NCIS: Origins Prequel Series to Follow Young Gibbs, Mark Harmon Will Return
An NCIS prequel series will explore Gibbs’ backstory with Mark Harmon set to return.
An NCIS prequel series is in the works at CBS.
Per Deadline, CBS has given a series order to NCIS: Origins, a prequel that will focus on a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the early 1990s. Franchise star Mark Harmon will return for the series, as he’ll be serving as the narrator. The actor’s real-life son, Sean Harmon, who also played the younger Gibbs in several episodes of NCIS, is on board for the new show as well, but in a behind-the-scenes role. The two Harmons will be executive producers for NCIS: Origins with NCIS writers-producers Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North. Monreal and North are also serving as co-showrunners.
A new actor will be brought in to play the young Gibbs in NCIS: Origins, and the search is now underway. Sean Harmon said of the character’s casting in a statement, “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.”
“We are elated and honored to continue the expansion of the NCIS universe in such a unique and unexpected way,” CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach added. “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.”
Plot Details Revealed for NCIS: Origins
Some plot details have also been shared about the new series. NCIS: Origins will pick up in 1991, long before the events of NCIS. It begins with Gibbs starting 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.” Fans may remember Muse Watson playing the Mike Franks character in the original NCIS.
NCIS is still going strong, though Mark Harmon had departed the show in its nineteenth season. Season 21 is set to premiere on Feb. 12. That same day, the third season of the spinoff series, NCIS: Hawai’i, will also premiere. Meanwhile, Australia recently premiered the new spinoff series NCIS: Sydney on Paramount+ Australia.
NCIS: Origins has been ordered for the 2024-25 season, but it doesn’t yet have a set premiere date.
Source: Deadline
