Before NCIS became one of the most successful franchises in TV history, there was JAG—the courtroom-meets-battleground drama that mixed military precision with compelling legal drama. Now, decades later, the conversation around a possible JAG reboot is heating up again, and one of its original stars is finally weighing in.
At 64 years old, this JAG veteran isn’t ruling anything out—and his thoughts might give fans of the classic series a reason to get their hopes up.
Let’s dive into what he said, why a reboot could work today, and how it would fit into the broader NCIS universe.
What Was ‘JAG’ and Why Does It Matter?
JAG (short for Judge Advocate General) debuted in 1995 and ran for 10 seasons, wrapping in 2005. It followed the lives of Navy lawyers who investigated and prosecuted military crimes, blending courtroom drama with action-packed missions and moral complexity.
It was groundbreaking for its mix of legal storytelling and military authenticity—and it’s the show that directly launchedthe NCIS franchise. Without JAG, there would be no Gibbs, no Abby Sciuto, no DiNozzo… basically no NCIS universe.
The 64-Year-Old Star Speaks Out
Recently, David James Elliott, who played Commander Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr., shared his thoughts on the possibility of a JAG reboot. While he didn’t confirm anything in the works, his tone was far from dismissive.
“I think it’s a great time for stories like JAG to come back. The world’s changed a lot, but some of those core values—duty, honor, justice—still matter more than ever.”
At 64, Elliott still carries the charisma and gravitas that made Harm such an iconic character. He’s stayed active in the industry and even made guest appearances in NCIS: Los Angeles, proving he’s still got the chops to lead.
Why Now Could Be the Perfect Time for a ‘JAG’ Reboot
Television has shifted a lot since JAG first aired—but in some ways, it’s circled back. Here’s why a reboot would be perfectly timed:
1. Nostalgia Is In
From Frasier to Magnum P.I. and even Quantum Leap, TV reboots are trending. Networks are banking on familiar names that still have loyal fan bases.
2. Military and Legal Dramas Still Pull Ratings
Shows like NCIS, FBI, and The Good Fight prove that audiences still love justice-driven stories with complex characters.
3. The ‘NCIS’ Universe Is Still Booming
With NCIS: Sydney joining the lineup and spinoffs like Tony & Ziva reportedly in the works, expanding backward to the original JAG roots makes strategic sense.
4. There’s Room for a More Modern Lens
A reboot could tackle modern military issues—cyber warfare, gender integration, international law—while staying true to the show’s original heart.
Where Did ‘JAG’ Leave Off? A Quick Refresher
The final episode of JAG ended on a cliffhanger: Harm and Mac (Catherine Bell) decide to get married and one of them will resign their commission—but the episode ends before the coin toss that decides their fate. Talk about unfinished business!
Both actors returned for a brief arc in NCIS: Los Angeles, but many fans still feel there’s more story to tell.
Catherine Bell’s Take: Would She Return Too?
While Bell hasn’t made any bold declarations, she’s expressed love for the character and excitement about returning for guest spots. In her last TV interviews, she said:
“Mac will always be part of me. If the timing and story were right, I’d absolutely revisit her.”
A JAG reboot with both Elliott and Bell? That’s what dreams are made of.
What Would a ‘JAG’ Reboot Look Like Today?
A Blend of Legacy and Fresh Faces
Expect Harm and Mac to take on senior leadership roles—mentoring a new generation of Navy JAG officers tackling modern issues.
A More Diverse Cast
Representation would likely be a priority. The reboot could feature characters from various military branches, ethnic backgrounds, and gender identities.
A Heavier Emphasis on Global Military Law
With today’s geopolitical climate, expect cases that deal with cyberterrorism, drone warfare, AI ethics, and cross-border military incidents.
How the Reboot Could Connect to ‘NCIS’
Let’s not forget: NCIS began as a two-part backdoor pilot within JAG. Any reboot could:
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Feature NCIS crossovers
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Reintroduce fan-favorite characters like Gibbs, Vance, or Torres
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Set up even more spinoffs in different military branches or legal arenas
This is a shared universe with deep roots—and a JAG reboot would only make it stronger.
What Fans Are Saying
Die-hard fans have long called for JAG to return. On Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook, fans cite:
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The unfinished romance between Harm and Mac
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The unique mix of courtroom drama and military action
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The need for honorable, mission-driven heroes on TV again
The audience is there. The interest is real.
Could Streaming Platforms Pick It Up?
With traditional networks tightening their belts, it’s not far-fetched to imagine a reboot landing on a streaming service. Paramount+, which already hosts NCIS, would be a natural fit for a JAG revival.
Think of it as The Good Fight meets NCIS—but with aircraft carriers and court martials.
What Would Need to Happen to Greenlight a Reboot?
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A compelling script or pilot that reimagines JAG for today’s audience
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Buy-in from key cast members, especially Elliott and Bell
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Network interest (likely CBS or Paramount+)
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A showrunner with a vision that respects the original while bringing it forward
Conclusion
At 64, David James Elliott hasn’t closed the door on the show that launched a franchise. If anything, his openness to a JAG reboot gives fans permission to hope again. With the right story, the right cast, and a nod to the values that made the original so compelling, a new JAG could soar just as high—and inspire a whole new generation of viewers.
In a world still wrestling with questions of justice, honor, and duty, maybe JAG’s return is exactly what TV needs right now.
FAQs
Q1: Is a ‘JAG’ reboot officially happening?
Not yet. There’s no official announcement, but recent comments from the original cast have stirred serious interest.
Q2: Would David James Elliott return as Harm?
Yes, he’s expressed openness to reprising his role, especially if the story reflects current military and legal issues.
Q3: What network would air a potential reboot?
Most likely CBS or its streaming arm, Paramount+, which already hosts the NCIS franchise.
Q4: Could other NCIS characters appear in a reboot?
Definitely. The shared universe setup makes crossover episodes or cameos from familiar faces very possible.
Q5: When could a reboot realistically happen?
If greenlit soon, production could begin within a year. A 2026 premiere isn’t out of the question.
Thanks for reading! If you’re ready to see the return of Harm and Mac—and maybe even a few surprises from the NCISuniverse—share this article and join the conversation. Justice never goes out of style.
