“NCIS” fans have gotten used to fan-favorite characters leaving the show suddenly, but one exit — that of Michael Weatherly’s Anthony DiNozzo — left fans confused, especially since he had a long run with the show. Weatherly, who now stars in the courtroom drama "Bull," had been open about his intentions to leave "NCIS."

Weatherly told TV Insider while filming the last of his role on the show that the idea of leaving the show was not new to him. It was something that he pondered ever since the exit of Cote de Pablo.

“The show was a huge success, but I just suddenly realized that I probably had other things that I should be doing. And then the wanderlust set in. I directed a documentary. I have a production company. And I wanted to spend time with my family,” the actor said.