With the debut of NCIS: Origins just under a month away, it’s now confirmed that Mark Harmon will reprise his role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the highly anticipated prequel series. Harmon, who last portrayed the iconic character in 2021 during NCIS Season 19, Episode 4, “Great Wide Open,” is set to make a brief appearance in the new show. NCIS: Origins will explore the early years of Gibbs’ career, with actor Austin Stowell stepping into the role of a young Gibbs. Harmon will serve as the series’ narrator and executive producer.
According to Deadline, Harmon’s on-screen return will be a cameo during the premiere episode. Co-showrunner David J. North confirmed the news in a recent interview, though he kept specific details about Harmon’s scenes under wraps. North explained that the decision to include Harmon in the series was the result of discussions between Harmon, himself, and fellow co-showrunner Gina Monreal. North expressed excitement for the character’s return, saying, “I hope the audience will be excited to see him after so many years.”
As for the possibility of future appearances by Harmon as Gibbs, North clarified that nothing is set in stone but left the door open for more. “We are focusing on him telling the story of 1991,” he said. “As far as Mark appearing again, we are open to anything.”
With Harmon’s cameo and his role as narrator, NCIS: Origins is set to offer fans a nostalgic yet fresh look at the character’s early days in the Naval Investigative Service. The series is expected to dive into Gibbs’ formative experiences, while Harmon’s presence provides a bridge between the original NCIS and this exciting new chapter in the franchise.
