After The Big Mark Harmon NCIS: Origins Announcement, I Am Seriously Looking Forward To Learning What Gibbs Has Been Up To Since His Exit

As a long-time fan of NCIS and a connoisseur of TV history, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and excitement about the upcoming prequel series, NCIS: Origins. After nearly two decades with Mark Harmon as our beloved Leroy Jethro Gibbs, it’s a bit surreal to see Austin Stowell stepping into the role of younger Gibbs.


For approximately two decades, Leroy Jethro Gibbs was the primary character on NCIS, and soon, a new chapter for this character will unfold on the 2024 TV lineup. In this upcoming storyline, Austin Stowell portrays a younger version of Gibbs. Set in 1991, the prequel series NCIS: Origins follows along with him. Interestingly, Mark Harmon, the original actor who played Gibbs, is part of Origins, serving as both narrator and one of the executive producers. Additionally, it was announced today that Harmon will make an appearance in the series premiere. I’m excited to discover what has transpired with present-day Gibbs since he departed from NCIS during Season 19.

Mark Harmon Will Be On Camera During NCIS: Origins’ Premiere

As a dedicated fan gearing up for NCIS: Origins, I’ve been eagerly anticipating Mark Harmon’s voice guiding us through the early days of Gibbs at the law enforcement agency that was once called NIS. And here’s some exciting news straight from co-showrunner David J. North at the CBS Fall 2024 Virtual Press Day: Harmon himself will make a brief appearance in the very first episode of Origins! He shared this tidbit with reporters, including me from TopMob, making my anticipation reach new heights!

In simpler terms, I had a chat with Mark, Gina Monreal, and me. I’m quite eager for the crowd to witness his return after such a long time.

Although it’s delightful to learn that Mark Harmon will portray Leroy Jethro Gibbs once more on screen, it’s important to note that such appearances might not be frequent in the series NCIS: Origins. Showrunners Scott North and Gina Moreal have expressed openness to Harmon reprising his role, but they emphasize that Austin Stowell’s character, the younger Gibbs, will remain the main focus. This aligns with Mark Harmon’s statements during the summer press tour for Origins, where he discussed his involvement in more limited terms.

I’m delighted to be involved and contributing in a supporting role. I’m not directly involved in making major decisions or taking big actions, but I’m here to lend a hand whenever needed. So, if there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know. And if not, that’s absolutely fine too. As of now, everything seems to be running smoothly.

Back in the year of 2003, I stepped into the role of Gibbs for the first time during the “Ice Queen” and “Meltdown” episodes of JAG. Little did I know, these shows were secretly laying the groundwork for NCIS, as they served as a pilot for the series. Fast forward, I made an appearance in four episodes of NCIS: New Orleans, but I’ve continued to be an executive producer on the original show. Most recently, I wrapped up filming for Freakier Friday, where I re-unite with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, whom I had worked with previously on Freaky Friday from 2003.

Where We Left Off With Gibbs In NCIS

Three years following Mark Harmon’s departure from NCIS in the fourth episode of Season 19, titled “Great Wide Open,” NCIS: Origins makes its appearance. Previously, Gibbs had declined to rejoin NCIS after being suspended for assaulting a suspect who had murdered dogs in the previous season. However, a case in Naktok Bay, Alaska drew him in as a civilian. After concluding that case, he opted to remain in Alaska instead of returning to Washington D.C.

Since leaving NCIS, Gibbs has been occasionally referenced, and he even expressed sympathy upon Ducky Mallard’s demise at the start of Season 21. However, we’re still unsure about his current life situation since Timothy McGee left him in the Alaskan wilderness. Although it’s unlikely NCIS: Origins will delve deeply into his present circumstances, even a glimpse of his new abode and knowledge of where he settled in Alaska would be satisfying. I concur that overindulgence in Harmon’s portrayal of Gibbs might overshadow Austin Stowell’s performance as the character.

The first episode of the expanded series titled “NCIS: Origins” is set to air on Monday, October 14th, immediately following the premier of season 22 of “NCIS“. In case you miss either show when they initially air on CBS, don’t worry! You can catch up later by streaming them with your Paramount+ subscription, which also gives you access to the entire library of the “NCIS” franchise.

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2024-09-20 00:38