After more than two decades, NCIS fans are reeling from the departure of the show’s final original cast member. The shocking exit marks the true end of an era for the long-running crime drama that began in 2003 and became one of the most-watched series in television history. With this latest farewell, the last link to the original team is officially gone—and viewers are struggling to accept the loss.

The actor, who had been with the show since its very first season, confirmed the news in a heartfelt message shared with fans. He reflected on his journey, calling the experience “the role of a lifetime,” and thanked everyone who supported him through the years. Though the departure had been quietly in the works behind the scenes, its public reveal still caught fans by surprise.

Social media quickly lit up with tributes, throwback clips, and emotional reactions. Many fans say the show simply won’t be the same, with some even questioning whether NCIS can continue without any of the original cast. As one post summed it up, “This isn’t just an exit—it’s the end of NCIS as we knew it.”