If you’ve been counting the days until NCIS: Origins season 2 drops — take a breath, because it’s not happening anytime soon. Yep, the summer lineup just took a hit. CBS has hit the pause button, and fans are feeling the burn. But why the delay? What does this mean for the beloved prequel series? And when can we realistically expect season 2 to air? Let’s unpack all of that and more in this deep dive into what’s going on with NCIS: Origins.
What Is NCIS: Origins Anyway?
NCIS: Origins is the latest expansion in the NCIS universe — a prequel series focusing on a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he navigates his early career in the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Think of it as a time machine taking us back to Gibbs before he became the gruff legend we all know and love.
The Harsh Truth: No Season 2 This Summer
Let’s rip the Band-Aid off: season 2 isn’t coming this summer. CBS has confirmed a hiatus, and it’s not a short one. The network is keeping things tight-lipped, but insiders are suggesting production delays, scheduling conflicts, and strategic programming moves.
The Summer Hiatus Explained
So what’s this “summer hiatus” thing, anyway?
TV shows — especially network darlings like NCIS — often take breaks during the summer to retool, write new scripts, and manage the insane logistics of production. But when a new fan-favorite like Origins gets paused after just one season? That stings.
What’s Causing the Delay?
There isn’t just one reason — it’s a cocktail of factors:
1. Post-Strike Scheduling Chaos
The Hollywood strikes threw a major wrench in nearly every TV show’s timeline. NCIS: Origins wasn’t immune. Even though season 1 survived, season 2’s timeline is still recovering.
2. Writer’s Room Recalibration
Season 1’s success means bigger expectations for season 2. The writers need more time to craft tighter storylines, deeper character arcs, and that signature NCIS magic.
3. Strategic Network Planning
CBS might be spacing out its NCIS content to avoid franchise fatigue. They know fans will wait — and sometimes, holding back builds even more hype.
How Fans Are Reacting (Spoiler: Not Well)
Let’s just say… Twitter is not pleased.
From angry memes to teary-eyed TikToks, the fandom has made it clear: they’re not happy. But many are also hoping the delay means season 2 will be worth the wait.
What This Means for NCIS as a Franchise
NCIS: Origins is just one arm of a sprawling franchise that includes NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: Hawai’i, and more. A delay here might ripple through the entire NCIS timeline.
Could this be a chance for crossovers? Fresh characters? Expanded backstories? Possibly.
Is There a Release Date for Season 2?
As of now, no official release date has been announced. However, industry insiders speculate a mid-to-late 2025 release could be realistic if production resumes in the fall.
Clues from Cast and Crew
Some cast members have dropped subtle hints on Instagram and other social platforms — cryptic photos, throwback behind-the-scenes shots, or vague “See you soon” captions. It’s not much, but it’s something.
What We Can Expect from Season 2
When season 2 does arrive, expect:
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Deeper exploration into Gibbs’ motivations and moral compass
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New characters from the NCIS universe
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More complex cases with real-life parallels
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Flashbacks and twists that tie directly to the original series
Who’s Returning for Season 2?
While CBS hasn’t confirmed the full returning cast, it’s likely we’ll see:
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Austin Stowell as Young Gibbs
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Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks
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Possibly new additions that link the prequel to the original timeline
When Will Filming Resume?
Production is expected to kick off late 2024 — if all goes according to plan. But in TV land, “plans” often change overnight.
Why This Delay Might Be a Blessing in Disguise
Yes, waiting sucks. But there’s a silver lining:
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More time = better writing
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Delayed hype = more audience build-up
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Room for surprise announcements and epic trailers
Sometimes the best meals are the ones that take time to cook.
How to Keep Up With Updates
Don’t rely on rumors — get updates directly from:
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CBS official social pages
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NCIS fan forums
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Entertainment news outlets like Deadline, Variety, or TVLine
Turn on notifications. Stay alert. The next clue could drop any day.
What to Watch in the Meantime
While we wait for NCIS: Origins to return, consider binge-watching:
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NCIS Season 1-20 for Easter eggs and context
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NCIS: Hawai’i for fresh energy
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JAG — the OG series that started it all
Who knows? You might notice connections you missed before.
Final Thoughts: Patience, Gibbs Fans
Sure, the wait is brutal. But here’s the thing — good stories take time. If CBS is holding off on season 2, it’s likely because they want to deliver something unforgettable. So hang in there, keep your theories brewing, and remember…
Gibbs would want you to stay calm and wait for the plan.
