Mark Harmon broke the hearts of many fans when he first announced his decision to turn over his badge as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the long-running American police procedural television series after nearly two decades.
The veteran actor, who played the role since the show premiered in 2003, bid goodbye to his longtime workplace in NCIS Season 19 Episode 4, titled “Great Wide Open.”
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The character of Mark Harmon decided to retire after solving a case in Alaska, together with Special Agent Timothy McGee (Sean Murray).
In June, it was claimed that Mark had been ready to exit NCIS ahead of its 19th installment, but signed a one-year contract with the show to appear in its latest season in “limited capacity.”
Now, a new report suggests that Gary Cole is unlikely to succeed in his bid to replace Mark Harmon in NCIS amid his reportedly backbiting castmates and disappointed fans. Keep on reading to know more details.
Is Gary Cole Trying To Replace Mark Harmon In NCIS?
National Enquirer, in its upcoming May 30, 2022 issue, reported that Gary Cole has been trying hard to win the hearts of his co-actors and the devoted followers of the NCIS series. However, insiders told the entertainment news publication that the American television actor is not, at all, succeeding in his alleged attempt to replace Mark Harmon.
An unnamed source claimed:
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Most, if not all, fans are aware that Gary Cole joined the American drama series last fall when Mark Harmon left after nearly 20 years as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs to spend more time with his family. Mark has remained on board as an executive producer while Gary’s Alden Parker was put in charge of the crime-fighting crew.
However, informants close to the situation suggested that Gary Cole is still scrambling to connect with his onscreen team, saying:
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Both Mark Harmon and Gary Cole have yet to comment on these reports. So, avid followers of the NCISstars should take all these unverified reports with a huge grain of salt until everything is proven true and correct.
Will Mark Harmon Return In NCIS Season 20?
Meanwhile, series executive producer Steven D. Binder revealed there are not any plans to bring back Mark Harmon in NCIS just yet, even if the show’s intro still features the actor’s character. In an interview with TV Insider, Binder said:
Steven D. Binder acknowledged that the decision of Mark Harmon’s character was not as permanent as death. However, he explained it is not reason enough to bring back the character in the upcoming NCIS Season 20, stating:
While there is an option to bring the character of Mark Harmon through letters or emails, Steven does not think it is fitting for Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, who is a “magical being” unmarred by the passage of time.
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He said:
Of Mark Harmon’s well-loved character, Steven D. Binder added:
NCIS Season 20 is set to premiere on CBS this fall.
Stay tuned to EpicStream for the latest news and updates about Mark Harmon!