Origins Sets Return Date for Mark Harmon’s Gibbs

Mark Harmon is set to return to the NCIS universe in a special crossover event uniting NCIS and NCIS: Origins. The upcoming episode brings back his iconic character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The storyline connects past and present investigations across both series.

Mark Harmon’s Gibbs to appear in NCIS: Origins crossover event with NCIS

Mark Harmon will reprise his role as older Leroy Jethro Gibbs in an upcoming crossover event between NCIS and NCIS: Origins, scheduled to air on November 11 on CBS.

The Veterans Day special brings the two series together for the first time, as the younger Gibbs (Austin Stowell) and his team investigate a naval officer’s death in the 1990s, a case that reopens decades later on NCIS. For one night, NCIS: Origins will air at 8 p.m. ET, and NCIS at 9 p.m. ET.

Harmon last played Gibbs in 2021 and briefly appeared in the Origins pilot in 2024. His return marks his first on-screen appearance in the franchise since last year’s pilot. The actor also serves as an executive producer on both NCIS and NCIS: Origins alongside others.

“Four years ago, Gibbs disappeared to Alaska to live a life of solitude,” said executive producers David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal. “We know how much fans have missed seeing Mark and have wondered what Gibbs is up to today. Well, on Nov. 11, we’re so excited to announce that Mark Harmon will return as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the Origins hour of the NCIS crossover event. We don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say Gibbs is no longer alone.” (via Deadline)

Harmon stated, “I’m very proud of the storytelling that David and Gina are doing on Origins. They continue to push boundaries and dive deeper into the characters’ backstories. They came to me with an idea for Gibbs that I liked, and it seemed like a good time to check in with him.”

NCIS: Origins explores Gibbs’ early 1990s career under Mike Franks at Camp Pendleton, with narration by Harmon.