For over 15 seasons, Abby Sciuto wasn’t just a lab tech in a lab coat — she was the heart of NCIS. With her gothic wardrobe, pigtails, and love of Caf-Pow, Pauley Perrette’s character became one of the most iconic faces on network TV.
So when Abby made her emotional exit in Season 15, fans were devastated. But while her farewell episode gave us a storyline reason, there was a whole other side to the story happening behind the scenes.
Let’s break down why Abby left NCIS, from the scripted reason to the real-world drama that played out off camera.
Abby’s On-Screen Exit: A Near-Death Experience Changed Everything
In Season 15, Abby becomes the target of a hit after an assignment goes wrong. While she survives the attempt on her life, her colleague Clayton Reeves (played by Duane Henry) is tragically killed protecting her.
The emotional toll of the attack — and the trauma of losing Reeves — leads Abby to a major life decision: she leaves the NCIS team to honor Reeves’ legacy and pursue humanitarian work overseas.
In her final scene, Abby leaves a heartfelt letter for Gibbs, saying goodbye without a face-to-face goodbye. That final touch left fans teary-eyed — and confused.
The Real Reason: Pauley Perrette’s Departure Wasn’t Just About the Storyline
Abby’s goodbye may have been neatly wrapped on screen, but behind the scenes, Pauley Perrette’s decision to leave NCIS was messy — and serious.
Let’s take a closer look.
1. On-Set Tension With Mark Harmon
Multiple reports (and Perrette’s own tweets) point to conflict between her and co-star Mark Harmon, who plays Gibbs. The tension reportedly began after an incident involving Harmon’s dog, which allegedly bit a crew member on set.
Perrette reportedly raised concerns about safety, and things spiraled from there. It’s been reported that from that point forward, the two no longer filmed scenes together, even in her final episodes.
Fun Fact: Notice how Abby and Gibbs don’t share any scenes in her final appearance? That wasn’t a coincidence.
2. Pauley Perrette’s Cryptic Tweets Sparked Concern
Shortly after her final episode aired, Perrette took to Twitter with some cryptic — and honestly, alarming — messages. Here are a few that got fans’ attention:
“There is a ‘machine’ keeping me silent, and feeding FALSE stories about me.”
“I left NCIS after multiple physical assaults.”
Though she never named names directly, it was clear something serious had gone down — and fans started connecting the dots.
3. CBS Responded Publicly
In response to Perrette’s tweets and growing public pressure, CBS released a statement saying:
“Pauley Perrette had a workplace concern. We took the matter seriously and worked with her to find a resolution.”
They didn’t go into detail, but it confirmed there was some kind of HR-level dispute behind the scenes — not just a routine cast change.
How Pauley Perrette Felt About Leaving NCIS
Perrette later confirmed that she had no plans to return to the show and had moved on for good. In interviews, she said she loved playing Abby but didn’t want to sacrifice her well-being for her career.
“I’m proud of Abby. She’s someone I’ll always carry with me, but I had to walk away.” — Pauley Perrette
She also vowed never to return to NCIS, even tweeting in 2019, “NO I AM NOT COMING BACK! EVER!”
Ouch.
What Did The Fans Think?
Fans were heartbroken — and not just because Abby left. Many were stunned to find out that the exit wasn’t entirely by choice. Social media blew up with messages of support for Pauley, frustration at CBS, and sadness that the show lost such a core character.
Abby wasn’t just a fan favorite — she was the face of NCIS for many viewers. Losing her felt like the end of an era.
Has Pauley Perrette Returned to TV Since?
After NCIS, Pauley starred in the CBS comedy Broke in 2020. But after just one season, the show was canceled — and Perrette announced her retirement from acting.
She’s since taken a step back from Hollywood and focused more on activism, mental health awareness, and her personal life.
“I’m finally free. Happy. Peaceful.” — Pauley Perrette on her post-Hollywood life
Will Abby Ever Return to NCIS?
It’s highly unlikely. Despite fans hoping for a surprise cameo, Perrette has made it very clear she has no interest in returning — even for a guest appearance or reunion episode.
Still, Abby’s presence is occasionally mentioned on the show, keeping her legacy alive.
Conclusion: Abby May Be Gone, But She’s Never Forgotten
Abby Sciuto was more than just a lab tech — she was a cultural icon. Her quirky style, brilliant mind, and big heart made NCIS what it was for over a decade. While her exit was wrapped in controversy, one thing’s for sure: she left a mark that no one can replace.
Whether you’re rewatching old episodes or catching up on her final season, one thing’s clear — NCIS hasn’t been the same since Abby walked out of that lab.
FAQs
Q1: Did Pauley Perrette and Mark Harmon really have a falling out?
A: Yes, reports and tweets from Pauley suggest major tension after an on-set incident involving Harmon’s dog. They allegedly stopped filming together after that.
Q2: Why didn’t Gibbs and Abby share a scene in her final episode?
A: It’s believed their personal issues kept them from appearing on screen together during her final farewell.
Q3: What did CBS say about her departure?
A: CBS acknowledged there was a “workplace concern” and claimed to have worked with Pauley to resolve it.
Q4: Has Pauley Perrette acted since NCIS?
A: She starred in Broke on CBS but announced her retirement from acting after it was canceled.
Q5: Will Abby ever come back to NCIS?
A: Highly unlikely. Perrette has publicly stated she will never return to the show.
Custom Message:
Abby may have traded in her Caf-Pow for peace and quiet, but she’ll always be in our hearts — lab coat, pigtails, and all. 🖤🔬
