Mark Harmon Returns as Gibbs in the CBS Prequel Series NCIS: Origins

Mark Harmon will reprise the role of Gibbs in the upcoming CBS series NCIS: Origins.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs returns! No, this is not a case of fan fiction. CBS has ordered the straight-to-series prequel NCIS: Origins. And not only will the series feature the return of the beloved character, but actor Mark Harmon reprises the role as the narrator of Young Gibbs’ adventures. Harmon will also serve as an executive producer on the show along with his son, Sean Harmon. Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North will also participate as EPs on the project. Check out the synopsis, courtesy of a press release, below:

“NCIS: ORIGINS begins in 1991, years prior to the events of NCIS and follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, narrated by Mark Harmon. In the series, Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks.”

The President of CBS Entertainment, Amy Reisenbach, said in the same press release:

“We are elated and honored to continue the expansion of the NCIS universe in such a unique and unexpected way. Viewers can look forward to Mark Harmon returning to CBS to narrate the complex and mysterious backstory of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ early years in NCIS: ORIGINS, which will build on the rich legacy of this character while reintroducing fan-favorite characters and meeting new ones.”

Related: Why Did Mark Harmon Abruptly Leave NCIS?

Gibbs Returns in NCIS: Origins

Mark Harmon shocked the world when he left NCIS following the conclusion of the 2021 episode, Great Wide Open. Gibbs decides to remain in Alaska, as a teary-eyed McGee (Sean Murray) leaves his friend and mentor behind. But that final shot of McGee flying away, while Gibbs fishes, won’t be the last time fans see the character. And the President of CBS Studios, David Stapf, seems just as excited as the NCIS diehards must feel about the announcement of Young Gibbs’ return in NCIS: Origins. Stapf said in the same press release:

“There’s no denying the cultural and global phenomenon of the NCIS franchise for the last 20 years. When Sean and Mark approached us all with this exciting expansion of the universe – exploring a young Gibbs – we knew it was the next story that needed to be told. We also couldn’t be luckier to have Gina and David at the helm as co-showrunners who are not only brilliant and adept writers, but know this character and universe so well.”

Mark’s son, Sean Harmon, portrayed the younger version of Gibbs on NCIS, and he will also serve as one of the prequel’s executive producers. Harmon said in the same press release:

“The character of Gibbs has been an important part of my life for 20 years, both in watching my father craft the role and previously having the honor to play young Gibbs myself. I always felt there was a tale worth telling about his earlier years, so I am thrilled to be stepping into a producing role alongside Gina, David and my dad as we tell this story and reveal a new side of this beloved character.”

Executive producers and co-showrunners, Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North, also expressed their excitement in the press release. The creatives said:

“We’re thrilled to be bringing this new chapter to life along with Mark and Sean Harmon. This really is the making of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. And even the most dedicated NCIS fans will discover that they don’t know the whole story.”

NCIS: Origins is scheduled to join the CBS 2024-2025 season, at the time of this writing.