Now that we’re going to see Mark Harmon onscreen again as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, what are the chances he reprises the role again in the future? He’s appearing in the Tuesday, November 11, NCIS and NCIS: Origins crossover, in the first hour, the prequel’s. “I don’t know,” Harmon admits to TV Insider. “[Showrunners] Gina [Lucita Monreal] and David [J. North] had an idea. I obviously like them, I admire ’em, worked with ’em for a very long time. They’re very good. They had an idea, and I liked the idea.”

He continues, “I try really hard to think about what’s best for the show or what possibly can work for this show. But part of that also is giving them the ability to write what they feel is right for the reasons they feel it’s right. I try hard not to bother them, not to make their job harder than it is, and it’s plenty hard just developing this new show. And I’m reminded by that because it’s exactly what the mothership was when it first debuted. And this is on a similar path, which is not a bad idea if it works. So, we’ll see.”

Harmon starred as Gibbs on NCIS for 18 full seasons before exiting as a series regular in its 19th. He hasn’t been seen onscreen since on the mothership, though he remains an executive producer. He’s also an EP on Origins, where he narrates every episode as the series follows the young version of his character, played by Austin Stowell, in his early days at NIS (the agency name change is coming soon). He did appear onscreen in the Origins premiere; the prequel shows him still in Alaska as he looks back on his past.

A Big Moment for the NCIS Franchise

If you’re a fan of the NCIS universe, then you know how huge it is that Mark Harmon—who made his name playing Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs—may be stepping back into the spotlight. After exiting as a regular in Season 19, fans have been wondering: will he return physically to NCIS or at least show up more in its prequel, NCIS: Origins? Let’s break it down.

The Departure – What Happened to Gibbs on NCIS

Gibbs’ Exit from the Original Series

Mark Harmon wrapped up his run on NCIS at the end of Season 19. His departure was emotional for fans; Gibbs walked away from the team and entered retirement in Alaska.

Leaving a Void in the Franchise

Gibbs wasn’t just a character—he was the anchor of NCIS for nearly two decades. His exit created a vacuum, and the question looming was: who could fill it? The franchise decided they didn’t want to replace Gibbs so much as explore where he came from.

Enter the Prequel – NCIS: Origins and Harmon’s Role

What Is NCIS: Origins?

NCIS: Origins is a prequel set in the early 1990s, focusing on a young Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) and his early days with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service at Camp Pendleton.

Mark Harmon’s Involvement

While Harmon is not playing young Gibbs, he’s deeply involved. He serves as an executive producer, narrates the series, and made an on-screen cameo in the premiere episode of the prequel.

H3: The Purpose of His Role

His involvement helps anchor the prequel in the larger NCIS universe. He provides a bridge between the past (young Gibbs) and present (older Gibbs), which keeps longtime fans invested.

The Crossover Event – Gibbs Returns (Sort Of)

What’s Happening November 11, 2025

On Veteran’s Day 2025, a special crossover event between NCIS and NCIS: Origins is scheduled. Find this moment described as a “decades-spanning mystery” that connects the two shows.

What It Means for Mark Harmon

This crossover is the vehicle that brings Gibbs—and by extension, Mark Harmon—back in a more visible way. According to reports, he will physically appear in the crossover, marking his first on-screen return since leaving NCIS.

Gibbs’ Role in the Crossover

The story implies a case that began in the 1990s (Origins era) and has repercussions in the present day (NCIS era). Gibbs will presumably connect those dots.

So… Will Mark Harmon Return to NCIS Permanently?

The Likelihood of a Full-Time Return

From what creators have said, a full-time return to NCIS for Harmon doesn’t seem likely—at least not yet. His involvement is more selective and story-driven. For example:

• He narrates NCIS: Origins “for as long as the show is on” and “as long as Mark wants to do it.”

• He has appeared on-screen in NCIS: Origins but has not been confirmed as rejoining the flagship series in the regular cast.

Why Full-Time Return Might Not Make Sense

There are several reasons:

• Production/commitment: He’s now taking different roles (producer, narrator) and may prefer less screen time.

• Narrative focus: The story is shifting to younger Gibbs in Origins, meaning his return would need a strong story justification.

• Franchise strategy: NCIS wants to evolve and bring new life, not rely solely on past anchors.

But Don’t Rule It Out Completely

The creators themselves aren’t closing the door:

• “Anything is possible,” they’ve said with regards to Harmon’s return to more physical on-screen roles.

• Fans are clamoring for it, and the crossover sets the stage for further possibilities.

Will He Return to NCIS: Origins More Often?

On-Screen Appearances Beyond the Cameo

While Harmon’s cameo in the Origins pilot was brief (by the campfire in Alaska), the crossover event gives him another on-screen opportunity.

His Voice Over Role is Set

The showrunners confirmed: Harmon continuing as narrator is “absolutely the plan… as long as Mark wants to do it.”

What Fans Want vs. What We Know

Fans want to see more physical Gibbs in Origins; narratives like character deaths and major developments could pave the way. For example, one analysis sees the death of a character in Origins as a “key to Mark Harmon returning.”

What This Means for Fans & Franchise

For Longtime Viewers

If you’ve been with NCIS since the early days: Gibbs is like a familiar friend. His return, even cameo, brings a sense of closure and expansion—seeing past and present interact.

For New Viewers or Origins-Only Watchers

This crossover and Harmon’s participation bring added credibility. It signals that Origins isn’t just a spin-off—it’s deeply connected to the main series.

For the Franchise Strategy

Bringing Harmon back selectively is smart: it respects his legacy, gives fans what they want, while allowing NCIS to evolve. The crossover builds connectivity among the series in the NCIS “verse.”

Key Questions Raised by His Return

Will Gibbs Actively Participate in Cases Again?

So far his role has been retrospective (narration, cameo). The crossover could mark a shift to more active involvement. It remains to be seen how deeply he’ll step into present-day cases.

How Will Origins Tie Into the Present?

Origins focuses on early Gibbs; the crossover shows a case spanning decades. This dual timeline is a narrative challenge—and opportunity.

Could This Lead to a Gibbs Solo Story Again?

Some speculate that an event like this might lead to special episodes just about Gibbs—his life after Alaska, reflection, mentoring. The groundwork’s there.

Will Harmon’s Return Impact Ratings?

Given how beloved Gibbs is, his return—especially the crossover—could spike interest, bring old fans back, and generate social media buzz.

My Prediction—What I Think Will Happen

• Mark Harmon will not become a full-time cast member of NCIS again.

• He will continue to narrate NCIS: Origins for at least Season 2 and possibly beyond.

• He will make on-screen appearances tied to special episodes or events (like the crossover).

• If the crossover is successful, we might see occasional Gibbs appearances in Origins (with older Gibbs in present day) but only when story justifies it.

• The bigger emphasis will be on young Gibbs in Origins and the future of the NCIS franchise, with Harmon’s presence offering continuity and prestige.

Why It’s a Smart Move for All Involved

For Mark Harmon Himself

Less demanding than being a regular star, more creative input as producer/narrator, and flexibility to do other things while still associated with the franchise.

For NCIS: The Franchise

It retains one of its most iconic characters without major disruption, allowing new stories and cast to grow while still staying tied to legacy.

For the Audience

Fans get the best of both worlds: the nostalgia of Gibbs + fresh energy of a prequel. It’s emotionally satisfying and creatively interesting.

Risks & Considerations

Risk of Over-Dependency on Nostalgia

If the show leans too heavily on Harmon’s return rather than building new characters, it could stall. Critics already warned: Harmon is the only returning actor playing the same character from the original.

Narrative Complexity

Handling two timelines (90s Origins + present day NCIS) is tricky. The crossover must deliver story payoff or fans may feel short-changed.

Fan Expectations

When fans believe a major return is coming, management of expectation is key. If Harmon returns in a limited role only, some may feel misled.

Final Thoughts Before the Crossover

This is an exciting moment for the NCIS universe. Whether you’re a die-hard Gibbs fan or new to the series via the prequel, the upcoming crossover (and Mark Harmon’s return) signals something bigger: nostalgia meeting new storytelling. It suggests that the franchise is ready to grow—but still honoring its roots.

The big question isn’t just will Mark Harmon come back — it’s how he’ll come back. And how his appearance ties into the story of Gibbs, and by extension, the NCIS universe.

Conclusion

In short: yes—Mark Harmon will return in some capacity to the NCIS universe. He’s already back as narrator and executive producer for NCIS: Origins, and he will physically appear in the upcoming crossover event with NCIS. However, a full-time return to the original series seems unlikely at this time. The franchise appears to be using his presence as a bridge between the past and future, rather than reinstating him to his old starring role. For fans, this means you’ll get to see Gibbs again—but in a way that respects both the character’s legacy and the new direction the show is heading.