CBS’ NCIS: Origins is continuing to weave familiar faces into its 1990s-set spinoff. In Season 2, Adam Campbell will reprise his fan-favorite role as the younger version of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard—this time in an episode that also honors the late David McCallum, who portrayed Ducky for 20 seasons on the flagship series.
“We wanted to do this episode to honor the memory of our dear friend David McCallum,” showrunners Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North said in a joint statement. “He was a beloved member of the NCIS family for so many years, and we’re incredibly lucky to have the talented Adam Campbell back to bring the younger version of this iconic character to life once again. We even got to feature David’s music in the episode. We’re all very excited and can’t wait for the fans to see it.”
Campbell’s Return as Ducky
Campbell has appeared in four NCIS episodes as young Ducky, most recently in 2020. His Origins comeback will take place in an installment titled “The Edge.” In the story, Ducky arrives at Camp Pendleton to shadow the team during a case—an opportunity that reconnects him with a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell), whom he previously crossed paths with years earlier.
Honoring a Legacy
McCallum, who passed away in September 2023, was one of the longest-serving members of the NCIS cast. His portrayal of the wise, eccentric medical examiner made him a cornerstone of the series. By including both Campbell’s performance and McCallum’s own music, the tribute episode blends the past and present in a way that will resonate deeply with fans.
When to Watch
Season 2 of NCIS: Origins premieres October 14 on CBS, with Monreal and North executive producing alongside Mark Harmon—who played Gibbs for 19 seasons—and Sean Harmon.
