CBS officially renewed NCIS: Origins for Season 2 in February 2025, even before Season 1 wrapped on April 28 Wikipedia+15Wikipedia+15Collider+15. Co-showrunners Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North confirmed that fan enthusiasm and strong streaming numbers on Paramount+ cemented the decision TV Insider+12People.com+12Parade+12.
📅 Premiere Date Locked
Season 2 is set to premiere on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS, as part of a dedicated NCIS night: NCIS at 8, Origins at 9, and NCIS: Sydney at 10 p.m. ParadeGood Housekeeping. New episodes will also be available the next day on Paramount+.
🎥 Filming Has Begun + Key Cast Returns
Filming officially kicked off in summer 2025. Notably, Mariel Molino (Lala Dominguez) has confirmed her return, quelling fears she might be gone after Season 1’s car crash cliffhangerReddit+15Cinemablend+15thebulletintime.com+15. That means Caleb Foote (Randy), Tyla Abercrumbie, Diany Rodriguez, and Austin Stowell (Gibbs) are expected back for more character arcs Collider+8CBR+8People.com+8.
🕵️ Plot Teasers & Character Arcs
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Expect Gibbs’ first official NCIS interrogation, a milestone teased by co-showrunner Monreal as a standout moment for Season 2 Parade+6Cinemablend+6Gamerant+6.
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We’ll see Lala’s fate explored in-depth, resolving Season 1’s ambiguity around the crash and her role in Gibbs’s story Cinemablend+1amazing.celebhot.com+1.
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Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid) will continue to be central, with more stories delving into his relationship with Gibbs and his mysterious past Reddit+6Parade+6Wikipedia+6.
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The enigmatic Cliff Wheeler (Patrick Fischler) will get more screen time and backstory, following his administrative leave ending in Season 1 Cinemablend+3CBR+3Screen Rant+3.
🔄 Legacy Tie-Ins Coming
Season 2 is gearing up for a major crossover: Origins will explore the formation of the “Fed 5”, including Gibbs, Pride (from NCIS: New Orleans), Dan McLane, Felix Betts, and Mike Franks—tying into canon-first teased in NCIS Season 11’s “Crescent City.” Monreal stressed the importance of honoring franchise continuity through a detailed writers’ timelineCinemablend.
🎙 Narration: Mark Harmon Is Still Very Much In
Mark Harmon continues as the narrator of the series, a voice fans deeply connect with. Showrunner David J. North confirmed Harmon will remain behind the mic—or even possibly onscreen—in future episodes “as long as he wants to do it” TV InsiderMovieguideCollider. And yes, Mark’s involvement as executive producer ensures creative continuity.
🔍 What Fans Are Saying
Reddit buzz reflects growing enthusiasm:
“Origins is do‑bomb! I cry almost every episode… I’m so happy they’ve got thoughtful, quality writers”Reddit+4Reddit+4Reddit+4
“It feels like a completely different show… yet faithful to the OG series. I’m enjoying it more than the mothership” Reddit+2Reddit+2Reddit+2
Showrunner optimism and fan reaction both point to CBS being “in it for the long haul” with this franchise spinoff Screen RantCollider.
✅ TL;DR: Season 2 Highlights
| Update | Details |
|---|---|
| Renewal | Confirmed in February 2025 |
| Premiere | October 14, 2025 at 9 p.m. ET/PT |
| Cast Return | Austin Stowell, Mariel Molino, Caleb Foote, Kyle Schmid, and more |
| Key Elements | Lala’s fate, Gibbs’ first interrogation, deeper Franks/Wheeler arcs |
| Legacy Tie-In | “Fed 5” crossover & honoring NCIS canon |
| Mark Harmon | Narration continues; onscreen possible |
🧠 Why Fans Should Be Excited
This season promises to deepen emotional storytelling, deliver high‑stakes mystery, and tie together favorite characters with future crossovers. With Lala’s survival uncertain, Gibbs heading into his first major interrogation, and the formation of the Fed 5, Season 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch—not just for loyal NCIS fans, but anyone who loves character-driven drama with procedural polish.
