Reasons Behind Ellie Bishop’s Departure from NCIS: An Explanation

The thrilling 22nd season of NCIS, a renowned police procedural television series, kicked off on October 14, 2024. Premiering in 2003, this CBS staple follows the Major Case Response Team (MCRT), a group of special agents dedicated to investigating crimes linked to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The series masterfully intertwines elements of crime drama and military intrigue, captivating audiences over the years.

One notable character was Ellie Bishop, portrayed by Emily Wickersham, who graced the show from seasons 11 to 18. Initially introduced as an NSA analyst, she later transitioned into a role within the MCRT.

In a dramatic turn, Ellie left NCIS after conspiring to frame herself for leaking classified NSA documents. This move was strategically planned to sever her ties with NCIS and facilitate her involvement in an undercover mission. Wickersham cited personal reasons for her departure from the show in season 18, which aired in 2021.

Why Did Ellie Bishop Leave NCIS?

Wickersham at CBS Television Studios' Summer Soiree (Image via Getty) — Wickersham at CBS Television Studios’ Summer Soiree (Image via Getty)

Bishop’s departure was intricately woven into her storyline, where she became involved in a deep-cover operation alongside Odette Malone (played by Elayn J. Taylor). Viewers learned in season 18 that Bishop had deliberately leaked sensitive NSA documents as part of a covert mission years prior, ultimately leading to her decision to resign from the agency. This action allowed her to move forward with her undercover mission, albeit with most of her colleagues, barring Torres, unaware of her true motives.

Outside of her character’s plot, Wickersham expressed that her choice to leave NCIS stemmed from a desire to explore personal projects. While she refrained from detailing her plans, her departure hints at a new chapter in her life. Fans were left with an open-ended narrative, yearning for the possibility of Bishop’s return in future seasons.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Wickersham reflected on her nearly eight-year tenure with NCIS, describing it as a “great ride.”She expressed gratitude for collaborating with a “top-notch”cast and crew throughout her journey, which featured 172 episodes.

“This business is finicky and weird, and consistency is a rarity. I’ve been fortunate to be part of a show where I got to act, laugh, and learn with remarkable individuals. A moment in time I surely won’t forget. Thank you, CBS and NCIS, for making me part of this chapter in television history. Time goes fast; savor it, but take it slowly. ❤️”— Wickersham

Wickersham’s Reflections on Her Exit from NCIS

Three years post-season 18, Wickersham shared her insights regarding her character’s exit during an episode of Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch, a podcast hosted by series regulars Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly. She noted that her decision was fueled by a desire to focus on personal pursuits, maintaining a positive relationship with her co-stars and production team.

Wickersham articulated that working on NCIS was “all-consuming,”and after eight years, she sensed it was time for a change. The intense filming schedule typically left the cast with little opportunity to engage in outside interests.

“It’s all day, every day, and you’re not really left with much time to do many things outside of that. So that was a real adjustment for me,”she remarked.

During this transitional period, Wickersham discovered she was pregnant a month after concluding her role on the series and subsequently moved to New York with her boyfriend. This timing aligned perfectly with her priority shifts, reinforcing her conviction that leaving the show was the right move for her.

If you’re eager to catch the latest developments, the new season of NCIS is available for streaming on Paramount+.

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