Mark Harmon and the rest of the NCIS cast will soon return for season 11 and despite one major change, the actor believes the show will thrive. Cote de Pablo, who played Ziva David since 2005, will leave the series after the upcoming season's first two episodes.

"We wish Cote well," Harmon told The Associated Press in a Friday report. "But for those of us still here, it's all about moving on: 'This is what we've got, and we're going to find a way to make it even better.'"

The 62-year-old, who has been on the show since it premiered in 2003, believes that NCIS will continue for a while longer.

Michael Weatherly Shares Season 11 Spoiler Photos

"We've been successful so far... and we keep finding ways to grow it," he said. "It's a machine, but it's a machine that's forever changing, and if we're able to maintain what we have here, I don't see any reason why it can't continue for a while."

After De Pablo announced her departure from the show back in July, writers worked hard to find the perfect way to say goodbye to Ziva. The show's executive producer, Gary Glasberg, confirmed that her character won't be killed off.

"It's not what this character deserves," he told TV Line in August. "Also, [we killed off] Sasha Alexander's Kate character [back in season 2] and I like the idea of doing this one a little different and respecting who [Ziva] is."

Executive Producer Gary Glasberg Addresses Cote de Pablo's Departure

As EnStars reported on Wednesday via TV Line, Emily Wickersham is the "potential successor" of de Pablo.

The actress will play Bishop who is described as "a bright, educated, athletic, attractive, fresh-faced, focused and somewhat socially awkward new agent. She has a mysterious mixture of analytic brilliance, fierce determination and idealism. She's traveled extensively, but only feels comfortable at home."

Season 11 of NCIS premieres on Sept. 24.

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