Leroy Jethro Gibbs — a name synonymous with NCIS, and for nearly two decades, the very heart of the show. When Mark Harmon officially stepped away from the series at the end of Season 19, fans felt the weight of his departure. His character, the no-nonsense, morally complex leader, had shaped the team and the show itself.
But here’s the thing: NCIS is never truly the same without Gibbs. And, despite the shift in dynamics, fans still cling to a single, burning hope: Could Gibbs return?
After all, we’re talking about one of the most iconic characters in television history — a character whose legacy continues to resonate within the NCIS universe. Could Mark Harmon’s Gibbs ever return, even if it’s just for a special cameo, or is his departure final? Let’s dive into some of the most intriguing clues that have NCIS fans holding onto hope that Leroy Jethro Gibbs might return to the team after all.
1. The Boat: An Ongoing Symbol of Gibbs’ Legacy
If there’s one thing that symbolizes Gibbs’ presence more than anything else, it’s his boat. For years, viewers watched Gibbs labor over this project in his basement — a personal project that represented far more than just wood and nails. The boat, much like Gibbs himself, was something broken, something he could fix and rebuild over time. It became a symbol of his personal journey, a place where he could reflect on his past while working toward something meaningful.
The boat never truly went away. Even in Gibbs’ absence, it continued to appear in the background of episodes, serving as a subtle reminder of the character’s indelible influence. It’s hard to ignore the symbolism: Gibbs may have left the team, but his legacy — like that boat — is still being built and maintained. Fans have long speculated that the boat’s continued appearance might be a clue, a sign that Gibbs’ return is possible — and that his unfinished business could eventually bring him back into the fold.
If there’s one thing we know about NCIS, it’s that nothing is ever truly finished — especially when it comes to Gibbs.
2. The Cryptic Hints from the Cast and Crew
Mark Harmon’s exit was marked by a shift in the show’s structure, but even after his departure, subtle clues from the cast and crew have continued to suggest that Gibbs may not be gone for good.
In various interviews, NCIS cast members — including Sean Murray (McGee), David McCallum (Ducky), and Rocky Carroll (Director Vance) — have continued to speak highly of Gibbs, calling him the “heart” of the team. Even the writers have acknowledged how difficult it was to say goodbye to such an iconic character. In particular, they’ve hinted that Gibbs’ absence leaves a noticeable gap — one that’s filled by his teachings, his wisdom, and his influence, but that something will always be missing from the team.
More intriguingly, some of these cast members have made comments suggesting that Gibbs might not be gone entirely. Phrases like, “Never say never,” and “You can never close the door on Gibbs for good,” have fans wondering if there’s a plan in place for his eventual return — perhaps in a way we didn’t expect.
Even Mark Harmon himself has stated in interviews, “Never say goodbye for good.” These words have lingered in the minds of fans, sparking theories that his absence is temporary — and that, one day, Gibbs may return when we least expect it.
3. The Continued Presence of Gibbs’ Influence
Even though Gibbs is no longer physically present on the team, his influence remains palpable in every episode. His lessons continue to shape the decisions of his team members. His moral compass and leadership style are regularly referenced in the show, and even the newest agents continue to operate under his guiding principles. This speaks to the lasting impact Gibbs had on the team — and on the NCIS universe itself.
The agents still hold onto Gibbs’ values: the importance of family, loyalty, and integrity. And while Gibbs may not be there to personally guide them, his legacy looms large in their actions. The fact that the team still talks about him, seeks his advice (even when he’s not around), and honors his memory shows that his character’s story is far from over.
For many fans, it’s hard to imagine NCIS fully moving on without Gibbs ever having a proper, on-screen farewell. His return, even just for a brief moment, could provide the emotional closure that many fans crave.
4. The Expanding NCIS Universe — A Perfect Opportunity for Gibbs’ Return?
The NCIS franchise has grown considerably over the years, expanding into multiple spin-offs and international series. With the introduction of NCIS: Hawaii, NCIS: Los Angeles, and the potential for even more crossovers, the possibilities for Gibbs’ return are endless.
Imagine a special crossover event where Gibbs, perhaps called in to assist with a major investigation, teams up with the current NCIS team — or even one of the spinoff teams. It would be the perfect opportunity to give fans a much-needed reunion, while also tying in his legacy to the broader NCIS universe. A guest appearance or brief storyline involving Gibbs could reignite his storyline without requiring him to be a permanent fixture on the show again.
Given that NCIS has embraced the idea of special guest appearances and crossovers, this could be the perfect moment for Gibbs to return. It would allow the show to pay homage to his character while maintaining the freshness of the newer episodes.
5. The Fans: The Unwavering Hope for Gibbs’ Return
One thing we know for sure is that the NCIS fanbase is deeply invested in Gibbs and his legacy. Fans have not stopped speculating, hoping, and even campaigning for Gibbs’ return. Social media campaigns, fan petitions, and countless online discussions have kept the hope alive that, one day, Gibbs will return — even if only for a few key episodes or a special event.
The passion from the fanbase is something that NCIS creators can’t ignore. They know that Gibbs’ character means more to the audience than just a figurehead; he represents the heart of the show, and his return would undoubtedly be met with overwhelming support from longtime fans. This strong emotional connection is something that can’t be easily discarded, and it’s possible that the producers will take notice and offer fans the reunion they’ve been dreaming about.
Is Gibbs Really Gone? Or Will He Return to Lead the Team One Last Time?
As NCIS moves forward into its future, the lingering question remains: Is Gibbs truly gone, or will he return when the time is right? With all the subtle hints, the ongoing influence of his character, and the expanding NCIS universe, there’s a strong possibility that Gibbs will one day reappear — if only for a brief but impactful moment.
Do you believe Gibbs will make a triumphant return to NCIS, or do you think his departure is final? Let us know in the comments below — and tag a fellow fan who’s holding onto hope just like you.
