When Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs left NCIS in Season 19, it was a huge moment for the long-running CBS series. But as controversial as his exit was, there were eight other character departures that left fans even more heartbroken—and sometimes outright furious. From behind-the-scenes drama to abrupt and unsatisfying send-offs, these exits remain some of the most disappointing moments in NCIS history.
1. Caitlin “Kate” Todd (Sasha Alexander)
Kate was one of the original NCIS team members, making her shocking death in the Season 2 finale all the more devastating. Killed by a sniper in front of her team, her exit was abrupt and brutal. While Sasha Alexander left due to the show’s demanding schedule, fans still argue that Kate deserved a better send-off.
2. Ziva David (Cote de Pablo)
Ziva’s first exit in Season 11 remains one of the most controversial moments in NCIS history. Cote de Pablo chose to leave due to dissatisfaction with the show’s direction, leading to a rushed and off-screen departure for her beloved character. While she later returned in a surprise storyline, the way her initial exit was handled left a bad taste in many fans’ mouths.
3. Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly)
Tony’s departure in Season 13 was bittersweet. While he got a somewhat satisfying ending—leaving to raise his daughter, Tali, after discovering Ziva had supposedly died—the fact that it happened off-screen frustrated viewers. Many felt robbed of a proper farewell between Tony and Ziva, especially since she was later revealed to be alive.
4. Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette)
Perhaps one of the messiest exits in NCIS history, Abby’s departure in Season 15 came amid real-life behind-the-scenes drama. Reports of tension between Perrette and Mark Harmon surfaced, and her exit felt rushed, with her character choosing to leave after an assassination attempt. Fans were heartbroken that Abby never got to say goodbye to Gibbs on-screen, making her departure one of the most unsatisfying in the show’s history.
5. Jenny Shepard (Lauren Holly)
Jenny’s tragic death in Season 5 was shocking, but it also felt rushed. As the Director of NCIS, she had a compelling backstory, but the way she was written out—dying in a shootout—left fans feeling like she never got the development she deserved.
6. Mike Franks (Muse Watson)
Franks was a fan favorite, serving as Gibbs’ mentor. His death in Season 8 was emotional but frustrating, as it felt unnecessary. Many viewers believe he could have had a more meaningful exit rather than being killed off so suddenly.
7. Jack Sloane (Maria Bello)
Jack’s exit in Season 18 felt like wasted potential. After teasing a possible romance with Gibbs, she abruptly left to do humanitarian work in Afghanistan. The rushed nature of her departure made it feel like an afterthought rather than a well-planned exit.
8. Clayton Reeves (Duane Henry)
Reeves’ death in Season 15 was one of the most unnecessary in the show’s history. The British agent was just starting to grow into his role when he was suddenly killed off as part of Abby’s exit storyline. Fans were furious at the lack of build-up and the fact that his character was essentially used as a plot device.
Why Gibbs’ Exit Was Handled Better
Unlike many of these characters, Gibbs at least received a thoughtful farewell. His decision to stay in Alaska felt organic to his character, and while fans were sad to see him go, it wasn’t an abrupt or tragic departure. Compared to the exits above, Gibbs was lucky.
