CBS is expanding the NCIS universe with the upcoming prequel series NCIS: Origins, which received a straight to series order for the 2024-2025 broadcast season. The show will focus on the origin story of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, narrated by Mark Harmon, who will also serve as an executive producer alongside his son Sean Harmon. The series will explore Gibbs’ early years as a special agent at the NCIS Camp Pendleton office, led by NCIS legend Mike Franks.
Although Mark Harmon will not reprise his role as Gibbs on camera, he will narrate the series. Alongside a Young Gibbs, fans will also meet the younger version of Mike Franks and a new character named Special Agent Lala Dominguez, portrayed by Mariel Molino. The character of Gibbs has been an important part of Mark Harmon’s life for 20 years, and he is excited to be stepping into a producing role to tell the story of his earlier years.
The co-showrunners of NCIS: Origins, Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North, will also work as executive producers on the project. Austin Stowell has been cast as young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, while Mariel Molino will play Special Agent Lala Dominguez, a former Marine who will interact with Gibbs. Kyle Schmid will play the young version of Mike Franks, who will lead the special agents at NIS Camp Pendleton. Additionally, Robert Taylor will portray Ralph Waite, the father of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, in a recurring guest star role.
CBS has not announced the exact premiere date for NCIS: Origins, but it is set for the 2024-2025 lineup with a fall release. The new series will air weekly on CBS and livestream on Paramount Plus for premium subscribers, with episodes available the next day for all other Paramount Plus users. The prequel will take viewers back to 1991 prior to the events of NCIS, revealing new aspects of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ character and introducing new fan-favorite characters in the NCIS universe.
