Mark Harmon Returns to NCIS: Origins for Season 3

Mark Harmon is set to return to the NCIS universe as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in a significant season-long arc for the upcoming third season of NCIS: Origins. This return marks a pivotal moment for the prequel series, which delves into the early days of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The premiere episode, scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS, will feature Harmon's first appearance as the iconic character. First-look photos have been released, offering fans a glimpse of Harmon back in his familiar role. Showrunner and executive producer Gina Luciana Levy stated that Harmon was "excited to give fans what they wanted," indicating a deliberate effort to satisfy the long-standing audience of the NCIS franchise. NCIS: Origins is set in the 1990s, a period that allows for the exploration of Gibbs' formative years and the establishment of the NCIS team as it was known in the original series. The series aims to provide backstory and context for the character and the organization, appealing to both long-time viewers and new audiences. Harmon, who starred in the original NCIS for 19 seasons, has been involved with NCIS: Origins as an executive producer, but his on-screen return as Gibbs is a highly anticipated development. The show's narrative will likely explore key events and relationships that shaped Gibbs into the formidable agent he became. The decision to bring Harmon back for a substantial arc suggests a strategic move by CBS to leverage the established popularity of the NCIS brand and its central character. The 1990s setting also provides an opportunity to explore the technological and procedural landscape of law enforcement during that era, contrasting with the advancements seen in later iterations of the franchise. The involvement of Harmon in a season-long capacity suggests a deep integration into the storyline, potentially impacting the development of other characters and the overarching plot of NCIS: Origins. The premiere date of October 6, 2024, places the show in a competitive fall television lineup, with CBS likely banking on the star power of Harmon and the enduring appeal of the NCIS franchise to draw viewers. The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Belisarius Productions, with Levy serving as showrunner and executive producer alongside Harmon, Donald P. Bellisario, and Frank Cardea. The return of Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs is expected to be a major draw for the third season of NCIS: Origins, reinforcing the show's connection to the beloved original series and offering a deep dive into the character's past.