Mark Harmon departs NCIS after 18 years
This story contains spoilers about Monday night's episode of NCIS.
Monday night was a sad one for fans of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS.
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After more than 18 seasons Mark Harmon has left the show. Monday's episode, titled 'Great Wide Open,' served as his exit.
After more than 18 seasons Mark Harmon has left NCIS. CBS via Getty Images
In it, Harmon as Gibbs is in Alaska with Special Agent Timothy McGee (played by Sean Murray) when Gibbs tells him "I'm not going back, Tim. I'm not going back home."
The show's executive producer and showrunner Steve Binder told Deadline that Harmon will continue to be an "integral part of the fabric of the show."
"Our north star has always been staying true to our characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go," Binder said. "So regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years...never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out."
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Mark Harmon will continue to be an "integral part of the fabric of the show." CBS
In June, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Harmon would have a "limited" role in the current season.
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