Mark Harmon says fans will be “surprised” by his upcoming appearance in the upcoming NCIS and NCIS: ORIGINS crossover. “My first reaction to it was ‘How are they going to do it?’” Harmon, who played Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS for 19 seasons, told CBS. “But they have an idea that I thought made a lot of sense, and I’m here to support the show the best way I can, and part of that is being asked to do something as an actor that I find both pertinent to the storytelling and also believable.”
Harmon said he was “glad to be part of it, and I hope people like it,” adding, “I think [fans] are going to find out [what Gibbs has been up to]. I think they’re going to be surprised a little bit, too.” “I’m just here to support, and that has to do also with supporting this cast and this show and this network, and kind of being proud of something you put your name on,” the actor concluded.
The NCIS universe is expanding, and fans couldn’t be more excited. A returning star has teased a crossover in NCIS: ORIGINS that promises to shake things up and leave viewers on the edge of their seats. If you’re a fan of suspenseful investigations, witty banter, and unexpected twists, this is news you won’t want to miss. In this article, we’ll break down everything we know about the crossover, the returning star, and why this could be one of the most talked-about events in the NCIS franchise yet.
Why NCIS: ORIGINS Is Already a Fan Favorite
Since its debut, NCIS: ORIGINS has captured the hearts of viewers. Combining high-stakes military investigations with personal drama, the show stands out in a crowded television landscape.
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Authentic Military Drama: Realistic storylines make fans feel like they’re part of the investigation.
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Character Depth: Each agent has a backstory that keeps viewers emotionally invested.
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Crossover Potential: With ties to the main NCIS series, Origins has endless possibilities for surprise appearances.
Fans have been speculating about a major crossover for months, and it looks like their theories are finally coming true.
The Returning Star Making Waves
One of the most talked-about elements of this crossover is the return of a familiar face. This star, who has been integral to the NCIS franchise, teased that fans would be “surprised” by their appearance in Origins.
Who Is the Star?
While the network hasn’t officially confirmed the identity, insiders hint that it’s a fan-favorite character whose return could shift the dynamics of the team.
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Could it be a seasoned NCIS agent?
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A fan-loved villain turned ally?
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Someone whose story arc has been left unresolved?
The speculation alone has fans buzzing across social media, creating memes, discussions, and fan theories.
What Makes NCIS Crossovers So Exciting?
Crossovers are a tried-and-true way to boost engagement and ratings. But why do NCIS crossovers feel different?
Shared Universe Magic
By weaving characters and storylines together, NCIS creates a shared universe that feels alive and interconnected. Fans love spotting Easter eggs, hidden references, and the subtle nods to past episodes.
Unexpected Twists
Crossovers allow writers to introduce unexpected plot twists, forcing even long-time viewers to stay on their toes. One episode can change everything you thought you knew about a character.
Fans’ Expectations for the Crossover
Social media is buzzing with predictions about the upcoming crossover. Here’s what fans are hoping to see:
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Character Reunions: Long-lost friends and allies crossing paths again.
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High-Stakes Missions: The crossover is expected to feature complex cases that require teamwork across shows.
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Emotional Moments: Heartfelt scenes that remind viewers why they fell in love with NCIS in the first place.
Fans are particularly excited about how the returning star’s story will intersect with the Origins team.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets
The production team for NCIS is known for keeping details tightly under wraps, but a few hints have leaked.
Filming Locations
The crossover scenes are reportedly filmed in multiple locations, giving the story a cinematic feel. Expect high-intensity action sequences in both urban and military environments.
Guest Appearances
Alongside the returning star, there will likely be surprise cameos from other fan favorites. These appearances are designed to reward loyal viewers while keeping the story fresh for newcomers.
Why This Crossover Could Be the Biggest Yet
Some crossovers feel like minor events, but this one is shaping up to be a major milestone for the NCIS franchise.
Increased Stakes
With multiple teams involved, the narrative promises to be more complex, thrilling, and emotionally charged.
Broadening the Universe
The crossover will help further integrate Origins into the larger NCIS world, making future collaborations easier and more exciting.
Boosting Viewer Engagement
Ratings aside, crossovers generate massive online discussion, trending hashtags, and fan theories that keep the community buzzing long after the episode airs.
What the Returning Star Has Said
In a recent interview, the returning star teased their role in the crossover:
“Fans are going to be surprised by what happens. There’s a lot they haven’t seen from my character yet, and this crossover is the perfect time to show it.”
This quote alone has fueled speculation and excitement, prompting fans to revisit older episodes to look for clues.
Fan Theories You Need to Know
NCIS fans are master theorists. Here are the most popular predictions for the crossover:
A Secret Mission
Some believe the returning star will lead a top-secret mission that ties back to a previous NCIS case.
Unexpected Alliances
Others speculate that the crossover will force former rivals to work together, creating tense and unpredictable interactions.
Major Character Reveal
The most intriguing theory suggests that the crossover could reveal hidden aspects of a main character, shocking viewers and reshaping future storylines.
How Social Media Reacted
The announcement has caused a social media storm. Fans are sharing:
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Memes featuring the returning star
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Countdown posts to the crossover premiere
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Deep dives into past episodes for clues
This organic buzz is exactly what NCIS thrives on, and the network is already seeing an uptick in engagement.

What This Means for Future NCIS Seasons
The crossover isn’t just a one-off event; it has implications for the future of the NCIS franchise.
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Potential Spin-Offs: Success could lead to more interconnected series.
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Expanded Storylines: Characters may have ongoing arcs across multiple shows.
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Increased Fan Loyalty: Long-term fans will feel rewarded, boosting retention.
Behind the Writers’ Room
NCIS writers are experts at keeping viewers hooked. For this crossover:
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They’ve likely mapped out the season to integrate the returning star seamlessly.
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Easter eggs will reward observant viewers who follow multiple NCIS series.
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Dialogue will maintain the balance of humor, tension, and emotional depth fans expect.
How to Prepare for the Crossover
Want to get the most out of the upcoming episode?
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Catch Up on Previous Seasons: Refresh your memory on key characters.
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Follow NCIS Social Media Accounts: Official hints often drop online first.
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Join Fan Communities: Discussion boards and Reddit threads are goldmines for theories.
Why Returning Stars Matter in TV Shows
Returning characters can reignite interest in a series and strengthen fan loyalty. Here’s why they’re so powerful:
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Nostalgia Factor: Longtime fans feel connected to the original storylines.
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Character Depth: Returning stars can reveal new sides of their characters.
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Boost in Ratings: Familiar faces often attract lapsed viewers back to the show.
Countdown to the Big Reveal
The crossover’s release date is eagerly awaited. Fans are marking calendars and planning watch parties to catch every shocking moment.
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Social Media Live Reactions: Expect trending hashtags and live-tweet sessions.
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Fan Theories in Real-Time: Predictions will fly as scenes unfold.
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Global Buzz: NCIS has an international fanbase that will amplify the excitement.
Final Thoughts
The NCIS: ORIGINS crossover with a returning star promises surprises, excitement, and emotional depth. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this event is shaping up to be a must-watch moment in the franchise’s history.
With high stakes, unexpected alliances, and a returning fan-favorite, viewers are in for an unforgettable ride. Don’t blink—you won’t want to miss a second.