Pauley Perrette’s decision to leave NCIS after 15 seasons left fans shocked and saddened, but her departure was driven by personal reasons that went beyond her role as the beloved Abby Sciuto. Reports have suggested that Perrette faced behind-the-scenes struggles that led to her exit, including tensions with the show’s environment and issues with a co-star. While the actress never explicitly detailed all the reasons, it became clear that her time on the show was no longer fulfilling, and she sought a fresh start away from the long-running series.

In her departure, Perrette made it clear that she was grateful for the opportunities the role gave her but needed to focus on her well-being and pursue other passions. After her exit, she shared that she had faced some difficult challenges in her final years on NCIS, but ultimately, the decision to leave was about reclaiming her peace and happiness. While Abby’s departure was a blow to NCIS, Perrette’s courage to step away marked the end of an era for both her and the show.