'NCIS' Season 20: Mark Harmon's name gets removed from opening credits. Here's why

The opening credits of the Season 20's premiere of "NCIS" did not feature the seasoned actor Mark Harmon. The show eliminated his name almost a year after the actor quit as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the CBS procedural.

Even though Gibbs was no longer a part of the show, Harmon kept leading the opening credits for the rest of the season. As part of the Season 19 storyline, Harmon's character was last observed in Alaska.
The first episode of Season 20 aired on Monday and was a two-hour crossover with the "NCIS: Hawaii" spinoff. Sean Murray currently plays the primary role in "NCIS," along with Diona Reasonover, Wilmer Valderrama, David McCallum, Brian Dietzen, Rocky Carroll, Gary Cole and Katrina Law in the opening titles.

Why was Mark Harmon's Entry into the "NCIS" Opening Credits formally removed?

The new season undoubtedly called for an updated credits scene with the current cast, though the network hasn't provided an official explanation. After Harmon left in Season 19, it felt appropriate to have a new introduction. Even though Harmon only made an appearance in four episodes before departing the show, having his name across the prior season is a fitting remembrance.
It wasn't the only instance a channel had changed the opening titles. Starz took similar action when the three central characters of the well-known legal drama "Suits" exited the show throughout its nine-season run. In the second-to-last season, Dule Hill and Katherine Heigl took the places of Meghan Markle, Gina Torres and Patrick J. Adams.

Harmon's Justification for Leaving the Show

Returning to Harmon's departure, the seasoned actor had previously given his explanation for it. He claimed that his role and drive to make things novel and complex have always drawn him to the show. He also acknowledged to his followers that Gibbs delighted in life's modest pleasures. The plot chose the plan of action for this person.

Steven D. Binder's Statement on Gibbs' Retirement

Gibbs' retirement from NCIS was heartbreaking to the show's viewers, but executive producer and showrunner Steven D. Binder provided some consolation in a statement at the time. He said that as an executive producer and close friend, Mark continues to play a crucial role in the program's framework.

FAQs

1. Where can I see every season of NCIS?
You can stream the mystery series NCIS on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu Movie & TV Store, VUDU, Apple TV, Paramount Plus, The Roku Channel and CBS.