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

When Mark Harmon stepped away from NCIS in 2021 after 19 seasons, he imagined a slower life—more time with family, fewer early mornings, maybe trying something new. But nearly three years later, that plan started to unravel.

“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 began narrating NCIS: Origins and made a brief appearance in the spinoff, everything shifted. It wasn’t just nostalgia pulling him back—it was realizing he still had something to offer.

He Didn’t Expect to Miss It This Much

Retirement wasn’t miserable for Mark. He kept busy, co-authoring Ghosts of Honolulu—a World War II book written with real-life NCIS agent Leon Carroll Jr.—and catching up on home life. But eventually, the quiet started to feel stifling.

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

Now 73, Mark isn’t eyeing a full-time comeback. But guest appearances and the chance to stay involved have reignited his passion. Producing, acting, consulting—it’s not about the old spotlight, but about doing work that still excites him.

Back on Set, but on His Terms

Mark’s return didn’t come with pressure. If anything, the studio welcomed him back like family. Producers made sure he felt comfortable, with perks like a personal masseuse, someone to walk his dog, and his own espresso setup.

These gestures weren’t just about pampering—they were a way of honoring someone who helped define NCIS. Someone everyone missed.

And this time, there’s a personal twist: his son, Sean Harmon, is now a producer on NCIS: Origins. Working alongside his son on a series that defined so much of his career added an emotional layer that made returning feel even more meaningful.

This Isn’t a Comeback. It’s a Reset.

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

Mark is keeping things flexible: guest spots, more narration, maybe some behind-the-scenes roles. There’s no rush, and he’s not forcing anything—but he’s also not content to stay on the sidelines.

Those closest to him—his wife, Pam Dawber, and their sons—are fully supportive. For Mark, this isn’t about chasing fame. It’s about feeling engaged and alive.

He’s Choosing What Feels Right

Not everyone thrives in retirement. Some crave quiet; others need purpose. Mark’s figuring out what works for him now. He may not be leading the NCIS team anymore, but he’s still part of the story—and maybe that’s exactly where he wants to be.