After years away, Mark Harmon is officially returning as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs — for a one-night, once-in-a-lifetime NCIS / NCIS: ORIGINS crossover event this Veterans Day! For the first time ever, two timelines will collide: the young Gibbs of the 1990s, still finding his footing in NCIS: Origins… and the legendary Gibbs we thought we’d said goodbye to. According to TV Line, the story begins decades ago — with a mysterious naval officer’s death in a small town — a case that will suddenly be reopened in the present day, pulling Gibbs out of the shadows for one final reckoning. What hidden truth is powerful enough to bring him back?
WOOHOOOOO! Mark Harmon’s Legendary Gibbs Is BACK for a One-Night NCIS / NCIS: Origins Crossover Event — And It’s Going to Blow Up Your TV
Fans of the NCIS universe, buckle up: the hero you never thought you’d see again is returning in style. Mark Harmon, who portrayed Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs for nearly two decades, is stepping back into the role in a crossover event like no other — and you absolutely don’t want to miss this. TVLine+1
One Night. Two Series. One Epic Case
On Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, the two shows are merging for a one-night special event. The prequel series NCIS: Origins will air first, followed by the flagship NCIS in a seamless timeline-spanning mystery. TVLine+1
The storyline? On Origins, the younger Gibbs and his team investigate a ’90s naval officer’s death in a small town — a case thought closed, only to be reopened in the present on NCIS. This twist bridges past and present, legacy and payoff. TVLine
What Makes This Return So Significant
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Harmon hasn’t appeared as Gibbs in a major on-screen capacity since his departure from NCIS in 2021, making this cameo-return a truly event-level moment. People.com+1
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The crossover isn’t just a nostalgic cameo. The showrunners say Gibbs is “no longer alone.”” TVLine
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The franchise expands: this isn’t just about NCIS. It’s about honoring its legacy, giving fans an emotional payoff, and weaving together threads that have spanned seasons, spin-offs, and years of storytelling.
What You’ll Be Watching For
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A young Gibbs (played in Origins) tackling the 1990s case — expect gritty flashbacks, sharp dialogue, and stakes that reach back decades.
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Harmon’s Gibbs stepping into the story, likely in ways both unexpected and deeply meaningful.
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References and Easter eggs that hardcore fans will catch — the kind of detail that makes longtime viewers perk up and fans of the franchise feel seen.
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The mechanics of how the case connects past and present: how did this naval officer’s death slip through the cracks? What changed between then and now? Why is Gibbs drawn back in?
Why This Matters
This event isn’t just a one-off stunt. It’s a celebration of what fans have loved about the NCIS universe: character depth, moral complexity, unflinching procedural grit — and the moments that make you root for someone even when they’re broken. Harmon’s return gives the series a chance to revisit its soul, answer lingering questions, and deliver a payoff for fans who have stayed loyal for years.
