Is Sean Murray Leaving NCIS In 2025? The Truth Behind McGee’s Uncertain Future

The question of whether Sean Murray is leaving NCIS in 2025 has become one of the most persistent and anxiety-inducing rumors for long-time fans of the CBS procedural. As the longest-running cast member, his character, Special Agent Timothy McGee, has become the foundational rock of the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) following the departures of numerous original stars, including Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs. With NCIS renewed for its monumental Season 23, the speculation is fueled not by a definitive announcement, but by a combination of cryptic comments from the actor himself and a series of plot developments that have set the stage for a major change.

As of late , the official word is that Sean Murray is a confirmed returning cast member for Season 23, which is expected to run through 2025. However, the actor has recently addressed the exit rumors directly, stating that in the world of NCIS, "no one is safe" and that "things can take big, unexpected turns." This careful phrasing, combined with a significant storyline in Season 23, Episode 2, has kept the exit conversation very much alive and suggests that while his departure is not imminent, the groundwork for a future exit is clearly being laid.

Sean Murray: Biography, Profile, and The Longest-Serving Agent

Sean Harland Murray is an American actor who has been a mainstay on television for over two decades. His long tenure on NCIS has made him one of the most recognizable faces in network television.

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• Full Name: Sean Harland Murray
• Date of Birth: November 15, 1977
• Age: 48 (as of late 2025)
• Place of Birth: Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.
• Spouse: Carrie James Murray (m. 2007)
• Children: Two (Caitlyn and River)
• Notable Roles Before NCIS: Thackery Binx in the cult classic film Hocus Pocus (1993), Zane Grey Hart in the series Harts of the West (1993–1994), and Danny Walden in JAG (2000–2001).
• NCIS Role: Special Agent Timothy "Tim" McGee, beginning as a recurring character in Season 1 before being promoted to a series regular in Season 2.
• Unique Fact: Murray’s father was a Navy Captain, and he grew up on various military bases, including in Australia, which mirrors the military setting of NCIS. He is also the stepson of NCIS and JAG creator Donald P. Bellisario.

Murray’s character, Timothy McGee, has undergone one of the most significant transformations in the show’s history, evolving from a nervous, tech-savvy "Probie" to a Senior Field Agent, husband to Delilah Fielding, and a father. His current status is the last remaining original series regular from the core team, making his potential departure an existential threat to the show's continuity.

The Contract, The Rumors, and Murray's Cryptic Warning

The core of the "Is Sean Murray leaving?" rumor cycle often revolves around contract negotiations, which is a common occurrence on long-running shows. While Murray has consistently re-signed, his recent public statements have shifted the tone from simple reassurance to a more philosophical, and slightly alarming, acceptance of the show’s volatile nature.

Why The Speculation Is Peaking Now

The current high level of concern is directly tied to the recent history of NCIS and Murray’s own comments in late 2024 and early 2025:

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• The "No One Is Safe" Quote: In a recent interview, Murray acknowledged the persistent nature of the exit rumors but stated, "No one is safe. You never know what's going to happen." This is a notable shift from previous years, where actors often provided more definitive confirmation of their return.
• The Gibbs Precedent: The high-profile departure of Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs) in Season 19 proved that even the most central character can leave, creating a sense of genuine unpredictability for the remaining cast.
• The Longevity Factor: Having been on the show since 2003, Murray is now entering a territory where many long-time actors seek new creative challenges or a lighter workload. He has been with the series for over 20 years.
• The NCIS: Origins Factor: The announcement of the prequel series, NCIS: Origins, which focuses on a young Gibbs, has led to speculation that CBS may be looking to transition the franchise's focus, potentially paving the way for the original show to conclude or undergo a complete cast overhaul.

Three Major Plot Points Setting Up a Potential McGee Exit

The most compelling reason for the 2025 exit rumors is the narrative groundwork laid by the writers in Season 22 and the beginning of Season 23. The show has subtly built a storyline that provides a plausible and emotional exit arc for Special Agent Timothy McGee.

1. The Focus on Family and Work-Life Balance

McGee's character arc has consistently highlighted the strain between his demanding MCRT job and his family life with Delilah and their children. Recent seasons have placed a greater emphasis on this struggle. The writers have often used McGee to explore the themes of burnout and the desire for a safer, more predictable life, which is a classic narrative setup for an agent’s retirement or career change.

2. The "Quiet Stage-Setting" of Season 23, Episode 2

According to recent fan and critic analysis, a key moment in Season 23, Episode 2, "quietly set the stage for his eventual departure." While the specifics are still unfolding, this type of subtle foreshadowing—a conversation about a future promotion, a new career opportunity for Delilah, or an inheritance—is a common tactic used by the showrunners to prepare the audience for a major cast exit. This narrative device allows the character to leave on a high note, rather than in a tragedy.

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3. The Hierarchy Reshuffle and New Leadership Role

With the departure of Gibbs, McGee has effectively become the most senior agent on the team, working under Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole). He is the institutional memory of the squad. The show has already established that McGee has the skills and seniority for a major promotion—perhaps to a desk job, a leadership role outside of the field, or even a transfer to the cyber-crime division where his technical expertise is paramount. A promotion that takes him out of the main MCRT team is a clean, non-fatal way to write the character off the show.

Conclusion: What Fans Should Expect in 2025

While the anxiety about Sean Murray leaving NCIS in 2025 is understandable, the most accurate information suggests he is not leaving immediately and is confirmed for Season 23. The persistent rumors are driven by his status as the last core original cast member, the natural progression of his character's story toward a non-field role, and his own recent, cautious remarks about the unpredictable nature of the series.

Fans should expect the speculation to continue throughout 2025, especially as Season 23 progresses. The show’s writers are clearly building narrative options for a potential exit, but until an official announcement is made by CBS or Sean Murray, Special Agent Timothy McGee remains a crucial part of the NCIS team. His legacy as the heart and brain of the MCRT is secure, but his future role beyond the current season remains the biggest cliffhanger for the entire franchise.