Mark Harmon has finally addressed the question that’s been haunting NCIS fans for years—will Leroy Jethro Gibbs ever return? After keeping quiet for so long, Harmon opened up in a recent interview, leaving the door wide open for speculation. While he didn’t confirm anything directly, his tone was far from dismissive. “Gibbs is not retired,” he said. “He’s just… off the grid.”

This one statement was enough to spark excitement across the NCIS fandom. For many, Gibbs has always been the soul of the show, and the idea of seeing him back—even for a short arc—is thrilling. Fans are already imagining how his return could shake things up, especially with so many changes in the team dynamic.

CBS has yet to make an official comment, but insiders claim that producers are “very aware” of how much a Harmon comeback would mean. And with the show still going strong after more than 20 seasons, a surprise return could give it new life—and record ratings.

Whether it’s a cameo, a short storyline, or something more permanent, one thing is clear: Gibbs isn’t gone forever. And now that Harmon’s broken the silence, fans are more hopeful than ever.