Summary
NCIS: Originswill introduce a new element to theNCISfranchise this fall, putting it in a league of its own. The prequel series will explore the origin story of one ofNCIS’central characters, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the former Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Major Case Response Team. Mark Harmon portrayed the character for nearly two decades until the Gibbs character departed the series in season 19 when the actor exited the franchise. Now, the character will experience a revival with a new character, withThe Hating Games’Austin Stowell playing young Gibbs inNCIS: Origins.
While the character will return, Mark Harmon will not, at least not in an on-screen performance. This is despite much anticipation for his return to theNCISfranchise. Harmon’s son, Sean Harmon, who played young Gibbs in several episodes of the original series, has also moved on from portraying the role, hence the recasting. The franchise decided it was time for the character to have a new representation, but the Harmons won’t be taking a back seat. Mark and Sean will executive produce the'90s-setNCIS: Origins. Beyond that, Mark Harmon will bring something entirely new to theNCISfranchise.
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NCIS: Origins Will Have A Narrator
NCIS Has Never Utilized A Narrating Character Or Narrative Track
NCIS: Originswill feature a narrator, separating itself fromeveryNCISseriesthat predates it. The narrative element suggests thatNCIS: Originswill rely more on an underlying story, which Mark Harmon will tell from the perspective of the older Gibbs. The narrative tactic is similar to how the narrator contextualizes every episode ofHow I Met Your Motheror, more recently,Young Sheldon.The latter series is a suitable reference for what to expect fromNCIS: Origins,asYoung Sheldonexplores the origin story of a centralBig Bang Theorycharacter, Sheldon Cooper, with Jim Parsons narrating.
NCIS: Originswill air a two-hour series premiere on CBS on August 13, 2025.
Harmon has a distinct voice, and audiences hearing it while experiencing another side of his character will certainly have an impact. Hearing Gibbs’s voice while watching a different chapter of his story will help tie the elements together and make a more cohesive origin story for dedicatedNCISfans. Harmon’s narrating track can plant the series in the past while forging a newNCISfuture. The franchise has never had a reason to narrate anyNCISseries thus far, so Harmon’s return will make for something entirely new.
NCIS Typically Follows A Case-Of-The-Week Format
NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, And NCIS: Hawai’i Follow A Different Format Than Origins
The narrative element ofNCIS: Originswill distinguish the series from the rest of thesharedNCISuniverse. Until now,theNCISfranchise relied heavily on an episodic format with case-of-the-week offeringsresolved in a single episode. This storytelling tactic allows the show to reset before starting another episode, allowing viewers to, for the most part, enjoy each episode independently of what came before or after it. TheNCISfranchise is a significant player in the case-of-the-week procedural genre, and its spinoffs used to follow the same format. However,NCIS: Origins’s underlying narrator element will tie the episodes together more.
NCIS: Originsfurther challenges what audiences expect from the franchise by presenting an origin story.
TheNCISfranchise has experimented with its narrative offerings as it moves into the streaming era, as content is catered more to streaming platforms than television sets. When the franchise launchedNCIS: Sydneyin 2023, the show dabbled with a serialized storytelling format that saw many story elements carry through the episodes of season 1.NCIS: Originsfurther challenges what audiences expect from the franchise by presenting an origin story. The franchise will continue the trend of diversifying the wayNCIStells stories whenNCIS: Tony & Zivapremieres on Paramount+, as it will also feature serialized storytelling.
I’m Officially Convinced That We Need Gibbs' Prequel Series After A New NCIS: Origins Story Reveal
1 particular storyline in NCIS: Origins has officially convinced me that the CBS TV franchise actually needs Leroy Jethro Gibbs' prequel show.
How The Narration Will Change Gibbs’ Story
NCIS: Origins Will Subvert The Gibbs Character
Introducing the narrative element toNCIS: Originswill subvert what’s known about Gibbs. Mark Harmon’s character guards his thoughts and feelings in the original series. For instance, the series held backwhat happened to Gibbs' wife and daughterinNCISuntil season 3. Gibbs' tendency to keep his guard up and retain some mystery is elemental to the character. That said, as the older Gibbs narrates the series, he is bound to open up about what he was thinking and feeling during crucial times, which will disestablish a core trait of the Gibbs character as Mark Harmon presented him.
Additionally,NCIS: Origins’premise is different from anything the universe has ever presented. As such, it will introduce new elements to the franchise to tell its story. While Mark Harmon will return to the role that established the entireNCISfranchise, he will now subvert the institution that he helped to create by adding an element that will add more depth to the characters and story. It’s a promising development for a series that has dominated CBS for nearly two decades. WhenNCIS: Originspremieres in October, it will break ground for the beloved procedural franchise.
NCIS
NCIS is a television series that follows a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Premiering in 2003, the show explores various cases involving Navy and Marine Corps personnel, ranging from murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines.
NCIS: Origins
NCIS: Origins is set in 1991, preceding the events of the original series. The series introduces Leroy Jethro Gibbs as a new special agent at NCIS Camp Pendleton. Under the leadership of NCIS legend Mike Franks, Gibbs navigates his role within a tenacious, unconventional team.
