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NCIShas been a fan favorite for years, capturing audiences with its exciting cases and memorable characters. As the show’s popularity grew, a spin-off felt like the natural next step to expand the franchise. However, the process wasn’t as straightforward as expected. Donald Bellisario, the creator ofNCIS, found himself at the center of a dispute over creative rights.
What began as a plan to build on the show’s success turned into a behind-the-scenes legal battle, proving that even in television, things aren’t always as simple as they seem.
Donald Bellisario and Mark Harmon’s reported feud over NCIS spin-off
SinceNCISfirst aired in 2003, it became one of the most popular TV shows, known for its mix of crime-solving and compelling characters. As the show gained popularity, it led to the creation of several spinoffs, starting withNCIS: Los Angelesin 2009.
However, the creation of the spinoff wasn’t without its drama. Interestingly, the creator of the show Donald Bellisario, had a clause in his contract that gave him the right to create the first spinoff ofNCIS.
But when CBS decided to bring in Shane Brennan as the new showrunner forNCIS: Los Angeles,Bellisario felt his rights were ignored, viaLooper. He was no longer involved in the decision-making process for the spinoff, which caused tension. Amid this, the creator believed that it was because of actorMark Harmon’s actions that he was removed from the project.
“This is dangerous. And they are asking people for money”: Even Years of Working in NCIS Couldn’t Prepare Pauley Perrette for a Scam That Even Got Brad Pitt
He viewed this scenario as a betrayal and felt that his rights were violated. So, Bellisario decided to file a lawsuit against CBS, leading to a long legal battle. In the end, the case was settled out of court, and the details of the settlement were kept private.
Despite the legal drama, bothNCISand its spinoffs, includingNCIS: Los Angeles,continued to be successful and remain popular to this day.
How Mark Harmon’s early career started with a cereal commercial
Mark Harmon, best known for his long-running role asLeroy Jethro Gibbs onNCIS, had a rather humble and slightly embarrassing start in the entertainment industry. Before becoming a household name, his first brush with fame was in a cereal commercial, and he wasfar from impressedby the experience.
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His father, Tom Harmon, was a famous football player for the Michigan Wolverines and the Los Angeles Rams. His success in sports led him to become the spokesperson for a Kellogg’s cereal called Product 19. As part of his father’s work, Harmon was asked to appear in a commercial. OnLive with Kelly and Mark,he laughed and remembered:
My dad was a spokesperson for Product 19 and so I was in a commercial, in the backyard eating cereal… Which, that never happened.
Although the commercial wasn’t a standout moment in Harmon’s career, it taught him some valuable lessons. He admitted:
Yes, humiliating. I didn’t even get paid. It did teach me more about the entertainment industry, particularly acting. From there, I made that much more formal break onto the screen.
Mark Harmon’s first real acting job came in 1973 with a one-episode role onOzzie’s Girls, followed by other smaller roles. These early jobs eventually led to his big role onNCIS, where he became one of TV’s most loved characters.
You can watch all theNCISepisodes on Paramount+.
Sakshi Singh
Articles Published :1436
Sakshi Singh has written over 1,300 entertainment articles, mostly about Netflix shows and reality TV. She’s spent the last two years covering everything from surprise engagements to shocking eliminations and previously wrote for Essentially Sports in their Netflix Junkie division. A self-proclaimed reality TV addict, Sakshi has watched all 48 seasons of Survivor and never misses a new dating or competition series. She loves watching how strangers meet, fall in love, team up, or betray each other - it’s the mix of strategy and drama that keeps her hooked. When she’s not glued to a reality show, she’s usually watching a crime thriller or tracking the next big streaming hit.
