CBS Exec Explains Why Mark Harmon Is Still In 'NCIS' Opening Credits

When you turn NCIS to watch a new episode, you’re most likely going to see Mark Harmon‘s face in the opening credits.

The 70-year-old actor departed the show as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs in October 2021, which was the beginning of season 19.

Since then, fans have been questioning that if he’s not on the series any longer, why is he still in the opening credits?

Click inside to read why that is…

CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl spoke to TV Line about the issue.

According to Kelly, Mark is still there because season 19 was considered a “transition” year, with quite a few changes in the cast and format.

“That’s something we might look at going forward,” the exec added, as they look forward to season 20 of the long-running drama.

Kelly also spoke about if Mark would return on the screen in some capacity at all.

“Everyone is aware that the door is open if he ever wants to pop in for an episode, or multiple episodes,” Kelly said.

Just recently, Sean Murray, who plays Timothy McGee on the series, also spoke about Mark’s presence on the show.

Chatting with Parade, Sean said that “e does pop in” on the set all the time.

“I saw him two weeks ago actually. So, he’s around. It’s not like he’s packed up and left town or anything. I’m not saying this just to say it for a tease and all that BS, I really, truly believe that the Gibbs could pop up somewhere. I really believe that there’s a possibility of that happening,” he added.

NCIS‘s season 19 finale airs tonight, Monday, May 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.