CBS has officially given the green light for a new “NCIS” prequel series titled “NCIS: Origins” that will follow a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The network made the announcement on January 5th, confirming that franchise veteran Mark Harmon will return to executive produce the project.
Key Details About The Prequel
“NCIS: Origins” received a straight-to-series order from CBS and will likely debut in the 2024-2025 television season. The prequel has been described as a “coming-of-age story” that shows Gibbs’ origin story from his early careers in the Marines and NCIS.
Specific plot details are still scarce, but the show will be set back in time and feature a younger actor portraying Gibbs. Mark Harmon himself will also reportedly have an on-screen role and serve as narrator.
In a statement, Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, said:
“’NCIS’ is the most successful broadcast drama in the world because of its captivating characters and dynamic storytelling. We can trace that all back to the amazing Mark Harmon as Gibbs. ‘NCIS: Origins’ is the perfect opportunity to expand that universe and offer our passionate, loyal fans an exciting new avenue to explore a whole new origin story with our beloved character.”
Mark Harmon’s Involvement
While a younger actor will play young Gibbs in flashback scenes, Mark Harmon will reprise his iconic NCIS character in some capacity on “NCIS: Origins” as an older, present-day version of Gibbs.
In addition, Harmon will executive produce the prequel series through his Wings 2 Dogs Productions company, partnering with longtime “NCIS” executive producers Christopher Silber and Steven D. Binder. Harmon’s son Sean will also serve as producer.
Regarding his participation, Harmon said:
“We’ve talked about this for a really long time. The first conversation I had was with Shane Brennan years ago about the possibility of doing some version of young Gibbs, so it’s exciting that it’s actually happening. And I’m grateful they’re going to let me be part of it.”
Reaction and What To Expect
The “NCIS” franchise remains hugely popular after 20 seasons, so a prequel exploring Gibbs’ early life has been greeted with excitement by fans. Social media lit up with positive reactions to the news.
Many are intrigued by the idea of seeing beloved characters like Medical Examiner Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard and FBI Special Agent Tobias Fornell as young men potentially crossing paths with a rookie Gibbs. Executive producer Steven Binder has hinted that “NCIS: Origins” will feature cameos that connect the prequel to the mothership series.
Binder also revealed that they envision a 10-12 episode first season for the prequel. Actively casting a younger Gibbs is now the top priority. Production would then gear up over the summer for a Fall 2024 premiere targeted to coincide with the flagship show’s milestone 22nd season.
Stay tuned for more details on “NCIS: Origins” as casting begins and plot information emerges!
Timeline of Key “NCIS” Spinoff Events
| Year | Show | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | NCIS | Long-running hit series launches on CBS starring Mark Harmon as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs. |
| 2009 | NCIS: Los Angeles | First spinoff follows Chris O’Donnell’s NCIS Special Agent G. Callen. |
| 2021 | NCIS: Hawaii | Female-led spinoff set in paradise starring Vanessa Lachey debuts. |
| 2024 | NCIS: Origins | Prequel series ordered exploring a young Gibbs’ origin story. |
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