‘Wanna Do More With Abby,’ NCIS Boss Teases Pauley Perrette’s Return After Gibbs’ Departure

Curious World Staff

September 6, 2022

NCIS executive producer Steven D. Binder has teased the potential return-at least in spirit-of beloved forensic expert Abby Sciuto, played by Pauley Perrette. Though Abby hasn’t appeared on the CBS drama since 2018, Binder says fans can expect to feel her presence more often in the coming seasons.

Abby left the show in the season 15 episode Two Steps Back after a traumatic incident left her hospitalized.

She and NCIS liaison Clayton Reeves (Duane Henry) were ambushed in a seemingly random mugging. Clayton was k1lled protecting her, and the experience prompted Abby to resign from her forensic role to work for a charity helping homeless women.

Since her exit, Abby has not been mentioned often on the show. However, Binder now says he wants to change that-much like how NCIS continues to honor former team leader Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) despite his departure.

“We’re always thinking about ways to involve [Gibbs] without ruining the send-off we gave him,” Binder told TV Line, adding that he wants to begin honoring Abby’s legacy in a similar way. “I’d like to become more aware of her [presence]… she’s still fighting the good fight and watching us, and she’s a part of us, and we’re a part of her.”

Although Abby’s days of solving cr1mes are likely over, Binder hinted there could be an opportunity for a future crossover. If an NCIS case ever intersects with her charity work, a guest appearance could be on the table.

Still, Pauley Perrette’s 2019 tweet declaring, “NO I AM NOT COMING BACK! EVER!” has cast doubt on any real return. Her exit from the show was reportedly influenced by behind-the-scenes tensions with Harmon, but now that he has stepped away from NCIS, the door might not be completely closed.

For now, Binder’s goal is to keep Abby’s memory alive within the team’s world, assuring fans that even in her absence, she remains a vital part of NCIS’s ongoing story.