In a new NCIS spin-off, Mark Harmon will reprise his role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. NCIS: Origins, a prequel series set in 1991, has given him and his son, Sean Harmon, the go light.
The series will follow a young Gibbs as he begins his career at the NCIS Camp Pendleton headquarters, as well as his budding connection with his mentor, Mike Franks.
Mark will resume his renowned position as a narrator in the series, which will follow a similar pattern to Young Sheldon. Meanwhile, his son, Sean Harmon, who played a younger version of Gibbs on NCIS, will transition to executive producing.
With this in mind, casting will allow someone else to fill Gibbs’ renowned shoes.
Sean, 35, said, “The character of Gibbs has been an important part of my life for 20 years, both in terms of watching my father craft the role and previously having the honor to play young Gibbs myself.”
I’ve always felt there was a narrative worth telling about his early years, so I’m pleased to be joining [NCIS writers-producers] Gina [Lucita Monreal], David [J. North], and my father in telling this story and revealing a new side of this cherished character.
NCIS: Origins is set to launch in the 2024-25 broadcast season, but showrunners Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North couldn’t be more excited. The duo explained that this is the making of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Even the most ardent NCIS fans will learn that they do not know the entire tale.
Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, said that the series will expand on this character’s rich heritage while reintroducing fan-favorite characters and meeting new ones.
Fans will be relieved to see Mark return to the NCIS universe. Back in 2021, the TV star announced the end of an era by leaving the naval drama while remaining as a producer.
Mark addressed his departure in a special documentary on the show’s season 19 DVD release.
Mark hinted to the notion that after nearly two decades on the program, he no longer felt that opportunity to handle “fresh” and “challenging” material was what drew him back to the drama every season.
What has always pulled him here is the character I play and the need to keep it new and interesting, he explained, before adding that he believes his beloved character is “not retired.”
This character has chosen the course that it has. Mark said, “I thought it was honest.”
