NCIS: Origins has been given a straight-to-series order at CBS, with Mark Harmon returning to the long-running procedural franchise to narrate and executive produce the prequel drama that will focus on the early years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
Harmon’s character, NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, was first introduced in two episodes of JAG in 2003. Gibbs would go on to become the main protagonist of the main NCIS series, which has grown into a franchise. He remained with NCIS for almost two decades, exiting in season 21.
What to know about NCIS: Origins
The prequel will take place in 1991, following Gibbs as he begins his career as a Special Agent at the NCIS Camp Pendleton office. There, he forges a “gritty, ragtag” team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks. In the original series, Franks was a recurring character played by Muse Watson.
According to Deadline, the idea of examining Gibbs’ early years originated with Sean Harmon. Sean, who is Mark Harmon’s son, played the younger version of Gibbs in seven episodes of NCIS. He approached CBS Studios about expanding the NCIS franchise with a prequel, though he will not be playing Gibbs. Instead, Sean Harmon will focus on executive producing.
NCIS: Origins is produced by CBS Studios. Mark Harmon, Sean Harmon, David J. North, and Gina Lucita Monreal will executive produce, with North and Monreal co-writing the premiere episode and serving as co-showrunners.
This is CBS’ latest new scripted series for the 2024-25 season, joining dramas Watson, Matlock, and The Good Wife spin-off Elsbeth, in addition to the comedy Poppa’s House.
“We are elated and honored to continue the expansion of the NCIS universe in such a unique and unexpected way,” said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. “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.”
“There’s no denying the cultural and global phenomenon of the NCIS franchise for the last 20 years,” said David Stapf, president of CBS Studios. “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.”
“We’re thrilled to be bringing this new chapter to life along with Mark and Sean Harmon,” said executive producers and co-showrunners Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North. “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.”
“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,” added executive producer Sean Harmon. “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.”
