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CBS executives weren’t just crunching numbers back then; they were biting their nails. At the height ofNCISmania, when Mark Harmon’s Gibbs had basically achieved TV legend status, a brewing controversy had the network’s top brass secretly sweating.
What if the off-screen drama spilled onto the set and derailed their crown jewel? The thought of losing Harmon — or worse, watching the show unravel — was the kind of headache no one wanted. Behind the scenes, it was all hands on deck to keep the ship steady.
From panic to powerhouse: HowNCISsurvived the Mark Harmon shake-up
Behind the polished success of CBS’sNCISlies a story of quiet panic among network execs. The hit series, once dubbed TV’s underdog, was drawing record-breaking numbers in its sixth season. But abehind-the-scenes conflicthad CBS leadership on edge.
The clash between starMark Harmonand series creator Don Bellisario was no minor hiccup. Bellisario’s abrupt exit had all the makings of a potential train wreck. President of Paramount Network Television, David Stapf, was worried the fallout could sink the show.He confessed,“I was secretly worried about it.”
And could you blame him? Aleadership shake-up of that magnitudetypically derails even the most promising projects.
Enter Shane Brennan, a veteran Aussie writer who stepped in as showrunner. Despite never leading a series before, Brennan brought a fresh take that reinvigoratedNCIS. He leaned into the heart of the show — its ensemble cast — infusing episodes with humor, camaraderie, and emotionally charged moments.
“Would we do that if the opportunity came forward?”: CBS is Sitting on a Goldmine If They Turn Mark Harmon’s Book into an NCIS Origin Story Movie
The show defied industry norms by thriving on its traditional, closed-ended storytelling. It wasn’t about cliffhangers or steamy subplots; it was about reliability, charm, and a quirky investigative team fans couldn’t resist.
TheMark Harmon controversymay have sparked fear, but in the end,NCISproved its resilience — and then some.
The unscripted ‘Gibbs slap’ that became anNCIStrademark
The legendary “Gibbs slap” wasn’t scripted; it was instinct.
InNCISseason one, episode five (The Curse),Mark Harmon, as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, smackedMichael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo on the back of the head during an unscripted moment. Fans loved it so much, that it became a signature move for Gibbs, especially in his dynamic with Tony.
Harmon revealed the backstory in aninterview, sharing how Weatherly’s ad-libbing led to the impulsive slap. He said,
We were doing a scene. And [Michael Weatherly] was on a Navy ship and he was talking to a female petty officer. I think this was in year one, early. And he was doing what he does, which is sometimes stay on script and sometimes not. I just reached over and smacked him. I tried to put him back online. It was an instinct. It wasn’t thought, I didn’t think about it, I just did it.
Though the duo’s early chemistry wasn’t perfect, working together for 13 seasons evolved their bond. Weatherly later admitted leading CBS’Bullgave him new respect for Mark Harmon’s approach.
“Les took one look at her and said, Wow!”: Not Mark Harmon, CBS Boss Had Her Eyes on 1 NCIS Star Who Was Pitch-Perfect for the Job
NCISis available to watch on Hulu & Apple TV.
Heena Singh
Editor | Former Senior Writer
Articles Published :1457
Heena Singh is a Editor at FandomWire, spent the last two years making waves in entertainment journalism. With a knack for digging up blockbuster celebrity scoops and an uncanny nose for the latest buzz, Heena’s articles bring a fresh and fun perspective to life. When she’s not conquering writing challenges, you’ll find her curled up in bed, peacefully sleeping.
