For NCIS: Origins showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal, hearing the words “You’ve got a Season 2” wasn’t just a career milestone—it was “a real highlight of my life.” After crafting a prequel that surprised even longtime fans with its heart, depth, and vintage NCIS energy, the renewal for Season 2 felt like a resounding vote of confidence.
Let’s explore Monreal’s heartfelt response, what this renewal means for the cast and crew, and how fans helped make it happen.
A Dream Realized – Gina Lucita Monreal Gets the News
In a recent interview with TVLine, Monreal recalled the exact moment she learned about the Season 2 renewal:
“It was surreal. You work so hard, pouring yourself into every line, every detail, and to know the network believed in our story? That moment became a real highlight of my life.”
Monreal, a veteran NCIS writer and producer, has spent years building the lore of the franchise. With NCIS: Origins, she stepped into a new role—and clearly, she nailed it.
The Emotional Weight Behind the Greenlight
Unlike a traditional spin-off, NCIS: Origins took a bold, nostalgic approach, revisiting a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the early days of his NCIS career. That meant diving into the character’s emotional scars, moral compass, and relationships before the events of the flagship series.
“It’s More Than a Prequel”
Monreal described the show as “an origin story that redefines what we thought we knew.” And that challenge? It paid off.
Fans didn’t just tune in—they connected with the story. Viewers fell in love with a younger Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell), fresh from the Marines, trying to find his footing in a dangerous, complex world.
Season 1 Success – What Made It Click?
Character-Driven Storytelling
NCIS: Origins didn’t lean solely on action. It gave us:
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A more vulnerable Gibbs
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1980s agency culture (and tech)
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Early relationships that shaped future decisions
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An entirely fresh supporting cast that feels right
It was a mix of classic NCIS tone with deeper emotional arcs, and fans couldn’t get enough.
Fan Power Helped Secure Season 2
The renewal didn’t happen in a vacuum. Ratings were strong, yes—but what really tipped the scales? Fan engagement.
Social media was ablaze with hashtags like #YoungGibbs and #NCISOrigins, and fan art, theory threads, and nostalgic posts helped create a buzz that CBS couldn’t ignore.
“We saw the love,” Monreal said. “Every tweet, every comment, every post—it matters more than people realize.”
Austin Stowell Reacts to the Renewal
The man behind young Gibbs, Austin Stowell, shared his excitement on Instagram with a caption that simply read:
“He’s not done yet. Season 2. Let’s go.”
Short and sweet—but fans were losing it in the comments. His performance has been widely praised for capturing the stoic intensity and inner pain that Mark Harmon built over decades.
What to Expect in Season 2 – More Secrets, More Scars
Deeper Dive Into Gibbs’ Family History
With Season 1 teasing moments about Gibbs’ father and the impact of his military past, Season 2 is expected to dig into the early years that shaped his moral code.
More Agency Intrigue
We’ll also likely see more about the evolving NCIS structure in the 1980s, including rivalries, cover-ups, and maybe even the seeds of future long-running mysteries.
Cameos from Familiar Names?
While not confirmed, Monreal has teased that “names fans recognize” might pop up. Could we meet a young Ducky? Maybe even a pre-NCIS Fornell? 👀
The Challenges of Prequel Writing – Monreal’s Masterclass
Writing a prequel is tricky—you need to respect canon, build believable backstories, and still surprise fans who think they know everything.
Monreal pulled it off by:
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Tapping into character psychology instead of just plot
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Writing new, original stories that enhance—not overwrite—the existing lore
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Honoring Mark Harmon’s legacy, who also serves as executive producer
The Legacy of Mark Harmon – Still Felt Strong
Although Harmon doesn’t appear on-screen, his influence is everywhere. As an executive producer, he helped guide the emotional tone of young Gibbs.
“He didn’t just protect the legacy—he enriched it,” Monreal said.
When Will Season 2 Premiere?
While CBS hasn’t dropped a specific date, insiders suggest early 2026, with filming likely beginning in late 2025. Fans can expect a trailer and first look by the end of the year if schedules hold.
Where to Watch (or Rewatch) Season 1
All episodes of NCIS: Origins Season 1 are available to stream on Paramount+, and reruns are expected to air on CBS leading up to the Season 2 premiere.
Conclusion – A Heartfelt Moment That Sparked a New Era
For showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal, the Season 2 renewal of NCIS: Origins was more than just a win—it was a full-circle moment in a career built on storytelling, persistence, and passion. The fans showed up. The cast delivered. And now, we get to go even deeper into the making of a legend.
So buckle up, because Gibbs’ next chapter is just beginning—and the best stories? They’re the ones that show us where it all began.
🔍 5 Unique FAQs
Q1: Who is the showrunner of NCIS: Origins?
A: Gina Lucita Monreal, a longtime NCIS writer and producer.
Q2: Is Mark Harmon involved in NCIS: Origins?
A: Yes, as an executive producer—though he doesn’t appear on screen.
Q3: Who plays young Leroy Jethro Gibbs?
A: Austin Stowell portrays the younger version of Gibbs.
Q4: When will Season 2 of NCIS: Origins air?
A: Likely in early 2026, with filming expected to begin in late 2025.
Q5: Can new viewers watch NCIS: Origins without seeing the original?
A: Absolutely. It’s a standalone prequel that’s accessible to newcomers while rewarding longtime fans.
