Brian Dietzen of NCIS discusses the impact of Mark Harmon’s departure on the series, calling it ‘Very Different’

Brian Dietzen, star of NCIS, has admitted that the show doesn’t feel the same without team commander-in-chief Leroy Gibbs at the helm.

The NCIS franchise has had a whirlwind couple of years following the departure of several cast members.

Brian, the star of Dr. Jimmy Palmer, has opened up about how it feels to no longer be working with Mark after nearly two decades on the set.

Brian, like Mark, has been with the show since its inception in 2003, beginning as a supporting cast member before being promoted to series regular.

“We had two cast members leave and two new ones arrive. So this year has been very different from what we’re used to.”

Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham) and Jack Sloane both left the show in the 18th season (Maria Bello).

While Jack’s time on the show was shorter, many fans were devastated by her departure, especially since they had become invested in a possible romance between her and Agent Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama).

Thankfully, two newcomers have joined the team: Agent Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) and Alden Parker, the new team leader (Gary Cole).

Despite this, Brian admits that the latest season has been difficult without one of the show’s most familiar faces leading the team.

There will be plenty more changes when NCIS returns, though some fans are still hoping for another appearance from Gibbs to commemorate the series’ 20th season.