Why did Aram (Amir Arison) leave The Blacklist after season 9?

The Blacklist season 10 is finally streaming on Netflix, meaning we Netflix Lifers can now watch the entire series on the streaming platform. It looks like tons of people are already doing so because it's currently one of the top shows on Netflix at the moment. Obviously, with there being a resurgence of interest in the show, there will be a lot of questions circulating on the internet.

One question that we're seeing a lot of concerns a main cast member's departure. More specifically, people are wondering why Amir Arison, who portrayed Aram Mojtabai, left the show. No worries! We shared everything we know about his exit down below.

Aram was an FBI special agent on Harold Cooper's task force. With his intelligence and diverse skill set in computers, he made a great asset to the team. He didn't usually work as a field agent and instead preferred to help take down global criminals from the comfort of his computer. He helped with tracking targets and hacking criminal databases.

While he doesn't die in the crime drama, he decides to take time off from the task force and move to New York for a change. He tells the rest of the task force his plans as they stand around Liz's (Megan Boone) tombstone on the third anniversary of her death. All of this happens in the season 9 finale titled "Marvin Gerard (No. 80): Conclusion Pt. 2."

"It’s been three years since we lost Elizabeth. In some ways, it’s gotten easier. But in most ways, it still hurts. There goes my hope of doing this without crying... And this part won’t be any easier. After a lot of careful reflection, I have decided to take some time away. I do not know how long, but I do know…away. My plan is no plan. I found a cool place in Brooklyn. I’m gonna go up there and just, you know, ride my bike, do New York, eat lots of pizza, look at the people, maybe a Broadway show. Anyway, I know we are here to talk about Elizabeth, but I’ve been wanting to tell you guys."

- Aram in the season 9 finale

Aram was suffering from anxiety and depression, and it got to a point where he tried hallucinogenic therapy. He knew he needed a fresh new start to see change, and the only way to achieve this was by moving away.

But what was the reasoning behind Amir Arison's departure? Well, it's because he was preparing to make his Broadway debut as the character Amir in Matthew Spangler’s stage adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling novel The Kite Runner. However, at the time of his exit, it was reported that he could possibly come back and make guest appearances in the tenth season.

And guess what? He did end up returning to play Aram in the season 10 premiere. In the first episode of the season, we find out that Aram is still living in New York and is doing well for himself. Although he appears briefly, it was great to see him one last time.