Pauley Perrette’s departure from NCIS after 15 seasons shocked fans who had come to love her portrayal of the quirky and brilliant forensic scientist, Abby Sciuto. Despite being a cornerstone of the show since its early days, Perrette decided to leave in 2018, citing a desire to explore new opportunities in her career. Although her character was beloved by audiences, Perrette wanted to challenge herself with different roles and ventures outside of NCIS, signaling a new chapter in her professional life.

While career growth was a significant factor in her decision to leave, Perrette also hinted at personal reasons tied to the working environment on set. In the aftermath of her departure, she spoke out about facing difficulties behind the scenes, which led to her decision to part ways with the show. Despite these challenges, Perrette expressed gratitude for her time on NCIS, appreciating the opportunity to portray Abby for so many years and acknowledging the lasting impact the character had on both her and the show’s dedicated fans.