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Los Angeles Times
'NCIS' creator is leaving his show
Mark Harmon, Bellisario not commenting on 'NCIS' change.
By Lynn Smith, Times Staff Writer
May 8, 2007


Neither Donald P. Bellisario nor Mark Harmon was speaking today about the news that Bellisario would be leaving the hit CBS show he created four years ago, "NCIS."

Rumors had spread through the industry and the blogosphere that workplace tensions had created a rift between Bellisario, the show runner, and Harmon, who stars in the procedural as Special Agent Jethro Gibbs. According to TVGuide.com columnist Michael Ausiello, Harmon had complained of long work hours and a "chaotic management style."

CBS Paramount Network Television confirmed over the weekend that Bellisario will be leaving to develop two projects that are part of his overall development deal with the studio. CBS spokesmen, however, downplayed any talk of conflict, noting that is not unusual for a show runner to step down after a lengthy run.

Rachel McCallister, a spokeswoman for Bellisario, said working hours have been shorter this season than in previous years. "Many of the crew have worked with Don for years. A lot came from [his previous show] 'JAG.' One would think that if it were that chaotic, they wouldn't be there."

CBS Paramount President David Stapf praised Bellisario in a statement, saying, "He not only built a top-rated show but a great producing team that provides terrific continuity for the years ahead."

Sources associated with the show said Bellisario's duties would likely be taken over by longtime show collaborators, including co-executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson and series writer Shane Brennan.

The show follows the NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) team that operates outside of the military chain of command. Its special agents travel around the world investigating crimes related to the Navy or the Marine Corps.

The show has developed a loyal audience that hasn't defected over the years to its formidable competitor in the same time slot, "American Idol." It consistently ranks No. 2 for the night. CBS executives are expected next week to announce a Season 5 for the drama.

lynn.smith@latimes.com

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Originally posted by cljohnston108:

Anybody else here a fan?

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Originally posted by cljohnston108:

As for controversy, I'd heard about Pauley Perrette's nightmare divorce, but that's it.

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Select to view spoiler:

Ziva is my favourite character though. I was a bit wary of her introduction to the show, but she's really grown on me now. I loved the fact that she was Ari's half sister. That was a great twist. She might be tough on the surface, but she's really gentle at heart, and she's just as crazy behind the wheel as Gibbs!

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Originally posted by SpaceAnJL:
You just know what Mal's first sargeant, right back when he was a raw volunteer farm boy, was like, don't you?

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