Since its debut in 2003, NCIS has experienced numerous significant cast changes, with departures and new additions that have shaped and reshaped the storyline over the course of more than two decades. One of the most iconic figures is Mark Harmon, who played Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a character central to the show for 18 seasons. Gibbs served as the heart of NCIS until Harmon exited the series in 2021, leaving a significant void for fans.
In the early seasons, NCIS featured Michael Weatherly as Tony DiNozzo, a charming and humorous special agent who brought a balance to Gibbs’ serious nature. Weatherly’s departure in 2016 to pursue his own project, Bull, shocked audiences, but his spot was soon filled by Wilmer Valderrama (Nick Torres), whose energetic and modern approach quickly won over viewers.
One of the most heartbreaking departures was that of Cote de Pablo, who portrayed Ziva David. Ziva became one of the most beloved female characters on the show thanks to her intelligence and bravery. De Pablo left the series in 2013, leaving a lasting impact on fans, though she briefly returned in seasons 16 and 17, much to the delight of the audience.
Sasha Alexander, who played Kate Todd, was part of the original cast but exited at the end of season 2 when her character was killed off, paving the way for Ziva’s introduction. Alexander left due to the demanding nature of the production and her desire for a less time-consuming role.
Pauley Perrette, who portrayed the quirky and lovable forensic scientist Abby Sciuto, was another key figure on NCIS for 15 seasons. Abby was the soul of the team, bringing a lighthearted tone to the otherwise serious atmosphere. However, Perrette departed in 2018, citing personal conflicts with the production team, leaving fans saddened by her exit.
In recent years, several new faces have joined NCIS, including Katrina Law (Jessica Knight) and Gary Cole (Alden Parker), with Cole stepping into a leadership role following Gibbs’ departure. These fresh characters have injected new energy into the series, while maintaining the core investigative style that has made NCIS so popular.
Despite the numerous cast changes from 2003 to 2024, NCIS has managed to retain its appeal through compelling investigations, in-depth character development, and a consistent ability to evolve. These changes not only keep the series fresh but also reflect the natural evolution of a long-running show that spans multiple generations of viewers.
