Why Every Former 'NCIS' Star Has Left the Show — The Real Reasons Behind Their Exits

NCIS Has Changed More Than Its Cases

Over the course of 22 seasons, NCIS has become one of the most enduring crime dramas on network television. But if you’ve been watching from the beginning, you know the cast has changed almost as much as the storylines. Some exits were heartbreaking, others frustrating—and a few left fans completely blindsided.

Here’s a closer look at the real reasons why these former NCIS stars said goodbye, from creative differences to personal decisions no one saw coming.

Sasha Alexander (Caitlin Todd): “It Was Hardcore”

Sasha Alexander was part of the original team, portraying Caitlin Todd from the show's pilot. But just two seasons in, her character was suddenly and violently killed—shot in the head by a Mossad double agent in one of the show’s most jarring moments.

Behind the scenes, it came down to the grind.

“People don’t realize that on a network show, you make 24 episodes a year — that’s 10½ months a year, 17 hours a day,” she told TV Guide. “It’s hard core.”

She didn’t leave because of storylines—she left because the job was relentless.

Lauren Holly (Jenny Shepard): “I Got Bored”

Lauren Holly joined NCIS as Director Jenny Shepard, bringing a complex history with Gibbs. But by Season 5, she was gone.

In a brutally honest post on her personal blog, Holly admitted:

“To be honest... I got bored with my part of the ‘Director.’ Then the decision was made to kill me, and boy did they. About five different ways!”

Her exit was dramatic onscreen—ambushed in the desert during a shootout. But offscreen, it was boredom and creative disinterest that ended her run.

Cote de Pablo (Ziva David): “All the Money in the World Couldn’t Buy Me”

Ziva David remains one of NCIS’s most loved characters. Cote de Pablo’s sudden departure after Season 11 left fans (and DiNozzo) reeling.

In her words, it came down to a loss of faith in the writing:

“I worked eight years in crafting this character... when I felt or I perceived the character was not being treated with the respect that she deserved, all the money in the world couldn’t buy [me].”

Politics and creative changes pushed her out—though she did later return in a limited capacity.

Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo): “It Was Time”

After 13 seasons, Michael Weatherly left the series, closing the chapter on one of NCIS’s most iconic characters.

His departure was tied to wanting new challenges—and to be more present with his family.

“It came down to timing, and what I wanted to do creatively,” he told TV Insider.

Tony’s exit was emotional: leaving to raise his daughter, Tali, after learning Ziva had died. Weatherly moved on to headline CBS’s Bull for six seasons.

Jennifer Esposito (Alex Quinn): Planned All Along

Jennifer Esposito only lasted one season on NCIS. But unlike some abrupt exits, this one was expected.

Her character, Alex Quinn, was created by Glasberg before his death, and sources close to the show said she was always meant to have a limited arc. In the end, Quinn left the team to care for her ailing mother—no drama, no scandal.

Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto): “I Wasn’t Safe”

Pauley Perrette’s departure shocked fans—and came with serious behind-the-scenes controversy.

While many assumed she left after 15 seasons simply to try something new, she later revealed a much darker reason. According to Perrette, a crew member was attacked by Mark Harmon’s dog on set. Tension reportedly escalated when she voiced concerns.

“There is a ‘machine’ keeping me silent,” she tweeted. “I did my best... but there are tabloid articles out there that are telling lies. If I spoke out, I would be risking a lot.”

Abby’s goodbye was emotional and noble—leaving to start a charity in honor of Reeves. But the real story was far messier.

Duane Henry (Clayton Reeves): “I Could See the Panic”

Introduced late in the series, Clayton Reeves was meant to bring international intrigue. But after showrunner Gary Glasberg passed away unexpectedly, things shifted.

“I was feeling a bit of panic in people’s faces,” Henry admitted in an interview. “I could tell they were not really sure [what the future held].”

Reeves was killed off suddenly—saving Abby’s life—and Henry said he left with gratitude but understood the show didn’t know what to do with his character.

Emily Wickersham (Ellie Bishop): Life Came Calling

Ellie Bishop’s storyline got complicated near the end—exiting in disgrace after supposedly leaking classified NSA documents, only for fans to learn she was going undercover.

Wickersham never publicly explained her exit. But shortly after leaving the show, she welcomed her first child. Whether it was timing or shifting priorities, her departure came quietly.

Maria Bello (Jack Sloane): Time Was Up

Maria Bello’s exit as Jack Sloane was planned and amicable. She fulfilled her three-year contract and chose not to renew.

Jack left NCIS to continue humanitarian work in Afghanistan—fitting for a character who always walked a different path from the rest of the team.

Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs): Quiet Exit, Still Present

No departure shook fans more than Mark Harmon stepping away from Gibbs after 18 seasons.

His exit wasn’t dramatic. Gibbs solved one last case in Alaska—and stayed there.

Harmon remains part of the NCIS world as an executive producer. But onscreen, the show had to move forward without its anchor.

The Pattern Behind the Exits

Some actors left for creative freedom. Some for exhaustion. Others walked away due to tension or tragedy. But collectively, the rotating cast has helped NCIS evolve—sometimes painfully, sometimes brilliantly.

And through it all, fans stayed.

Photos: CBS, Getty

Which exit hit you the hardest? Let us know in the comments—and if you’re catching up, here’s a timeline of NCIS’s biggest character goodbyes.