Pauley Perrette’s NCIS character Abby Sciuto is a fan-favorite. Her role as a forensic scientist is easily in the top three most popular characters in the history of the CBS series, including spinoffs.
Perrette left the series back in 2018. However, just recently, some of the decision-makers at the network were asked if her iconic character could return. Moreover, could it be for anything from a cameo to her own spinoff? Here is what they had to say.
Could Abby Sciuto Return to NCIS?
Pauley Perrette left her role as the punky, ultra-intelligent forensic scientist wiz Abby Sciuto at the end of NCIS Season 15? Is there any chance she could return? Maybe.
According to a recent Deadline interview with CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach, as well as CBS Studios President David Stapf about this possibility.
The question was posed asking whether or not they could bring Pauley Perrette to reprise her role as Abby Sciuto on NCIS or do a new show a la Tony and Ziva. Spaft responded to this question.
Not a bad idea. We haven’t talked about it or thought about it. We love Pauley, and she’s always welcome in any of the NCIS franchises, but it hasn’t come to us from the writers and/or from her. I kind of was kidding when I said, it’s not a bad idea but it’s genuinely not a bad idea, she was a beloved character.
Surprisingly, bringing Pauley back for more has never occurred to them. But, it does sound like they counted on the star or one of the writers on the series to create a reason for her return. They would need a story. But, why have they not thought of this before?
Pauley Perrette Had A Major Feud With Mark Harmon On The NCIS Set
When Pauley Perrette left NCIS in 2018, it became clear that there was a problem on the set. The person in question was Mark Harmon. Perrette explained the situation in a series of social media messages. Mark had his big dog on the set and there was allegedly an altercation with a crew member on the set. Pauley supported that crew member and did not seem to act favorably toward Mark Harmon.
For many, this was a shocker. The irony is that in the series, Pauley and Mark’s characters Abby and Gibbs had a sort of father-daughter type of relationship. But, in reality, it was not so cut and dry.
The NCIS: Origins co-creator has previously had other on-set issues with the NCIS creator, Donald P. Bellisario. Bellisario, who also is Sean Murray’s stepfather, left the series.
Pauley Perrette Announced Retirement From Acting After Broke Was Canceled
After Pauley Perrette left NCIS, she starred in the CBS comedy Broke. However, after one season, it was canceled. Then, in July 2020, she announced that she had retired from acting.
Could Pauley Perrette decide to un-retire and return to NCIS in some capacity? This is not unheard of. Moreover, now that Mark Harmon is no longer on the hit CBS Military Procedural Series, she may feel more comfortable returning in a cameo. Or, better yet, in her own NCIS spinoff like the new Ziva and Tony series.
Fans, do you want to see Pauley Perrette return as Abby Sciuto?