Gibbs’ Legacy Is in Good Hands
Leroy Jethro Gibbs isn’t just a character—he’s the backbone of NCIS. So, when CBS announced NCIS: Origins, a prequel series focused on young Gibbs’ early days with the agency, fans had one massive question: Will it mess with the canon?
Now, thanks to a revealing interview with the series’ showrunner, we’ve got the answer—and it’s a relief.
“The canon matters to us. We know who Gibbs is, and we’re building from what’s already been told, not rewriting it,” said NCIS: Origins showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal.
What Is NCIS: Origins?
NCIS: Origins is the upcoming prequel series set in the early 1990s, long before Gibbs became the stoic, coffee-fueled leader we all know. The show will follow young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he joins the NCIS field office at Camp Pendleton after his time in the Marines and his personal loss.
This is the Gibbs we’ve heard about for years—raw, grieving, dangerous, and still learning to follow his own rules.
Respecting the NCIS Timeline
Over the years, NCIS has dropped countless breadcrumbs about Gibbs’ past:
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His first wife Shannon and daughter Kelly, tragically murdered.
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His revenge mission against Pedro Hernandez, their killer.
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His early years with Mike Franks as a mentor.
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His experience in Desert Storm as a Marine sniper.
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His notorious Rule Book, shaped over decades.
The showrunner has confirmed that none of this will be erased or changed. Instead, Origins will explore the moments in between—the pain, the decisions, and the emotional journey that turned a grieving Marine into one of the most respected special agents in the agency’s history.
Mark Harmon’s Involvement Is the Secret Sauce
If you were worried about authenticity, don’t be. Mark Harmon, who played Gibbs from 2003 to 2021, is executive producing NCIS: Origins—and his son, Sean Harmon, will serve as a producer too. Sean has played young Gibbs in flashback scenes on the flagship series, so his fingerprints are all over the origin story.
“Nobody knows Gibbs like Mark does,” said Monreal. “He’s been instrumental in making sure we honor who the character is and what he’s gone through.”
What We Know So Far
Casting:
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Austin Stowell (from Catch-22 and Whiplash) will play young Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
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Other key casting details are still under wraps, but expect to see familiar names like Mike Franks show up in their earlier years.
Setting:
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Early ’90s, Southern California, focused around the NCIS office at Camp Pendleton.
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Expect retro tech, classic cars, and pre-digital-era investigations.
Themes:
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Grief, discipline, loyalty, and transformation.
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The evolution of Gibbs’ infamous “gut instinct.”
Gibbs Fans Are Relieved—and Curious
The NCIS fanbase is nothing if not passionate. Once “Origins” was announced, Reddit threads and Facebook groups lit up with concern:
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“Are they going to change what happened to Shannon and Kelly?”
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“Will the Pedro Hernandez story stay intact?”
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“Please don’t retcon the Rule Book!”
Luckily, Monreal’s comments hit the right note: canon is sacred. Every event you remember from NCIS—even the ones only hinted at—will form the foundation of the show, not be ignored or rewritten.
What Will Origins Explore That NCIS Didn’t?
1. Gibbs Before the Rules
We’ve seen the result of Gibbs’ journey. Now we’ll see how he got there. Expect him to struggle with authority, grief, and his own sense of justice.
2. His Relationship With Mike Franks
We’ve heard so much about their mentor-mentee bond—now we’ll get to watch it develop in real time.
3. How the Rules Were Born
The infamous Gibbs Rules didn’t come from nowhere. Origins may finally give us context for Rules like #6 (“Never say you’re sorry”) and #9 (“Never go anywhere without a knife”).
This Isn’t Just for Old Fans—It’s for New Ones Too
While longtime NCIS fans are the obvious audience, Origins is designed to be accessible to newcomers. Whether you’ve watched every season or never seen an episode, the show will offer a gripping, character-driven procedural set in a fresh era with emotional stakes.
Could This Lead to a New NCIS Universe?
Given CBS’ recent trend of expanding the NCIS brand (NCIS: Hawai’i, NCIS: Sydney, and now Origins), it’s not a stretch to imagine that Origins could launch its own timeline or spinoffs. Perhaps we’ll meet younger versions of other key figures—like Ducky, Fornell, or even Vance.
Conclusion
The legacy of Leroy Jethro Gibbs has always been a cornerstone of NCIS, and with NCIS: Origins, it’s clear the team behind it understands the assignment. By honoring the established canon and giving fans the deeper look they’ve always wanted, the series has the potential to be both a respectful tribute and a thrilling new story in its own right.
And if there’s one thing we know about Gibbs—it’s that everything he does has a reason. Now, we’ll finally get to see why.
FAQs
1. Will NCIS: Origins change any part of Gibbs’ backstory?
No. The showrunner confirmed the series will respect existing canon and build from what fans already know.
2. Is Mark Harmon involved in NCIS: Origins?
Yes! He’s an executive producer, and his son Sean Harmon is also on board behind the scenes.
3. When will NCIS: Origins premiere?
CBS hasn’t set an official release date, but it’s expected to debut during the 2025–2026 TV season.
4. Who plays young Gibbs in the new show?
Austin Stowell will portray a younger version of Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
5. Will familiar characters like Mike Franks appear?
Yes, the series will explore Gibbs’ early relationships, including his partnership with Mike Franks and other early influences.
Custom Message:
Every story has a beginning—and for Gibbs, it’s one we’ve only heard in whispers. NCIS: Origins promises to bring those moments to light, staying true to the legacy while crafting something fresh. We’re ready—are you?
