Sasha Alexander’s departure from NCIS after just two seasons shocked fans, especially as her character, Special Agent Caitlin “Kate” Todd, met a tragic and unexpected end. While the emotional Season 2 finale left viewers reeling, the real reason behind her exit was far more personal.

In interviews following her departure, Alexander revealed that the grueling schedule of filming a procedural drama took a toll on her physically and emotionally. Working long hours on such an intense show proved to be more challenging than she anticipated. “People don’t realize how exhausting it is,” Alexander shared. “We were filming 17-hour days, and I just knew that it wasn’t something I could sustain long-term.”

Alexander’s departure was amicable, with both the actress and the show’s producers agreeing that it was the best decision for her well-being. The writers crafted Kate’s shocking death at the hands of Ari Haswari (Rudolf Martin) to provide a compelling end to her character’s arc while paving the way for new storylines.

Though her time on NCIS was brief, Sasha Alexander’s portrayal of Kate Todd left an indelible mark on the series, and fans continue to celebrate her contributions to the show’s early success. Today, Alexander thrives in other creative pursuits, proving her decision to leave NCIS was the right one for her.