Mark Hamon leaves NCIS after 18 seasons.

by Thinus Ferreira

Mark Harmon has exited the long-running series NCIS, seen on M-Net (DStv 101) and NBCUniversal (DStv 117), and his long-running role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs that he has played into 19 seasons.

In the 4th episode of the 19th season of NCIS entitled "Great Wide Open" after solving a case revolving around a polluting copper mine, Mark Harmon's character decides not to return to work and to remain in Alaska.

"As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show," says Steve Binder, NCIS showrunner in a statement about Mark Harmon's exit.

"Our north star has always been staying true to our characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go. So regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years… never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out."

NCIS renewed for a 16th season as Mark Harmon signs a new contract.

The long-running drama series NCIS seen on South Africa on M-Net City (DStv 115), Universal Channel (DStv 117) and SABC2 has been renewed for a 16th season in America with Mark Harmon who has signed a new contract.

NCIS was renewed for a 14th and 15th season in February 2016.

"It's pretty simple – viewers everywhere love NCIS," says Kelly Kahl, CBS Entertainment president in a statement.

"This show speaks to viewers of all ages, in all parts of the country and around the world. NCIS' amazing characters and terrific storytelling result in some of TV’s most passionate fans."

"Of course, none of this would be possible without an outstanding production team, and talented cast led by the incomparable and absolutely tireless Mark Harmon. We're thrilled he is returning as the centerpiece of the show, and we could not be more excited for NCIS 16th season."

Besides being the main star Mark Harmon is also an executive producer on the show as well as on the two spin-off series, NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans.

NCIS renewed for a 14th and 15th season as Mark Harmon signs a new 2-year contract extension with CBS Studios.

The forensic procedural drama NCIS seen in South Africa on pay-TV broadcaster M-Net, free-to-air public broadcaster SABC2 and the Universal Channel (DStv 117) is getting renewed for a 14th and a 15th season following a new two-year deal CBS Studios signed with star Mark Harmon.

NCIS - the most watched TV drama in the world - is distributed worldwide by CBS Studios International and will now remain on television screens until at least 2018.

Ensemble cast member Michael Weatherly is of course exiting NCIS at the end of the 13th season.

Mark Harmon, besides being in NCIS, is also an executive producer of the spin-off NCIS: New Orleans on M-Net (DStv 101).

"It's extraordinary that in its 13th season and with over 300 episodes to its credit, NCIS continues to excel at such a high level on a global scale," says Glenn Geller, CBS Entertainment president in a statement.

"It is testimony to an amazing cast, led on and off the screen by the exceptional Mark Harmon, for skillfully bringing this universally appealing team of heroes to life; and to Gary Glasberg and his writers for crafting compelling stories that feature NCIS's signature blend of mystery, quirk, drama and comedy every single week".

NCIS renewed for an 11th season as Mark Harmon extends his current contract.

NCIS shown on SABC2 and The Universal Channel in South Africa has been renewed for an 11th season in America as the contract for the forensic crime series' star and executive producer Mark Harmon got extended.

"In a world gone niche, NCIS keeps getting bigger, and Mark Harmon continues to define the role of leading man on the number one show on television," says the CBS network in America in a press statement announcing the 11th season for NCIS.

"NCIS is the type of franchise every company wants in today's global content ecosystem - high-quality storytelling that generates passionate viewers and drives revenue on every conceivable platform."