Abigail Sciuto (Pauley Perrette) was a beloved character on NCIS up until season 15 when she suddenly left the show. Abby’s happy goth personality won her an army of fans throughout her time on the CBS drama, many of whom still miss her to this day. She will always be remembered for her pigtails, chunky platforms, and her beloved Caf-Pow drink—as well as her brilliant brain as a forensic scientist.
Abby was not only a hit with viewers, but also with her NCIS co-workers, including special agents Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) and Timothy McGee (Sean Murray), and former team leader Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), who was always a father figure. When Abby needed her next Caf-Pow fix, Gibbs—replaced by Gary Cole's Alden Parker—was there to hand it to her (in exchange for important forensic information). The characters’ close relationship on-screen appeared to signal a bond in real life between actors Harmon and Perrette. However, this was not the case.
To her NCIS fanbase, it was the end of an era in 2018 when Abby Scuito left NCIS after 15 years on the procedural drama. Initially, it appeared to be on good terms, but it was soon apparent that there was more to the story. It was revealed that Perrette and Harmon had a major falling out on set in 2016, and this led to a complete breakdown of their personal and professional relationships. What happened afterward led to Abby leaving NCIS—almost as unexpected as the shocking death of Caitlin Todd.
According to reports, the fall-out began after Mark Harmon—also a producer on NCIS—brought his dog, Dave, onto the set (via The Bark). The dog is said to have bitten a member of the NCIS crew who later needed “more than a dozen stitches.” This incident led to tensions on the set, allegedly making Perrette feel “unsafe” when the dog was present, although Harmon claimed he kept the dog in a trailer. Tensions off-screen spilled on-screen, leading to Mark Harmon and Pauley Perrette filming scenes on different days—likely a logistical nightmare for the crew.
Abby Scuito’s last NCIS appearance was in the two-parter, "One Step Forward" and "Two Steps Back." Perrette was not the first major actor to leave NCIS—others include Lauren Holly and Michael Weatherly. Abby's story ended following a shooting that killed Clayton Reeves (Duane Henry) as he saved her life. It is widely reported that Abby’s finale was written so Perrette and Harmon didn't have to film together; their last scenes were the result of special effects.
Will Abby ever return to NCIS? Unlikely. Pauley Perrette posted several cryptic tweets, including one in 2019 that said: “NO I AM NOT COMING BACK! EVER!" She also claimed that she was "terrified of Harmon and him attacking me. I have nightmares about it.” (via Twitter). While Harmon has kept tight-lipped about the issue, CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl confirmed that Perrette submitted a workplace complaint that was swiftly resolved (via TV Insider). Mark Harmon has since stepped down as Gibbs on NCIS, but as he is still a producer on the show, it is unlikely that Abby Sciuto will return.
New episodes of NCIS air Mondays on CBS.