Why did Maria Bello leave NCIS? Reason behind the exit, explored

Maria Bello joined NCIS in Season 15 as Special Agent and psychologist Dr. Jacqueline "Jack" Sloane, and soon became a fan favorite. Not only did she handle criminal profiling, but she also supported her colleagues during difficult times.

Her chemistry with Leroy Jethro Gibbs was widely appreciated, and people shipped them together, including characters in the show. However, Sloane’s journey ended in Season 18 when Maria Bello left the series.

Ever since, fans have been wondering why the actress departed the hit police procedural drama. The reason is that when Maria Bello joined the show in Season 15, she signed a three-season contract. When the contract ended, she decided not to renew it and moved on to other projects.

Here’s why Maria Bello left NCIS

Maria Bello’s three-year contract lasted until NCIS Season 17. However, that season featured only 16 episodes due to the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic. Bello then decided to return to the show for a few episodes of Season 18 to make sure that her character, Jacqueline Sloane, gets a proper farewell.

Season 18 Episode 8, True Believer, which aired in March 2021, marked her final appearance on the show. At the time, Bello shared an emotional post on Instagram reflecting on her journey with the series. She wrote:

“And that’s a wrap for Jack Sloane. I’ve learned many things on this journey for the last three and a half years. I learned about commitment and community. I’ve learned that the woman I am enjoys process over product. I’ve never worked with a kinder, more generous group of people.”

She added:

“I understand why this show after 18 years is the most watched in the world - you must all feel our love. Keep watching. I have a feeling there will be many more years to come. Thank you to all of my pals at NCIS and to all of our fans. I am truly grateful.”

How NCIS handled Maria Bello’s exit

In NCIS Season 18 Episode 8, Jack Sloane found out her old friend Darya had been kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Years ago, when Sloane served in the army, Darya helped her when they were both held captive and saved her life, so Sloane felt she owed her everything.

Sloane and Gibbs traveled to Afghanistan to rescue Darya and the kidnapped girls. As they investigated, they learned that the girls were being sold and that someone close to Darya might have betrayed them. Sloane was heartbroken when Darya was killed and thrown from a truck with a message warning Sloane to go home.

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After they saved the girls, Sloane told Gibbs she wouldn’t be returning to the agency. She confessed she never felt she belonged behind a desk and did not want to keep running from life. Instead, she chose to stay in Afghanistan and carry on Darya’s work.

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