Mark Harmon is set to return to the beloved role of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the upcoming third season of the spin-off series, “NCIS: Origins.” The announcement, which came from CBS on 30 June, indicates that Harmon will be featured in every episode of the new season, much to the delight of fans of the long-running franchise.
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Harmon, who has brought Gibbs to life for nearly two decades, originally departed the main “NCIS” series in 2021 after an impressive 18-season run. Following his exit, he made a brief appearance in the prequel “NCIS: Origins” during its premiere in 2024 and was seen again in a crossover event with the original series in November 2025.
In “NCIS: Origins,” the narrative takes a step back in time, following a younger version of Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell. Set against the backdrop of the early 1990s, the show aims to explore Gibbs’s formative experiences, particularly those at Camp Pendleton. The upcoming season will be structured around a compelling “present-day mystery” connected to Gibbs’s past, promising an action-packed storyline that unfolds throughout the season.
The creative team behind “NCIS: Origins,” including co-showrunners and executive producers David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal, have hinted that Gibbs will no longer be in solitude, hinting at new dynamics that will come into play after he disappeared to Alaska in search of peace and introspection.
In his previous appearance on the show during an episode titled “Funny How Time Slips Away,” Harmon provided fans with a reflective glimpse into Gibbs’s life after his years away. Commenting on his brief return to the character, Harmon expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to share more of Gibbs’s journey, noting that even a small segment could reveal insights about the character that viewers had not previously known.
The third season is expected to bring both nostalgia and intrigue, allowing fans to explore not only Gibbs’s early experiences but also his evolving relationships with other characters in the series, which includes a strong ensemble featuring Kyle Schmid, Mariel Molino, Tyla Abercrumbie, Diany Rodriguez, and Caleb Foote.
As anticipation builds for the new season, viewers can look forward to “NCIS: Origins” airing on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT this autumn on CBS, as well as streaming options available on Paramount+. With Harmon’s return, the series aims to deepen its narrative while engaging both new audiences and long-time fans of the “NCIS” franchise.
Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Gibbs has become an iconic staple within the television landscape, and his return in this new context offers an opportunity to expand on the foundational aspects that have made the character resonate with so many. As the show delves into Gibbs’s past, audiences can expect a mix of action, emotion, and the complexities that come with his character’s evolution.
The next instalment of “NCIS: Origins” promises to blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling, highlighting a character that has captivated audiences for years. With Harmon’s involvement in both a significant and comprehensive role this season, it’s poised to be an exciting chapter for the franchise.