The NCIS universe just got shaken—in the best way possible. Mark Harmon has finally broken his silence about returning full-time as Leroy Jethro Gibbs… and his reaction has fans buzzing! After stepping away in Season 19, the beloved actor couldn’t help but laugh when asked if he’d ever reclaim his old desk. But then he admitted something no one expected: if fans really want him back, they “gotta write letters.” ✉️ And here’s where it gets even more exciting. Harmon is officially returning to the screen in the very first NCIS × NCIS: Origins crossover—his first on-camera appearance since retiring. Not only that, he’s narrating the entire Origins prequel series, giving viewers a fresh look into Gibbs’ early days and the moments that shaped him. While a full-time return in Season 23 is unlikely, insiders say a recurring role is very possible… which means more Gibbs, more surprises, and more reasons for longtime fans to celebrate. The door isn’t just cracked open—it’s waiting to swing wide

Mark Harmon Teases Return as Gibbs — Could the Legend Be Back in Full Force?

After stepping away from his iconic role as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS in 2021, Mark Harmon is making fans sit up and take notice once again. The Sun+3People.com+3Good Housekeeping+3
He’s already confirmed a guest-appearance in a major crossover event with the franchise’s prequel series, and in a recent interview he acknowledged the possibility—though not the certainty—of a full-time return. Good Housekeeping

Why this matters

For nearly two decades, Gibbs – played by Harmon – was the face of NCIS. His exit marked a major shift for the show. Wikipedia+1
Now, with Harmon open to returning in some capacity, the question on every fan’s mind: could the legend really suit up again?

What we know so far

• Mark Harmon will appear as Gibbs in the first ever crossover between NCIS and its prequel, NCIS: Origins, airing Nov 11 2025. EW.com+1

• He currently serves as narrator and executive producer on Origins. Wikipedia+1

• Regarding a full-time Gibbs return, Harmon laughed when asked and said: fans “gotta write letters” to bring him back, hinting openness but emphasising the likelihood is limited. Facebook+1

• With the new team led by Gary Cole at the helm of NCIS from Season 23 onward, a full-time return by Harmon could upset the dynamic. The most likely scenario: a recurring guest star rather than a permanent fixture. The Sun

What could a return mean—for the show and for fans

1. Nostalgia + freshness – Bringing Gibbs back, even occasionally, allows long-time viewers to reconnect with the character while the show continues charting new territory.

2. Story potential – With Origins digging into Gibbs’ early career, his return could bridge past and present, giving satisfying pay-offs for longtime fans. People.com+1

3. Balance of legacy and evolution – Harmon’s cameo model allows the show to honour its roots without overshadowing the new cast’s momentum.

When? And how much?

If you’re hoping for Gibbs to become a full-time agent again, you may need to temper expectations. The article from Facebook-linked sources suggests that while a full return to regular cast status is “highly unlikely” for Season 23, recurring appearances are a plausible best-case scenario. Facebook
That means: keep the calendar open for surprise Gibbs moments, but don’t expect him back every week.

In a TV era of spin-offs, reboots and legacy characters returning, Harmon’s willingness to come back—even temporarily—signals something meaningful. It says the franchise still values Gibbs’ story. It says the fans still matter. And it says the door isn’t permanently closed.
In other words: this isn’t just another guest star. It’s a symbol of continuity, of honouring a legacy, and of potentially rewriting what the next chapter of NCIS will look like.