NCIS Just Closed the Door on the Easiest Path for Pauley Perrette’s Return as Abby

Fans hoping to see Pauley Perrette return as Abby Sciuto on NCIS just had their hopes dashed. With the recent storyline developments and casting decisions, the show has effectively shut down the most logical and natural way to reintroduce the fan-favorite character. The series chose to move forward with new characters and plotlines, leaving no room for Abby’s organic return—especially with the absence of key figures from her era and no narrative setup to support a comeback.

Perrette left NCIS in 2018 after 15 seasons, and although there’s always been speculation about a surprise return, it now seems more unlikely than ever. The latest episodes confirmed the show is firmly focused on the future, not the past. For longtime fans, it’s a bittersweet moment: a reminder that some chapters really do close for good.