CBS

Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in "NCIS."

"NCIS" is now 15 seasons strong, and rumors that cast members leaving are in the news. Mark Harmon, who appears on the show as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, is the topic of one such rumor. Following Michael Weatherly's season 13 farewell, it was said that Harmon is leaving, too, due to a "health scare."

The rumors mostly hinge on the fact that some unusual things are happening with Harmon's character, Gibbs. The show has taken quite some liberties, like subjecting the character to supernatural twists while on a fairly grounded and realistic forensic drama.

Fans took this as a sign that the show will be doing away with Gibbs' character soon, propagating rumors of Harmon's exit.

Harmon himself has discouraged the rumors. He said that there is no reason for him to leave the show because the writers still keep coming up with fresh ideas, which in itself is a feat, considering "NCIS" has been running for 15 seasons now.

In an interview with TV Insider, Harmon said that he could only quit the show once the writers have "their heads down, feeling they've done it all." However, he also added that the "NCIS" writer's room is still full of energy. "Our writers are all very up and excited. You can see it on their faces," the actor said.

There is still a lot to be discovered about Gibbs seen after 15 seasons of airtime. It's safe to say Hammond leaving the show is highly unlikely to happen.

Meanwhile, Pauley Perrette, who plays the lab genius Abby Sciuto, will definitely be leaving after season 15. Perrette is also the target of rumors saying that she will be leaving to focus on a business venture that deals with skin care.

Perrette strongly denied the rumors, saying that she will be leaving "NCIS" but not because of a business venture, and much less because of a "skin care line."