"Proud of being there for 17 years": When NCIS star Mark Harmon let his feelings be known about the CBS police procedural's success 

It was in 2003 that NCIS first aired on CBS, introducing a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. They investigate crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, handling serious cases like deaths, treason and violations of force protection.

The show has produced 22 seasons as of early 2025 and remains extremely popular in the U.S., often ranking among the top programs. In 2011, it was even named "America's favorite television show."

At the heart of NCIS is Mark Harmon, who plays the leading character Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former Marine Corps sniper turned Special Agent and team leader. The actor played this role from the start until his departure in Season 19, followed by Alden Parker taking his position.

Having played the most-adored characters, fans always love to dive into Harmon's insights and experience doing NCIS. A few years ago, when the CBS drama was into its 17th season, the actor appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and said:

"I'm proud of being there for 17 years certainly but I'm more proud of the crew and that someone's been able to buy a fishing boat they always wanted or maybe even a little small condo in Hawaii..."

The host lauded the actor by calling him "Delicious Mark Harmon" and asked to share his best memory or favorite part about being in the show for so many years. This is when the Summer School star explained that he's proud of the show's crew and the fact that they were able to build better lives.

Keep reading to learn more about Harmon's thoughts on this long-running police procedural.

When NCIS star Mark Harmon opened up about his 17-year journey on the show

During the same appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, NCIS star Mark Harmon talked about his co-star and the crew being incredibly dedicated to their jobs. The actor also mentioned having dinner with most of the cast members, which added to some of the great memories he made over the years.

Harmon felt proud that the long-running police procedural had a positive impact on the crew, as many were able to achieve personal dreams, like buying a fishing boat or even a small condo in Hawaii.

The actor joined the show in the very first season and departed in Season 19, Episode "The Great Wide Open" as Gibbs decides to remain in Alaska following the resolution of a case there, with a sense of peace and healing following his family's death.

Leaving was made easier by Mark Harmon's desire for other projects as well as lighter showings. Although Gibbs is technically suspended for his behavior in a case, he elects to remain in Alaska instead of returning.

While Mark Harmon no longer appears in NCIS, he still remains a part of the universe through his narration in the prequel NCIS: Origins. The Flamingo Road star talked about this show and said:

"That’s been fun because both [showrunners] Gina [Lucita Monreal] and David [J. North] have a long history with the show and I go way back with both of them. So, me doing the narration was always going to be part of this, so that wasn’t a surprise."

Harmon continued:

"So, me doing the narration was always going to be part of this, so that wasn’t a surprise. What is the surprise is talking about Gibbs. Sometimes I don’t have a lot of stuff to do in an episode and then sometimes I’ve got a boatload of stuff to do and that’s putting words in the mouth of a character that traditionally said a lot with very little."

So, even if Mark Harmon left the acclaimed CBS show in Season 19, he remains the most beloved part of the show.

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Also Read: "Drives me nuts" - When NCIS: Los Angeles cast left the viewers amused while talking about 'stealing lines' on the show

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