Mark Harmon will reprise his role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in an upcoming crossover between NCIS and NCIS: Origins, airing on November 11. The event features a time swap where the prequel airs first, followed by the original series. Harmon's return addresses fan curiosity about Gibbs' life after his disappearance to Alaska.
Crossover Details
The crossover event is set for Tuesday, November 11, which coincides with Veterans Day. In a departure from the usual schedule, NCIS: Origins will air at 8/7c, followed by NCIS. The story spans decades: younger Gibbs and his team investigate the 1990s death of a naval officer in a small town on NCIS: Origins, a case that unexpectedly reopens in the present day on NCIS.
Mark Harmon, who portrayed Gibbs for 19 seasons on NCIS, provides narration for the prequel and made a brief on-screen appearance in its 2024 premiere. This marks his more substantial return to the role. Co-showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal stated, "Four years ago, Gibbs disappeared to Alaska to live a life of solitude. We know how much fans have missed seeing Mark and have wondered what Gibbs is up to today. Well, on Nov. 11, we're so excited to announce that Mark Harmon will return as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the 'Origins' hour of the NCIS crossover event. We don't want to give too much away, but let's just say Gibbs is no longer alone."
Harmon added, "I'm very proud of the storytelling that David and Gina are doing on 'Origins.' They continue to push boundaries and dive deeper into the characters' backstories. They came to me with an idea for Gibbs that I liked, and it seemed like a good time to check in with him. I hope fans enjoy it."
Background and Fan Expectations
NCIS: Origins explores Gibbs' early days as a special agent. The crossover teases developments in Gibbs' post-Alaska life, hinting he is no longer solitary. Fans have speculated about Gibbs since his 2021 exit from NCIS, making this return a significant update for the franchise.