The NCIS universe just keeps growing — and fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next in NCIS: Origins. After a suspense-packed debut season that dove into the early days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, CBS has officially announced the premiere date for Season 2. But one big question remains: Will all the fan-favorite characters return?
Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming season.
Mark Your Calendars: When Does Season 2 Premiere?
NCIS: Origins will return this fall, but with a time slot shake-up. The second season kicks off Tuesday, October 14 at 9/8c, now airing as part of an all-NCIS Tuesday night lineup. The show will air between the flagship NCIS (entering Season 23) and NCIS: Sydney (back for Season 3), creating a powerhouse night of investigative drama.
Who’s Returning? Lala’s Fate in Question
Most of the Season 1 cast is expected to return, including:
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Austin Stowell as a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs
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Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks
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Tyla Abercrumbie as Mary Jo Hayes
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Diany Rodriguez as Vera Strickland
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Caleb Foote as Bernard “Randy” Randolf
But what about Mariel Molino, who plays Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez? That remains unclear after her character’s fate was left hanging in the season finale cliffhanger.
Season 1’s Cliffhanger — and What Comes Next
In the explosive Season 1 finale, Gibbs was cleared of suspicion in the murder of the man who killed his wife and daughter, thanks to Lala stepping in. She convinced Macy (Claire Berger) to drop the case by bluffing she knew more than she did.
However, just as Lala raced to tell Gibbs the good news — following a tender, almost-romantic moment — she was involved in a devastating car crash. Her condition? Unknown. Fans are left wondering: Is Lala dead? And if not, what role will she play in Gibbs’ journey?
Meanwhile, the finale also introduced a young Diane (played by Kathleen Kenny), a woman who would go on to become one of Gibbs’ future ex-wives — giving viewers another nostalgic breadcrumb from the franchise’s deep lore.
What About a Trailer?
Not yet! It’s still early, and CBS has not released a teaser or trailer. Expect something closer to the fall premiere.
A Full NCIS Universe Lineup
Fans won’t just be seeing more of young Gibbs this year. Alongside NCIS: Origins, both NCIS and NCIS: Sydney are returning for their next seasons. Plus, the highly anticipated NCIS: Tony & Ziva spinoff is also on the way — premiering this fall exclusively on Paramount+.
Will Lala Survive? And Who Else Might Appear?
With crossovers and callbacks always on the table in the NCIS universe, anything is possible. Will we see more familiar faces from Gibbs’ past? Will Mark Harmon (still narrating and executive producing) step up his involvement onscreen?
Season 2 promises more secrets, emotional twists, and plenty of vintage Gibbs charm.
Stay tuned — October can’t come soon enough.
