Over two decades after NCIS first premiered—and even longer since its roots in JAG—one original cast member is speaking candidly about whether he’d ever return to the long-running franchise.
David James Elliott Gets Real About a Comeback
While promoting his upcoming Syfy series Revival, actor David James Elliott, best known for playing Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr. on JAG, was asked by TV Insider whether fans might see him reprise the role once more—this time in NCIS Season 23.
His response was honest and grounded:
“I don’t see that happening,” Elliott said.
“I did [NCIS: LA] because of R. Scott Gemmill, who was a writer in the first two seasons of JAG and later ran NCIS: LA. He’s still a friend. I pitched him an idea, and he liked it. We were talking about doing something with Harm, and then he said, ‘Why don’t we do this?’ And I said, ‘Great.’ It was fun. I don’t really know anyone on NCIS, but if they came to me, I’d certainly consider it. So, who knows.”
The Legacy of JAG and Its NCIS Origins
Before NCIS became a global phenomenon, JAG laid the groundwork. The military legal drama aired from 1995 to 2005 and introduced NCIS characters in a two-part backdoor pilot in JAG Season 8. From there, NCIS spun off and launched one of television’s most enduring franchises, now preparing to air its 23rd season.
Elliott’s Harm was central to JAG’s decade-long success, and while he never appeared in the flagship NCIS, he did return for a well-received three-episode arc in NCIS: Los Angeles in 2019—alongside Catherine Bell, who played Harm’s long-standing love interest, Mac.
What His Return Meant—And Why It Might Be Enough
Elliott and Bell’s return on NCIS: LA didn’t wrap their characters’ story with a tidy ending, but that was part of its appeal. The cameos hinted at an unresolved, complicated relationship and offered a realistic look at how life had evolved for the former JAG officers. It didn’t need closure to feel authentic.
With NCIS moving deeper into its own identity—especially after Mark Harmon’s departure—the chance of seeing Harm back in uniform seems increasingly unlikely. Still, Elliott leaves the door cracked open: the right story or event, such as a series finale or anniversary episode, could draw him back in.
Is Another JAG Reunion Possible?
A major JAG reunion within NCIS would certainly be a nostalgic treat for longtime fans. But for now, the procedural has evolved far beyond its origins, and any return would need to serve the story—not just the sentiment.
Our take? If the stars align, a surprise appearance by Harm in a special episode—say, a major milestone or crossover—could deliver a powerful punch of nostalgia. But for now, Elliott’s realistic view keeps expectations grounded.
NCIS Season 23 premieres later this year on CBS, and JAG is available for streaming on Paramount+. Stay tuned for more updates on legacy crossovers, franchise expansions, and behind-the-scenes insights.
