The NCIS franchise has weathered cast changes, timeline shifts, and creative overhauls for more than two decades. But every now and then, a behind-the-scenes exit sends shockwaves through the fandom. That’s exactly what’s happening now.
Gina Lucita Monreal, the co-showrunner and creative architect behind NCIS: Origins, is officially stepping away after Season 2. For a series still finding its footing, this announcement raises big questions. What does her exit mean for the show’s future? Why now? And should fans be worried—or excited?
Let’s break it all down.
NCIS: Origins Faces a Major Creative Shift
NCIS: Origins was never meant to be just another franchise spin-off. It aimed to do something bold: rewind the clock and humanize legends before they became icons. With Monreal at the helm, the series leaned heavily into emotional storytelling, moral ambiguity, and character-driven drama.
Her exit marks the first major creative shake-up since the show’s debut.
Who Is Gina Lucita Monreal?
Before we talk about what’s next, it’s important to understand what NCIS: Origins is losing.
A Proven Storyteller in Television
Gina Lucita Monreal isn’t new to prestige TV. Her résumé includes work on character-forward dramas that prioritize depth over spectacle. She’s known for:
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Emotionally grounded narratives
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Complex female characters
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Long-arc storytelling
These qualities became the DNA of NCIS: Origins.
Her Role as Co-Showrunner
As co-showrunner, Monreal wasn’t just managing scripts. She shaped:
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The tone of the series
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Character backstories
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Season-long arcs
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Emotional stakes
In short, she helped define the soul of the show.
Why Gina Lucita Monreal Is Exiting After Season 2
The obvious question: Why leave now?
Creative Completion or Strategic Exit?
While official statements remain diplomatic, industry insiders point to a familiar Hollywood pattern. Monreal reportedly joined NCIS: Origins with a multi-season creative blueprint—one that reaches a natural conclusion at the end of Season 2.
Sometimes, creators leave not because of conflict, but because their story has been told.
Behind-the-Scenes Industry Realities
Showrunning is intense. Between long hours, studio pressure, and franchise expectations, burnout is real. Monreal’s exit could simply be a strategic career move—freeing her to pursue new projects while leaving the show on stable ground.
How Gina Monreal Shaped NCIS: Origins
To understand the impact of her departure, you have to look at what she built.
A Darker, More Intimate NCIS Universe
Unlike the procedural rhythm of the original NCIS, Origins slowed things down. Monreal emphasized:
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Emotional consequences of investigations
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Ethical gray areas
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Trauma as a long-term character driver
This approach gave the series a prestige-drama edge.
Humanizing Iconic Characters
Instead of presenting polished heroes, Origins showed flawed humans. Characters made mistakes, doubted themselves, and paid emotional prices. That vulnerability became one of the show’s biggest strengths.
What Happens to NCIS: Origins After Season 2?
Change doesn’t always mean disaster—but it does mean uncertainty.
Will the Show’s Tone Change?
This is the biggest concern among fans. New leadership often brings:
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Faster pacing
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More procedural elements
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Broader audience appeal
While that could boost ratings, it may dilute the emotional depth Monreal championed.
Franchise Pressure vs. Creative Freedom
The NCIS brand is massive. With that comes pressure to align with audience expectations. Monreal’s voice helped push boundaries. Without her, the show may lean closer to traditional franchise norms.
Fan Reactions to Gina Monreal’s Exit
Social media reactions have been swift—and mixed.
Concern from Core Fans
Longtime viewers worry that NCIS: Origins could lose its identity. Many credit Monreal for making the show feel “different” in a crowded TV landscape.
Optimism from Franchise Loyalists
Others see opportunity. New leadership could inject fresh energy, expand storylines, and bring Origins closer to the classic NCIS formula they love.
Can NCIS: Origins Survive Without Its Co-Showrunner?
History suggests yes—but with caveats.
Precedent in the NCIS Franchise
The NCIS universe has survived numerous behind-the-scenes changes. Strong foundations, loyal audiences, and adaptable storytelling have kept it alive.
The Importance of a Clear Creative Vision
The real test will be whether the remaining showrunners honor the emotional groundwork Monreal laid—or pivot entirely.
What Season 2 Represents for the Series
Season 2 now carries extra weight.
A Creative Send-Off
Fans can expect Season 2 to reflect Monreal’s full creative vision—potentially tying up emotional arcs while leaving room for future expansion.
Setting the Stage for the Future
How Season 2 ends will signal what kind of show NCIS: Origins wants to be going forward.
Industry Impact of Gina Monreal’s Departure
This exit isn’t just about one show.
A Loss for Female Leadership in TV
Monreal’s role as co-showrunner mattered. Her departure highlights the ongoing challenges women face in sustaining long-term leadership roles in major franchises.
What’s Next for Gina Lucita Monreal?
While no official announcements have been made, don’t be surprised if she resurfaces soon with a new, high-profile project—possibly outside the franchise system.
Should Fans Be Worried or Hopeful?
Honestly? A little of both.
Television thrives on evolution. Sometimes change leads to decline. Other times, it sparks reinvention. NCIS: Origins now stands at that crossroads.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for NCIS: Origins
Gina Lucita Monreal’s exit after Season 2 marks the end of an era—but not necessarily the end of the show’s potential. She helped give NCIS: Origins a heart, a voice, and a reason to exist beyond nostalgia.
What comes next will depend on whether the series chooses to protect that soul—or trade it for safer ground. Either way, Season 2 now feels less like just another chapter and more like a turning point.
And for fans? It’s time to watch closely.
FAQs
1. Why is Gina Lucita Monreal leaving NCIS: Origins?
While no conflict has been confirmed, her exit appears to align with the completion of her planned creative arc after Season 2.
2. Will NCIS: Origins be canceled after Season 2?
There is no indication of cancellation. The show is expected to continue under new creative leadership.
3. How will her exit affect the show’s tone?
There’s a possibility the series may lean more procedural, but this depends on the direction taken by the remaining showrunners.
4. Did Gina Monreal help create NCIS: Origins?
Yes, she played a key role in shaping the series’ tone, characters, and long-term storytelling vision.
5. Is Season 2 her final creative contribution?
Yes, Season 2 will represent her last full season as co-showrunner on NCIS: Origins.