Furious NCIS Fans Slam Mark Harmon’s Replacement: “CBS Lied to Us!”

NCIS Fans Slam CBS Over Mark Harmon’s Exit and Controversial Replacement

“NCIS” fans are furious after Mark Harmon’s departure and the introduction of Gary Cole’s Agent Alden Parker as the new team leader—sparking accusations that CBS misled its loyal audience.

Back in early 2021, rumors swirled that Harmon, the beloved face of NCIS for nearly two decades, would leave before Season 18 ended. While CBS confirmed Harmon would return for Season 19, they insisted that Gary Cole’s new character would not be a replacement for Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

But by Season 19, Episode 5 (“Face the Strange”), fans saw the writing on the wall—Gibbs was gone, and Parker had quietly assumed command. From symbolic clues like Gibbs’ boat name “Rule 91” to Parker’s cryptic comment about coincidences, it became clear: Parker was filling Gibbs’ shoes.

Fans didn’t take it lightly.

Social media erupted with backlash, calling CBS “deceptive” and accusing the network of “blatantly lying.” Many felt that longtime fan favorite Tim McGee should have naturally succeeded Gibbs—not a newcomer like Parker. “Gibbs would never pick Parker over McGee,” one user wrote, echoing the widespread outrage.

The controversy prompted a response from NCIS showrunner Steven D. Binder, who pushed back on the accusations. “I wouldn’t presume Gibbs chose Parker over McGee,” Binder explained. “Gibbs and McGee had plenty of time to talk about the future. What McGee said to Torres during the stakeout? Gibbs already knew. :)”

Still, Binder’s comment did little to soothe upset fans. Many insisted McGee was robbed of a role he had earned over the years, and felt Parker’s sudden promotion was a betrayal of the show’s core.

With Harmon’s exit still fresh and the fandom divided, the future of NCIS may hinge on whether viewers can accept this new chapter—or whether the show risks losing the trust it spent years building.