An "NCIS" standoff is defused...

There was a battle brewing behind the scenes that may have destroyed “NCIS” as we know it.

Fortunately, that didn’t happen…

Donald Bellisario, the show’s executive producer and creator has stepped down as showrunner after a tense standoff between himself and “NCIS” star Mark Harmon.

According to “TV Guide,” Harmon became frustrated with Bellisario’s “chaotic management style” which included faxing script pages to the set at the last minute.

Bellisario has been replaced by Chas. Floyd Johnson and headwriter Shane Brennan, so fans should not see any changes.

But I think fans would agree that even a few minor changes would be better than losing Mark Harmon. And obviously CBS agrees as well…

“NCIS” airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on CBS…