With over two decades on the air, NCIS has become one of the most enduring franchises in television history. As characters come and go, fans always hope for the return of their favorites. However, while some actors have hinted at a possible comeback, others have firmly stated they are done with the series for good. Let’s take a closer look at where some of the biggest NCIS stars stand on a return.
Mark Harmon: Leaving the Door Open
Despite his departure in Season 19, Mark Harmon (Gibbs) has never completely ruled out a return. As an executive producer, he remains involved behind the scenes, and while he has stated that Gibbs is “at peace,” he has also acknowledged that the character could return under the right circumstances.
Michael Weatherly: The Most Likely to Return
Since his departure, Michael Weatherly (DiNozzo) has been one of the most vocal about possibly coming back. Following the end of Bull, he has openly discussed the idea of a Tony-Ziva reunion, making him a top candidate for a future return.
Pauley Perrette: A Definitive No
Unlike some of her co-stars, Pauley Perrette (Abby) has completely ruled out any possibility of returning to NCIS. Following a fallout with producers, she has made it clear that her time on the show is over and has stepped away from acting altogether.
Cote de Pablo: Hopeful but Cautious
Cote de Pablo (Ziva) made a surprising return in Season 17 but has since stepped away once again. However, she has indicated that if the right storyline presents itself, she would be open to reprising her role.
Other Cast Members: Where They Stand
- David McCallum (Ducky) stayed on in a limited capacity before his passing, always expressing love for his character.
- Emily Wickersham (Bishop) has moved on but hasn’t entirely ruled out returning.
- Sean Murray (McGee) remains one of the show’s longest-running stars and has no plans of leaving anytime soon.
As the NCIS universe expands with spin-offs and new storylines, fans will continue to speculate about which former stars might return. While some doors are permanently closed, others remain slightly ajar, keeping the excitement alive for long-time viewers.
