Goodbye Gibbs: Mark Harmon Officially Removed From ‘NCIS’ Opening Credits

Gibbs has officially been erased. Nearly one year (11 months to be exact) after Mark Harmon left NCIS, his character has been removed from the opening credits.

For nearly 20 years, Harmon starred in the hit police series as protagonist Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Last October, the 71-year-old actor officially said goodbye to the show four episodes into Season 19, when his character decided to remain in Alaska and not return to work. However, Harmon assured fans that Gibbs is “not retired” and that he is “living in Alaska as far as I know,” per Entertainment Tonight.

Despite leaving the show in 2021, he remained in the credits for the rest of the season. During Monday night’s (Sept. 19) Season 20 premiere, which was a two-hour crossover with NCIS: Hawaii, Harmon was officially replaced by Sean Murray, who plays McGee.

Fans of the long-time series had mixed reactions over the change in credits.

“I love the new #NCIS credits,” one wrote. “I love and miss Gibbs, but it was super weird to have him in the credits all of last season.”

Another added, “After 20(!) seasons, seeing the #NCIS opening credits without Mark Harmon in it is a bittersweet feeling. But I love that Sean Murray has top billing. I love McGee and seeing how Murray has evolved his character is amazing to see.”

“I’m glad they took Mark Harmon’s name out of there, and I’m ready for the crossover now!!!!” a third person posted.

Meanwhile, other fans were feeling the pain of not seeing their favorite character in the opening.

“Nevermind the Queen, my mother is dEVASTATED that Mark Harmon has been completely erased from @NCIS_CBS opening credits #NCIS,” one person wrote.

Someone else pointed out, “First season in 20 years Mark Harmon is not in the NCIS credits. Feels so weird,” while another admitted, “Mark Harmon no longer being in the intro kinda hurts.”

Last month, the actor opened up about his departure, saying, “What has always drawn me here is the character I play and to keep it fresh and to keep it challenging. Plot-wise, this character has taken the path that it did. I thought it was honest and OK with,” per ET.

NCIS airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.