Emily Wickersham’s departure from NCIS at the end of season 18 marked the end of her seven-season tenure as Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop. Despite the curiosity surrounding her exit, Wickersham didn’t provide an official reason at the time.

However, in a later Instagram post, she announced her pregnancy, suggesting that personal reasons may have influenced her decision to leave the show. Fans bid farewell to Wickersham’s character in the season finale, “Rule 91,” where it was revealed that Bishop had leaked a confidential NSA file, setting the stage for her dismissal from NCIS. The plot, masterminded by ex-CIA instructor Odette Malone, paved the way for an undercover mission, leaving the door open for Bishop’s potential return in the future.

Wickersham’s departure followed other notable exits from the series, including Mark Harmon, who portrayed Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, and Maria Bello, who portrayed Forensic Psychologist Jack Sloane.