NCIS: Origins – Premiere date, cast, First look Photos, & Everything we know so far

Discover the thrilling prequel NCIS: Origins, which takes us back to the 1990s to explore the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, famously portrayed by Mark Harmon. This new series dives into Gibbs' formative years at NCIS Camp Pendleton, shedding light on his journey to becoming the legendary investigator fans know and love.

With first-look photos of the cast recently revealed, excitement is building for this new chapter in the NCIS franchise. NCIS: Origins promises to offer fresh insights into the beloved character and enrich the NCIS universe.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about NCIS: Origins, including premiere details, cast updates, and the latest updates. Stay tuned as we keep updating with new information and insights about this eagerly awaited series.

Release Date & Where to Watch

NCIS: Origins will debut with a special two-hour episode on CBS on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET. Starting the following week, the show will air at its regular time of 10 p.m. ET, beginning Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, following NCIS season 22.

Plot

NCIS: Origins is set in the 1990s, exploring the early career of Leroy Gibbs before the events of the original NCIS series. The show focuses on Gibbs' journey from a rookie special agent to a seasoned investigator at the Camp Pendleton office of NCIS. The series delves into his development, relationships with former partners, and the dynamics of his early team led by the legendary Mike Franks. 

Mark Harmon narrates the series, while David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal, both seasoned producers from NCIS, serve as executive producers and showrunners. Niels Arden Oplev, known for his work on Vikings: Valhalla and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, directs the pilot episode.

Cast & First Look Images

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• Austin Stowell (Dolphin Tale, Whiplash, and A Friend of the Family) as Leroy Jethro Gibbs

• Patrick Fischler as Cliff Walker
• Mark Harmon as Narrator
• Robert Taylor as Jackson Gibbs
• Daniel Roebuck as Artie
• Kyle Schmid (Big Sky) as NIS Special Agent Mike Franks

• Diany Rodriguez (The Blacklist) as NIS Special Agent Vera Strickland
• Mariel Molino (The Watchful Eye) as NIS Special Agent Lourdes 'Lala' Dominguez
• Ashley Dulaney as Jessica Maloney
• Tyla Abercrumbie (The Chi) as Mary Jo Sullivan
• Julian Black Antelope as Kai Blackrock
• Dollar Tan as Sam
• Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live) as Woodrow "Woody" Browne
• Lori Petty (Orange Is the New Black) as Dr. Lenora Friedman

Episode Guide

• Season 1 Episode 1: Enter Sandman (Monday, Oct. 14, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 2 (Monday, Oct. 21, 2024)

Official Teaser

CBS released a brief teaser for NCIS: Origins alongside the announcement of its fall premiere. The teaser is only 10 seconds long but offers a glimpse of what's to come.

Is Mark Harmon Involved in NCIS: Origins?

Yes. He is serving as an executive producer and will also narrate the series. Mark's real-life son, Sean Harmon, is also an executive producer and played a key role in developing the show. Sean, who previously portrayed young Gibbs in NCIS flashbacks, expressed his excitement about exploring Gibbs' earlier years. 

At the Television Critics Association press tour, Mark Harmon discussed his decision to step away from acting as Gibbs, noting that while it was time for a change, he was enthusiastic about the new storyline and the show's creative team.

How will NCIS: Origins tie into NCIS?

As a prequel, NCIS: Origins will remain firmly within the NCIS universe and adhere to the show's established canon. "We have three people who are huge NCIS fans and frequently correct me," North shared at the Television Critics Association.

"Sometimes, they’re amazed at how much I don’t remember about the episodes I’ve actually written. We take continuity very seriously. There are times when we hit roadblocks and think, 'We can’t do that because it contradicts what’s already been established.' However, these challenges often lead to creative solutions, as we work together to overcome them and enhance the final product.”

Behind the Scenes

Mark and Sean Harmon are the masterminds behind the pitch and are serving as executive producers for the show. They are joined by Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North, who previously wrote for NCIS. Monreal and North will also be executive producers and co-showrunners and will write the premiere episode.