PASADENA, CALIFORNIA — The impossible has finally happened. After four years away from the spotlight, NCIS legend Mark Harmon is officially returning as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, reigniting fan excitement and nostalgia in what’s shaping up to be one of the franchise’s biggest television events ever.
The long-awaited NCIS–NCIS: Origins crossover was announced by showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal, who confirmed that Harmon’s beloved character will reappear in a storyline that connects the past and present of the franchise’s universe.
“Four years ago, Gibbs disappeared to Alaska to live a life of solitude,” North and Monreal revealed. “We know how much fans have missed seeing Mark and have wondered what Gibbs is up to today. We don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say — Gibbs is no longer alone.”
A Return Years in the Making
Since Harmon’s emotional exit in NCIS Season 19, fans have speculated endlessly about Gibbs’ fate. His quiet departure left a void that no one — not even Alden Parker (Gary Cole) — could truly fill. Now, with NCIS: Origins exploring Gibbs’ early years under Mike Franks, his return bridges the decades-long story in a way that feels both nostalgic and monumental.
Those involved in the crossover describe Harmon’s presence as nothing short of transformative.
“I can’t tell you how much I love Mark,” said Kyle Schmid, who stars as young Mike Franks in NCIS: Origins. “Mark has been doing this for twenty-some years. He saw something in our show that he wanted to believe in. And when he said he’d come back for Episode 5, we were all over the moon. His presence elevates everything — it feels like lightning in a bottle.”
A Case That Spans Decades
The NCIS–Origins crossover — premiering Tuesday, November 11 — promises to deliver a case unlike any before, stretching from the 1990s to the present day.
Wilmer Valderrama (Nick Torres) and Austin Stowell (young Gibbs) first teased the event back in September, saying:
“Join us Tuesday, November 11 for an NCIS crossover event like no other. The goal is to resolve a case that spans decades.”
The two-hour special begins with NCIS: Origins at 8/7c, followed by NCIS at 9/8c on CBS, with both episodes available for streaming on Paramount+.
Harmon Speaks on His Homecoming
In a rare statement, Mark Harmon reflected on his decision to return and praised the creative direction of Origins, which he also produces.
“I’m very proud of the storytelling that David and Gina are doing on Origins,” Harmon said. “They continue to push boundaries and dive deeper into the characters’ backstories. They came to me with an idea for Gibbs that I liked — and it seemed like the right time to check in with him again. I hope fans enjoy it.”
The Heart of NCIS Still Beats Strong
Harmon’s return is more than just a cameo — it’s a symbolic reunion of NCIS’s past and present, a reminder of why Gibbs became one of television’s most enduring characters. As the NCIS universe continues to expand — with Tony & Ziva, Sydney, and Origins all running strong — this crossover proves that even after two decades, there’s still no replacing the original team leader.
And as for Gibbs’ quiet life in Alaska? Well… let’s just say he may not be as isolated as fans once thought.
📺 Don’t Miss It:
The NCIS–NCIS: Origins crossover airs Tuesday, November 11, beginning at 8/7c on CBS and streaming next day on Paramount+.
Would you tune in to see Gibbs back on screen?
✅ Yes ❌ No
