his possible comeback.
“People are complaining that Mark’s throwing his weight around and telling them what to do. He does enough of that already as exec producer. They think he’s interfering with their jobs,” the source revealed, stressing that Harmon wasn’t phased by their displeasure.
“Mark doesn’t really care who he pisses off because if the ratings are this bad, then he has every right to come back to save it and make it work and reign again. He worries it’ll go down the drain otherwise,” the source said.
The Actor Spent Almost 20 Years On The Crime Series
Harmon’s speculated return to the show comes almost four years after his final episode aired on October 11, 2021. The Blast covered the actor’s exit, reporting that it was a bittersweet conclusion to his character’s time on the series.
He portrayed Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs for nearly 20 years from 2003 to 2021, with his final appearance reminding fans what an excellent detective he was. The episode, “Great Wide Open,” captured Harmon’s character cracking his last case, the mystery of the serial killer Paul Lemere.
Throughout the episode, Harmon and his co-stars hinted at his exit after the case, with his character Gibbs getting labeled a fugitive who kidnapped a suspect and stole a government vehicle. He avoided arrest by solving the mystery, forsaking his old life, and choosing to spend his remaining days in Alaska.
Fans Hoped The Hollywood Veteran Would Return To The Show
The Blast shared that many were in denial after Harmon’s final episode on the crime series. These fans suspected his time on the show wasn’t over, with many noting his name still appeared in the opening credits of the other episodes.
Several fans speculated that his inclusion in the opening credits hinted at his return to the show. Others theorized that Harmon would make a splashy comeback in another episode before season 19 ended, with more theories flying after a showrunner’s statement.
Steve Binder, one of the series’ showrunners, addressed Harmon’s exit in a statement, noting, “Regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years… never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”
Many believed his words hinted that Harmon would eventually return as Agent Gibbs.
Mark Harmon Has Been Married For Over Three Decades
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Harmon’s commitment to the crime series wasn’t the only aspect of his life he was deeply committed to. He has been married for over three decades to actress Pam Dawber, welcoming two sons and enjoying a blissful union outside the public eye.
During a 2023 interview, Harmon told PEOPLE how his years-long romance started with a cold call. He recalled a mutual friend tried to set him up with Dawber using a group date; however, he preferred a direct approach and asked for her number.
“I got the number, and I called, and I got an answering machine. And I started to leave a message that said, ‘We don’t have to all go out. We could get a cup of coffee or something.’ And then she was monitoring, and she picked up. We went out that night, and we’re together ever since,” Harmon shared.
Can Mark Harmon save “NCIS” ratings if he returns to the show?
