Mark Harmon is set to make a significant return to the NCIS universe. On November 11, 2023, he will guest star in an episode of NCIS: Origins, reprising his iconic role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. This highly anticipated episode will form part of a crossover event with the flagship series, NCIS, linking storylines that span from the 1990s to the present day.
The crossover narrative involves a case that begins in the past, with a younger version of Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell, investigating the death of a naval officer in a small town during the 1990s. The case’s unexpected reopening in the present day provides the perfect opportunity for Harmon’s return as Gibbs, a character who has been absent from the series since he departed in October 2021.
In a joint statement, NCIS: Origins co-showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal expressed their excitement about Harmon’s return. They noted, “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 November 11, we’re thrilled to announce that he will return as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the Origins hour of the NCIS crossover event.”
This episode will mark Harmon’s most substantial on-screen presence as Gibbs since his departure, following a brief cameo in the series premiere of NCIS: Origins. The episode will air at 8 p.m. ET/PT, with NCIS following at 9 p.m., as the two shows swap timeslots for this special event.
Harmon shared his enthusiasm for the storytelling direction taken by North and Monreal, stating, “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.”
As an executive producer on both NCIS and NCIS: Origins, Harmon has been deeply involved in the creative process, ensuring that the essence of the franchise remains intact. The series is produced by CBS Studios, which has successfully maintained a loyal fanbase over the years.
This crossover event not only highlights the enduring popularity of Harmon’s character but also serves as a reminder of the rich storytelling and character development that has defined the NCIS franchise. Fans eagerly await the opportunity to see Gibbs back in action, revealing more layers to his character while continuing the legacy of a series that has captivated audiences worldwide.
