Mark Harmon Reportedly Caused Former ‘NCIS’ Showrunner to Quit

Mark Harmon plays a key role in “NCIS” both on and off the screen. A recent report recalled earlier rumors that he might have had enough influence on the show that he even caused former showrunner Donald P. Bellisario to leave the series.

The Cheat Sheet suggested that Bellisario’s “management style” probably did not sit well with Harmon leading to the fallout between the series co-creator and the show’s leading actor. The rumored feud was first reported by TV Guide with bits of information coming from an alleged insider.

The source claimed Harmon was working up to 16 hours every day when Bellisario was still in charge. “Don tries to micromanage everything. Script pages get faxed to the set at the last minute, and Mark is tired of dealing with the huge impact that makes on his life,” the tipster said at the time.

Apparently, a second tipster told TV Guide through email that the issues rooting from Bellisario and Harmon’s indifferences were “much worse.” Luckily for the show, losing is original co-creator did not affect its appeal on the viewers as evidenced by its current 16-season run. In fact, “NCIS” was listed as one of the most-watched series in the United States with over 14 million viewers rating in fall 2018.

Meanwhile, Harmon has long been rumored to leave “NCIS” but none of these claims ever panned out. The 67-year-old actor was also repeatedly experiencing “failing health” allegedly causing him to leave the show. But this was recently debunked by Harmon’s representative saying the report was “completely false.” But while the show is able to maintain a high number of regular viewers, “NCIS” season 17 is not a done deal yet.

As for recent events in “NCIS” season 16, Harmon’s Gibbs recently encountered a surprising turn of events concerning a former main character. This plot twist sparked speculations that Mossad turned NCIS agent Ziva David (Cote de Pablo), who was perceived dead in season 13, might return.