‘NCIS’ Prequel Series About Young Gibbs Ordered at CBS

CBS has ordered an “NCIS” prequel series that will focus on a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Variety has confirmed.

The series is titled “NCIS: Origins” and will air during the 2024-2025 season. The show will be set in 1991 with Mark Harmon (who played Gibbs for nearly two decades) serving as narrator. The official logline states, “In the series, Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks.”

Harmon will executive produce with his son, Sean Harmon, who originally brought the idea of a young Gibbs show to CBS. Sean has previously played a younger version of his father’s character in episodes of “NCIS,” but he will focus on executive producing the new series and casting for the lead role will begin shortly.

David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal co-write the pilot and will serve as executive producers and co-showrunners on the series. North and Monreal both wrote on “NCIS” for 10 years, with North currently serving as co-showrunner on that show. CBS Studios produces.

Mark Harmon is repped by Gersh and Barry Axelrod, Atty. Sean Harmon is repped by 3Arts Entertainment, Gersh and Genow Goodman. Monreal is repped by CAA, Mosaic, and Felker Toczek. North is repped by Manage-Ment.

“We are elated and honored to continue the expansion of the ‘NCIS’ universe in such a unique and unexpected way,” said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. “Viewers can look forward to Mark Harmon returning to CBS to narrate the complex and mysterious backstory of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ early years in ‘NCIS: Origins,’ which will build on the rich legacy of this character while reintroducing fan-favorite characters and meeting new ones.”

This marks the latest expansion of the “NCIS” franchise. In addition to the main show, which is going into its 21st season, CBS also currently airs “NCIS: Hawaii” while “NCIS: Sydney” airs on Paramount+ and CBS. CBS also previously aired “NCIS: Los Angeles” and “NCIS: New Orleans.”

“There’s no denying the cultural and global phenomenon of the ‘NCIS’ franchise for the last 20 years,” said David Stapf, president of CBS Studios. “When Sean and Mark approached us all with this exciting expansion of the universe – exploring a young Gibbs – we knew it was the next story that needed to be told. We also couldn’t be luckier to have Gina and David at the helm as co-showrunners who are not only brilliant and adept writers, but know this character and universe so well.”

Harmon began playing the character of Gibbs when “NCIS” first debuted on CBS in 2003 after originating the character on fellow CBS series “JAG.” It was announced in 2021 that Harmon would be leaving the show, with his final episode airing during Season 19. He remains an executive producer on “NCIS.”

“We’re thrilled to be bringing this new chapter to life along with Mark and Sean Harmon,” said Monreal and North. “This really is the making of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. And even the most dedicated NCIS fans will discover that they don’t know the whole story.”

“The character of Gibbs has been an important part of my life for 20 years, both in watching my father craft the role and previously having the honor to play young Gibbs myself,” addd Sean Harmon. “I always felt there was a tale worth telling about his earlier years, so I am thrilled to be stepping into a producing role alongside Gina, David and my dad as we tell this story and reveal a new side of this beloved character.”

“NCIS: Origins” is also the latest show ordered to series at CBS. The broadcaster recently picked up the medical drama “Watson” starring Morris Chestnut, in which he will play Sherlock Holmes’ companion Dr. John Watson. The network is also preparing to launch the new shows “Tracker” starring Justin Hartley and “Elsbeth” starring Carrie Preston in February. There is also CBS’ upcoming update of “Matlock” starring Kathy Bates and the multi-cam comedy “Poppa’s House.” The latter two shows are slated to air during the 2024-2025 season as well.