Emily Wickersham’s departure from NCIS, despite her success in replacing Cote de Pablo, has left fans puzzled and curious. Wickersham joined the series as Ellie Bishop in 2014, quickly becoming a fan favorite after stepping into the role that followed de Pablo’s departure. Her portrayal of the smart and witty FBI analyst was met with praise, and she seamlessly integrated into the team. However, after eight seasons, Wickersham chose to leave the show in 2021, citing a desire for new challenges and a personal decision to step away from the long-running series.

Though her departure was unexpected, Wickersham’s exit seemed to stem from a combination of personal and professional reasons. She hinted at her need to explore different career opportunities, stating that she felt it was the right time for a new chapter in her life. Her character’s departure was written into the show as a natural progression, with Ellie leaving to pursue a new job opportunity. Fans were saddened by her exit, but many respected her decision to move on and take her career in a new direction, following in the footsteps of other major cast departures.