**Emily Wickersham Rejoins NCIS in Special Appearance on NCIS: Origins**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/NCIS-Origins-Mark-Harmon-102126-71cf49564e0a4ec59daa751fbac4d438.jpg)
In exciting news for fans of the long-running franchise, Emily Wickersham is set to reprise her role as Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop in the upcoming episode of *NCIS: Origins*, which will air on 27 October. This highly anticipated return comes five years after she left the original *NCIS* series, following a successful eight-season run.
On 20 October, Wickersham, 42, shared her enthusiasm for her return via an Instagram post. She expressed her fondness for the show and its cast, sharing behind-the-scenes moments from her time on set. In her caption, she remarked, “I love this show, these people, and getting to be a tiny part of it,” signalling her excitement to reconnect with familiar faces within the *NCIS* family.
*NCIS: Origins* has garnered interest for its fresh perspective, focusing on a younger version of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell. Known for its rich narrative, this prequel delves into the backstories of beloved characters. The show’s official Instagram account has also hinted at Wickersham’s upcoming appearance, suggesting a nostalgic reunion for viewers.
The episode entitled “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” promises drama and suspense. According to CBS, the storyline unfolds in 1993, where a general’s rebellious teen son becomes the target of a dangerous gang member. The narrative juxtaposes past and present, as Gibbs navigates a place filled with memories, only to discover he is not alone.
In a twist that will please long-time fans, Bishop returns at the request of a new director, Tony DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly, to assist Gibbs as he seeks answers regarding the assailants responsible for a shooting incident. A sneak peek of the episode, shared on social media, captures a tense moment between Gibbs and Bishop, illustrating their camaraderie. Wickersham’s character compels a fond response from Gibbs, leading to a heartfelt exchange that resonates with audiences.
Wickersham’s return marks a significant development for *NCIS: Origins*, as she follows the reappearance of Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo earlier in the season. CBS revealed in June that Mark Harmon would resume his role as Gibbs throughout the series, and he has acted as both an executive producer and narrator since the show’s inception in 2024. His presence is pivotal, having previously appeared during the prequel’s launch and later in a crossover event involving the original series.
The actress previously bid farewell to her role in *NCIS* in May 2021. Reflecting on her time with the show, Wickersham shared her appreciation for the cast and crew, admitting that her journey was filled with laughter and learning. “This business is finicky and weird and consistency is a rarity,” she remarked at the time, emphasising her gratitude for being part of such a cherished programme.
As the new episode of *NCIS: Origins* approaches, anticipation is building among viewers eager to see how the story unfolds. With the combination of nostalgia and new developments, it seems likely to be not just a return for Bishop, but also a celebration of the series’ enduring legacy.
Fans can catch Wickersham back on screen when *NCIS: Origins* airs on Tuesday, 27 October, at 10 p.m. ET on CBS, with the episode available for streaming on Paramount+ the following day. The reunion of familiar characters promises to inject a fresh sense of excitement into the series, reminding audiences why they fell in love with the *NCIS* franchise in the first place.