NCIS: Origins Unveiled – All About Young Gibbs’ Story!

The NCIS universe is expanding in 2024 with the upcoming prequel series, NCIS: Origins.

“We are thrilled to continue expanding the NCIS universe in such a unique and unexpected way,” stated CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach in a press release. “Viewers can anticipate Mark Harmon’s return to CBS to narrate the intricate backstory of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ early years in NCIS: Origins, which will delve deeper into this character’s rich legacy while reintroducing beloved characters and introducing new ones.”

Despite Harmon stepping away from the Gibbs role in 2021 after an 18-year tenure, the character’s story is far from over. “This truly is the genesis of Leroy Jethro Gibbs,” commented co-showrunners Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North. “Even the most dedicated NCIS fans will find that they don’t know the whole story.”

The prequel will transport viewers back to 1991, preceding the events of NCIS, showcasing a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he embarks on his career as a new special agent at the nascent NCIS Camp Pendleton office. There, he establishes his position on a gritty, unconventional team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks.

Harmon won’t be reprising his Gibbs role on screen; however, he will lend his voice as the narrator. He will also serve as one of the executive producers alongside his son Sean Harmon. While Sean had previously portrayed Young Gibbs on NCIS, he won’t be stepping into the character’s shoes this time.

“The character of Gibbs has been an integral part of my life for 20 years, both in witnessing my father’s portrayal of the role and having the honor of playing Young Gibbs myself,” said Sean in a January press release. “I always believed there was an untold story about his earlier years, so I’m excited to be involved as a producer alongside Gina, David, and my dad as we unfold this narrative and reveal a new facet of this beloved character.”

In addition to a portrayal of Young Gibbs, fans can anticipate encounters with a youthful Mike Franks (originally played by Muse Watson). TVLine reported in January that a young Special Agent Vera Strickland, originated by Roma Maffia, is set to appear in the first season.

Co-showrunners Monreal and North, who previously collaborated for a decade on NCIS, will serve as executive producers for NCIS: Origins. North, currently the co-showrunner for NCIS, is also an executive producer alongside Mark on the franchise’s longest-running series.