NCIS: The Truth Behind Pauley Perrette's Exit, Mark Harmon Tension, and the Void She Left | 20th Anniversary

As NCIS celebrates its 20th anniversary on CBS, the show's creators and producers are reflecting on its remarkable run. One topic that continues to intrigue fans is the departure of beloved character Abby Sciuto, played by Pauley Perrette.

Abby Sciuto: A Fan Favorite

Even five years after her exit, Abby remains a fan favorite. Co-creator Don McGil credits the character's quirky charm to fulfilling co-creator Don Bellisario's desire for humor on the show. Former CBS casting head even admitted initial doubts about Perrette for the role, highlighting how perfectly she embodied the character.

Pauley’s Departure and the Void Left Behind

Perrette's 2018 departure left a noticeable absence. Director James Whitmore acknowledged Diona Reasonover's excellent work as the new lab tech, Kasie Hines, but also admitted, "You walk onto that set sometimes, and you miss Pauley."

The Dog Incident and Unseen Tension

Perrette's exit shocked fans. Her on-screen character resigned after an assassination attempt, but the real reason was more complicated. Executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson revealed a workplace incident involving Mark Harmon's dog biting someone. As a passionate animal advocate, Perrette felt unsafe on set.

This tension was evident in Perrette and Harmon's final scene together. They didn't share the screen; Abby bid farewell to her colleagues and left a letter for Gibbs, watching him read it from afar.

Perrette's Cryptic Tweets

Following the episode’s broadcast, Perrette posted cryptic tweets hinting at the incident and a desire to protect her crew. CBS responded with a statement supporting a safe work environment.

“I refused to go low, that’s why I’ve never told publicly what happened,” she tweeted. “But there are tabloid articles out there that are telling total lies about me. If you believe them? Please leave me alone. You clearly don’t know me.”

The next day, she added, “Maybe I’m wrong for not ‘spilling the beans.’ Telling the story, THE TRUTH. I feel I have to protect my crew, jobs, and so many people. But at what cost? I don’t know. Just know, I’m trying to do the right thing, but maybe silence isn’t the right thing about crime. I’m… Just… ?”

Despite behind-the-scenes challenges, NCIS continues to thrive. The show's longevity is a testament to its compelling characters and storylines. While Abby Sciuto's departure marked the end of an era, her impact on the show and its fans remains undeniable.