In the wake of NCIS: Hawai’i’s surprise cancellation, CBS is gearing up to launch a new spinoff, NCIS: Origins, this fall. The series will serve as a prequel, following a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as a newly minted special agent. Starring a fresh, young cast, NCIS: Origins will explore uncharted storytelling territory for the franchise. Kyle Schmid, who takes over the role of legendary agent Mike Franks from Muse Watson, shared how Mark Harmon and others have supported the production.
Fans were thrilled when it was announced that Harmon was developing this new NCIS spinoff. Although he won’t star in the show, he will serve as its narrator and executive producer, spending significant time with the new cast. Schmid told TV Insider about Harmon’s invaluable guidance:
“I think it’s a great opportunity to be part of something grandfathered into the industry as a standard for procedural television. Mark Harmon did it and put his stamp on it and kind of led the way for everybody. It has been a really neat experience because he has lent his expertise and advice, and help to all of us through emails and calls. Just time spent piquing his brain has been really important.”
Harmon’s involvement is crucial, given that the series revolves around his iconic character. Ensuring continuity, half of the key players in NCIS: Origins are familiar to fans. Schmid also shared that he’s received advice from Muse Watson, the original Mike Franks:
“He and I have become friends. We talk every couple of weeks and catch up on life. Having his blessing to play a younger version of a character he developed has been very cool.”
Playing an established character is challenging, but Schmid’s transition into the role of Franks has been smoother thanks to Watson’s and Harmon’s mentorship. NCIS: Origins promises to be an exciting addition to the franchise when it premieres this fall on CBS. Fans eagerly await to see what Kyle Schmid, Austin Stowell, and the rest of the cast bring to the series’ legacy.
