What Happened to Abby Sciuto on NCIS — And Why Pauley Perrette Isn’t Coming Back
April 7, 2025 — One of NCIS’s most beloved and distinct characters, forensic scientist Abby Sciuto, was a breath of fresh air amid the show’s often intense, military-driven atmosphere. Portrayed by Pauley Perrette for 15 seasons, Abby’s signature Gothic look, unshakable optimism, and razor-sharp mind made her an icon in the world of TV crime dramas. But in 2018, the character bid farewell to the series — both on-screen and off — in a dramatic and emotional departure that reflected deeper issues behind the scenes.
Abby’s Exit from NCIS
Abby’s final appearance came during Season 15, in the two-part storyline culminating in the episode “One Step Forward.” After being targeted by a hitman, Abby and MI6 agent Clayton Reeves (played by Duane Henry) were ambushed. Reeves was killed while protecting her, and although Abby survived, the trauma of the incident changed her life.
In true Abby fashion, she used her intellect to outsmart the assassin, luring him into a confession with a fake poisoned coffee cup. The killer was caught, but Abby, devastated by Reeves’ death, made a difficult decision. She resigned from NCIS and left Washington, D.C., escorting Reeves’ body to the U.K. and dedicating herself to starting a charity in his honor to help the homeless — a cause close to Reeves’ heart.
Within the narrative, Abby’s departure was graceful and meaningful. But off-screen, the story was more complicated.
The Real Reason Pauley Perrette Left
Behind the scenes, Perrette had been dealing with growing challenges. In 2014, she suffered a severe allergic reaction to the black hair dye she used to maintain Abby’s signature look — a health scare that briefly landed her in the hospital. But more seriously, she later revealed there were tensions on set that contributed to her departure.
In 2018, Perrette posted a series of tweets alleging she had been subjected to “multiple physical assaults” and “bullying” on set. Without naming names at first, she later clarified that her accusations were directed at co-star Mark Harmon, who played NCIS team leader Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
The tension between the two reportedly stemmed from an incident in which Harmon’s dog bit a crew member, requiring stitches. Perrette objected to the dog returning to set afterward, leading to what she described as a breakdown in trust and safety. Though Harmon has not publicly addressed the specifics, the fallout reportedly led to the two actors filming their scenes separately in Perrette’s final episodes.
“I am terrified of Harmon and him attacking me. I have nightmares about it,” she tweeted after leaving the show, firmly stating that she would never return to NCIS.
Will Abby Ever Return?
Although Harmon stepped away from acting on NCIS in 2021, he remains an executive producer on the franchise. That lingering connection, along with unresolved tensions, makes any potential return by Perrette highly unlikely. She has remained steadfast in her decision to stay away, focusing instead on other projects and her personal life.
Still, the show has acknowledged Abby’s ongoing presence in the NCIS universe. In the February 2024 episode “The Stories We Leave Behind” — which paid tribute to the late David McCallum and his character, Ducky Mallard — a symbolic gesture hinted that Abby still cared. During the memorial, viewers noticed a skull-themed black wreath with a ribbon that read “Love You Ducky.” When asked about it, Kasie Hines (Diona Reasonover) smiled and said, “Bet you can guess who it’s from.”
A Lasting Legacy
Even after her departure, Abby Sciuto’s impact remains. She broke stereotypes, showing that someone with an unconventional appearance could be highly competent, respected, and emotionally grounded. As Perrette once said, “[Don Bellisario] wanted to take an alternative-style person with tattoos and make her someone who is happy, totally put together, and successful.”
It’s unlikely Abby will walk back into the NCIS lab anytime soon, but her legacy — both within the show and among its millions of fans — continues to endure.
