Mark Harmon to Return as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in ‘NCIS: Origins’ Crossover Event
Mark Harmon will reprise his iconic role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in a special Veteran’s Day crossover event between “NCIS: Origins” and the original “NCIS,” marking his first on-screen appearance in the franchise since 2024.
The crossover will air on November 11, beginning with “NCIS: Origins” at 8 p.m., followed by “NCIS” at 9 p.m. The storyline involves a case from the 1990s investigated by a younger Gibbs (Austin Stowell) that is unexpectedly reopened in the present day. This return is highly anticipated by fans, as Gibbs’ departure from the flagship series in 2021 left a significant void.
Harmon, who starred as Gibbs for 18 seasons, will serve as the narrator of “NCIS: Origins” but will appear on screen during the crossover. According to co-showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal, “Four years ago, Gibbs disappeared to Alaska to live a life of solitude…We don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say Gibbs is no longer alone.” Harmon himself expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’m very proud of the storytelling that David and Gina are doing on ‘Origins.’ They came to me with an idea for Gibbs that I liked, and it seemed like a good time to check in with him.” You can learn more about the history of the NCIS franchise on CBS’s official website.
“NCIS: Origins” currently airs its second season, focusing on a young Gibbs’ early career as a special agent and the NCIS Camp Pendleton team led by Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid). The series is a production of CBS Studios, with Harmon and his son, Sean Harmon, serving as executive producers. Officials stated that the crossover event will offer fans a glimpse into Gibbs’ life and provide further context to his character’s evolution, as explored in NCIS.
Following the November 11th event, further details regarding Gibbs’ ongoing role in the “NCIS” universe will be announced, according to CBS representatives.
