For years, NCIS has been a television powerhouse, but behind the scenes, tensions among its biggest stars led to shocking departures. Mark Harmon, Cote de Pablo, and Pauley Perrette were fan favorites, yet each left the show under circumstances that raised eyebrows. While official statements cited creative differences and personal decisions, the truth runs much deeper. Reports of behind-the-scenes conflicts, clashes with producers, and even allegations of unsafe working conditions have painted a far darker picture of why these beloved actors walked away.

Pauley Perrette, who played Abby Sciuto for 15 seasons, has been the most vocal about her exit, hinting at serious issues on set that made her feel unsafe. Many believe her conflict with Mark Harmon, particularly an incident involving his dog, contributed to the tension. Meanwhile, Cote de Pablo left unexpectedly in Season 11, later revealing she was unhappy with the direction of her character and felt she wasn’t given the respect she deserved. Even Mark Harmon, who was the face of NCIS for nearly two decades, eventually stepped away, with rumors suggesting his leadership style created friction among cast and crew.

While NCIS continues without them, the legacy of their exits remains a hot topic among fans. The shocking truth behind their departures proves that even the most successful shows are not immune to drama. Whether it was creative disagreements, workplace tensions, or personal struggles, their decisions to leave were not made lightly. As new stars take center stage, longtime viewers can’t help but wonder how different NCIS might have been if these iconic actors had stayed.