Contrary to the phrase “Michael Weatherly treats Mark Harmon ‘like a has‑been’,” there’s no credible news or credible statements suggesting that Michael Weatherly disrespected Mark Harmon after starring in the NCIS spinoff. On the contrary, Weatherly has publicly expressed deep respect and admiration for Harmon over the years. Here’s what we know:
What Michael Weatherly Has Actually Said
1. Initial Clashes Were Just Personality Differences
In a 2020 interview, Weatherly described his early chemistry with Harmon as being like opposite ends of a pole—Antarctica vs. the North Pole. He joked that Harmon seemed “confused from the get-go” when Weatherly gave a lighthearted answer about carrying a “rubber gun and a fake badge” during promo interviews HELLO!+1.
2. Evolved into Mutual Respect
Weatherly later acknowledged that playing the lead in his own show (Bull) gave him greater insight into what Harmon carried as the anchor of NCIS. He said he learned a lot from Harmon’s consistency and seriousness throughout the series HELLO!+1.
3. Tribute Gesture at Comic‑Con
At San Diego Comic‑Con, Weatherly and Cote de Pablo shared a secret hand signal—a callback to Harmon’s character, Gibbs—demonstrating the enduring significance of Harmon’s legacy to them. It’s a warm, affectionate tribute—not dismissive EW.com.
Summary: No Sign of “Has‑Been” Treatment
Every credible source shows that Weatherly respects Harmon and their shared legacy:
| Claim | Reality |
|---|---|
| Weatherly treats Harmon badly | False — No statements or behaviors support this claim. |
| They had tension early on | True — It was mismatched personalities, later replaced by respect. |
| Weatherly disrespects Gibbs | False — Comic‑Con gesture honors Harmon’s influence. |
What Fans Have Said
Some discussions allude to creative tension or career shifts:
In one fan comment, a Reddit user suggested that Weatherly wanted Tony to become more of a co-lead, but Harmon and others resisted, possibly contributing to his departure:
“Michael Weatherly was looking to move on … the powers‑that‑be at NCIS (which included Mark Harmon by then, as he was an executive producer) didn’t go for it, and the end result … Weatherly was eventually given Bull…” Reddit
That, however, reflects behind-the-scenes creative decisions—not personal disrespect.
Bottom Line
The notion that Michael Weatherly “treats Mark Harmon like a has‑been” is unfounded. Their early differences were personality-based, and over time, Weatherly developed a deep respect for Harmon. Their tribute at Comic‑Con reinforces this bond.
