NCIS: Origins: Exploring the Formative Years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs
PARIS, 04 February 2026 – The expansion of the NCIS universe has reached a pivotal milestone with NCIS: Origins, a prequel series that delves into the foundational experiences of the franchise’s most iconic character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Set against the backdrop of the early 1990s, the programme provides international audiences with a gritty, noir-inspired look at the events that shaped the legendary special agent.
A New Chapter in the 1991 NIS Era
Moving away from the contemporary procedural format, NCIS: Origins transports viewers back to 1991. The narrative follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NIS (Naval Investigatory Service) Camp Pendleton office. Unlike the stoic, seasoned leader seen in the original series, this iteration of Gibbs is portrayed as a man grappling with recent personal tragedy, finding his place within a ragtag team led by the legendary Mike Franks.
The series has been noted for its distinct visual style, opting for a more cinematic and atmospheric tone compared to its predecessors. By focusing on the “origins” of Gibbs’s investigative techniques and his moral compass, the show bridges the gap between his military service and his eventual tenure as the head of the Major Case Response Team in Washington D.C.
Key Production Details and Cast
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor (Young Gibbs) | Austin Stowell |
| Narrator / Executive Producer | Mark Harmon |
| Setting | 1991, Camp Pendleton |
| Primary Antagonist/Mentor | Mike Franks (played by Kyle Schmid) |
| Genre | Police Procedural / Period Drama |
The Harmon Connection
While Austin Stowell takes on the physical demands of the role, Mark Harmon remains an integral part of the production. Harmon provides the voiceover narration for the series, offering a retrospective internal monologue that adds depth to the younger version’s actions. This narrative device allows the show to maintain a direct link to the original series while exploring previously unmentioned chapters of the character’s history. The involvement of Harmon’s son, Sean Harmon, as an executive producer further cements the family legacy within the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NCIS: Origins a direct sequel to the main show?
No, it is a prequel series. It takes place decades before the events of the original NCIS series, specifically beginning in the year 1991.
Does Mark Harmon appear on screen?
Mark Harmon primarily serves as the narrator and executive producer. While he has appeared in promotional material and the pilot’s introduction, the younger version of his character is portrayed by Austin Stowell.
Where can international viewers watch the series?
In France and across Europe, the series is typically distributed via major streaming platforms and local broadcasters that hold the rights to the NCIS franchise, often appearing on Paramount+ or terrestrial channels like M6 shortly after the US broadcast.