Mark Harmon Got ‘Bored Real Fast’ With Retirement After NCIS — Now He’s Ready for a New Chapter

Retirement Didn’t Suit Him for Long

Mark Harmon didn’t plan on making a comeback. When he walked away from NCIS in 2021 after 19 seasons, the idea was simple: slow down, spend more time at home, maybe even try a few new things. But after nearly three years away from the set, it’s clear something didn’t stick.

“He got bored,” a source told Closer. “He missed the energy of being around the crew. The work. The rhythm of it.”

That boredom didn’t last long. As soon as Mark stepped back in to narrate NCIS: Origins, and made a brief appearance in the new spinoff, everything shifted. It wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was about still having something to give.

He Didn’t Expect to Miss It This Much

Retirement wasn’t unpleasant. Mark kept busy. He co-authored Ghosts of Honolulu, a World War II history book written alongside real-life NCIS agent Leon Carroll Jr. He spent time at home, caught up on life. But over time, the stillness started to feel heavy.

“Working on Origins reminded him how much he enjoyed it,” the insider said. “It made him realize he wasn’t finished.”

At 73, Mark isn’t chasing a full-time return, but the cameos have lit a fire. He’s open to more work—on camera and off. Producing, acting, consulting. It’s less about reclaiming his old spotlight and more about stepping into something that still feels meaningful.

Back on Set, but on His Terms

Mark’s return didn’t come with pressure. If anything, the studio rolled out a red carpet. Another source said producers went above and beyond to make him comfortable: “They’re spoiling him a little—he’s got a masseuse, someone to walk his dog, even his own espresso setup.”

But the gesture wasn’t just about luxury. It was about welcoming back someone who helped shape the DNA of the NCIS franchise. Someone they genuinely missed.

And there’s a deeper layer to his return—his son Sean is now a producer on NCIS: Origins. That kind of full-circle moment doesn’t come around often. Working alongside his son on a series that defined so much of his career? That meant something.

This Isn’t a Comeback. It’s a Reset.

“He’s not trying to be Gibbs again,” said the source. “But he is open. And more than that, he’s excited.”

For now, Harmon’s keeping it flexible—guest roles, maybe more narration, and some behind-the-scenes work. He’s not forcing anything. But he’s also not staying on the sidelines anymore.

Those closest to him—his wife, Pam Dawber, and their sons—are fully behind the shift. It’s not about chasing relevance. It’s about feeling alive.

He’s Choosing What Feels Right

The truth is, not everyone thrives in retirement. Some people need the quiet. Others crave motion. Mark’s figuring out what fits now. He may not be leading the team at NCIS anymore, but he’s still part of the story—and maybe that’s exactly where he wants to be.