Blue Bloods Is More Known For Mustaches Than NCIS. Why The Origins Spinoff Just Had To Bring Back Another Notable ‘Stache

Blue Bloods Is More Known For Mustaches Than NCIS. Why The Origins Spinoff Just Had To Bring Back Another Notable 'Stache

As a longtime fan of the NCIS franchise, I’m absolutely thrilled about the upcoming prequel series, NCIS: Origins. The prospect of delving into the early days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Mike Franks, two iconic characters from the flagship CBS series, is simply exhilarating. And let me tell you, Kyle Schmid nailing Mike Franks’ signature mustache in the TCA this summer was nothing short of a sight for sore eyes!


As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled about the upcoming premiere of “NCIS: Origins” on TV schedules in October 2024. This exciting new chapter will introduce us to a younger Leroy Jethro Gibbs, while still keeping us connected to the original CBS series through some familiar names and faces, particularly Kyle Schmid, who’ll be sporting Mike Franks’ signature facial hair. Though “Blue Bloods” is renowned for its mustachioed men, it seems that the “NCIS” prequel series is just as attuned to the power of such a distinctive feature.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always been a fan of the thrilling world of NCIS. In seasons 3 to 15, Muse Watson breathed life into special agent Mike Franks in 20 episodes, and now, it seems we’ll get a chance to see Gibbs and Franks in action even earlier in their careers. At TCA this summer, Kyle Schmid, who’s stepping into the role, looked the part, complete with a mustache reminiscent of Watson’s. TV Line reports that he shared his excitement about having room to infuse his unique style into the character, as long as he adhered to certain guidelines. And yes, the mustache was one of those non-negotiable elements, Schmid revealed, expressing that it was an essential part of the character’s essence, explaining:

To me, the specifics were holding true to some physicality — and the mustache is one of those things. I think it sets him apart, I also think it’s very period. And the Franks character that was so well rooted in the original series, in my opinion, kind of ‘stayed’ in 1991. So it only felt right to have the mustache at that time.

In the upcoming series premiering alongside NCIS: Origins Season 1, actor Kyle Schmid notices Mike Franks’ earlier career influences reflected in Muse Watson’s facial expressions. This connection to his physical appearance is strategic for the prequel as it provides a familiar reference point for viewers to recognize and reconnect with the character.

There is a certain vibe that comes with good facial hair, and to be sure we’ve seen some great TV mustaches over the years. CBS might lead the field, especially with Tom Selleck starring on Blue Bloods. Before Selleck sported the signature ‘stache as Frank Reagan, he made the look popular on Magnum P.I., and that fact didn’t escape network execs. In fact, when Selleck offered to shave, suggesting a police chief — the position originally planned for Reagan — would likely not sport that look, the powers that be shot the idea down.

It appears that Kyle Schmid shares similar thoughts regarding the impact of a mustache on a man’s image, but for fans of NCIS: Origins, there’s much more to look forward to. The actor is not just focusing on his character’s mustache; he has also given careful attention to Mike Franks’ hair, eyes, and voice, putting in considerable effort to accurately depict the character.

It’s certainly going to be fun to see Gibbs and Franks’ dynamic in this stage of their careers, so be sure to tune in at 9 p.m. ET Monday, October 14, on CBS for the premiere of NCIS: Origins, which will follow the start of NCIS Season 22. These series and the other NCIS spinoffs are also available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription.

Read More

2024-08-25 22:37