The NCIS franchise has seen many beloved stars come and go over the years, with several key cast members leaving for various reasons. Pauley Perrette, who portrayed Abby Sciuto for 15 seasons, shocked fans when she left the show in 2018. While she cited wanting to pursue new career opportunities, there were reports of tensions behind the scenes, particularly between her and co-star Mark Harmon. This reportedly led to Perrette’s decision to exit, despite her popularity and long tenure on the show. Mark Harmon, who played the iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs, also stepped back from the show in a reduced role in recent seasons. His departure was not the result of any dramatic fallout but rather his desire for a less physically demanding schedule as he grew older.

Another major exit was Michael Weatherly, who portrayed Tony DiNozzo. Weatherly left in 2016 after 13 seasons, choosing to explore other opportunities, particularly in television production and starring in his own show, Bull. His departure was amicable, though his absence left a noticeable void, as fans were attached to his witty banter with co-stars and his dynamic with Abby Sciuto. These high-profile exits, along with others, have marked significant shifts in the show’s dynamics, leaving viewers to wonder how the series will evolve as it continues without its original core cast.