The Toxic Truth Behind the NCIS ‘Family’ Myth

For over twenty seasons, the show has maintained a façade of a tight-knit family, but beneath the surface, a different story emerges. 

The departures of four major cast members, including Pauley Perrette, Michael Weatherly, Cote de Pablo, and others, have been shrouded in controversy, with the network attributing their exits to ‘new creative opportunities,’ ‘mutual decisions,’ and ‘scheduling conflicts.’ However, a closer examination reveals a more complex and nuanced reality.

Perrette’s departure in 2018, for instance, was marked by allegations of ‘multiple physical assaults’ and a ‘terrified’ costar, with Mark Harmon at the center of the controversy. The incident that sparked the rift was not dramatic in itself, but the subsequent fallout, including a complete freeze in contact between Perrette and Harmon, speaks to a deeper issue. Harmon’s position as lead actor and producer gave him significant influence, which Perrette acknowledged in her post-departure tweets, where she alluded to a ‘machine’ silencing her.

Michael Weatherly’s exit in 2016, on the other hand, was followed by allegations of sexual harassment on the set of his new show, Bull, which resulted in a $9.5 million settlement. The show’s creator, Don Bellisario, was removed from day-to-day creative control in 2007 due to friction with Harmon over production pace. 

The departures of Cote de Pablo and others have also been shrouded in controversy, with the network’s statements often at odds with the reality of the situation.

The show’s success relies on its ability to create a fantasy of a tight-knit family, but the actual working relationships behind the scenes tell a different story.

It is essential to acknowledge the disparity between the two, even after twenty seasons. The ‘family myth’ may be a crucial element of the show’s ratings, but it is crucial to recognize that it is, ultimately, a myth.