Mark Harmon Returns as Gibbs in Epic NCIS Crossover Event

Gibbs is coming home! Mark Harmon will make a special on-screen appearance as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in a huge "Ncis" and "NCIS: Origins" crossover this November, and we've got all the details you need to prepare!

TL;DR: Here's the Quick Scoop

Mark Harmon is officially reprising his iconic role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs for an on-screen appearance.
Catch him during the first-ever crossover event between "NCIS" and its prequel, "NCIS: Origins," happening Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
The special event airs back-to-back on CBS, with "NCIS: Origins" at 8 p.m. ET/PT and "NCIS" at 9 p.m. ET/PT, and streams next day on Paramount+.

The Return of a Legend: Leroy Jethro Gibbs is Back!

Okay, NCIS fans, deep breaths! The news we've all been hoping for is finally here: Mark Harmon is stepping back into the shoes of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs! After leaving the flagship show in 2021, Harmon is set to make a special guest appearance in a groundbreaking crossover event uniting the original "NCIS" with its prequel, "NCIS: Origins."

This isn't just a voiceover – though Harmon does a fantastic job narrating "Origins" – this is a full-fledged, on-screen return that's got the entire fanbase buzzing. Get ready for some serious nostalgia mixed with fresh storytelling!

Unpacking the Details of the Highly Anticipated Crossover Event

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Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 11, 2025. It's Veterans Day, which feels incredibly fitting for a show steeped in military and naval investigations. On this special night, CBS will air back-to-back episodes designed to weave a decades-spanning mystery together.

For one night only, the typical schedule will flip:

8:00 p.m. ET/PT: "NCIS: Origins"
9:00 p.m. ET/PT: "NCIS"

This is a big deal, as it means "Origins" will lead the charge, setting up a case that will then unfold and be re-examined in the present day on "NCIS." If you miss it live, don't worry – both episodes will be available to stream on Paramount+ the very next day.

A Mystery Connecting Past and Present Gibbs' Investigations

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So, what exactly brings our beloved Gibbs back? The official synopsis for the crossover event gives us some juicy hints: The "Origins" hour will see a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by the talented Austin Stowell, and his team investigating the mysterious small-town death of a naval officer back in the 1990s. Fast forward to the present, and this very same cold case is unexpectedly re-opened on "NCIS."

This dual-timeline narrative means we'll get to see how a pivotal moment in young Gibbs' early career might still ripple through to his life today. And that's where Mark Harmon comes in, physically appearing to connect the dots in the present-day storyline.

From Alaskan Solitude to an Unexpected Reunion: Gibbs' Status

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For those of you who've been wondering what Gibbs has been up to since he decided to trade in his badge for an Alaskan fishing pole in 2021, you're not alone! Showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal know exactly how much fans have missed him.

They shared a tantalizing tease about his current situation:

"Four years ago, Gibbs disappeared to Alaska to live a life of solitude. 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."

— David J. North & Gina Lucita Monreal, Co-Showrunners & Executive Producers

That last line—"Gibbs is no longer alone"—has set the speculation machine into overdrive! Could he have a new companion, a friend, or perhaps even a furry sidekick? While Mariel Molino, who plays Lala Dominguez in "Origins," has hinted that a romantic pairing between her character and Gibbs might be "star-crossed" for now, the possibilities are endless for who might be sharing his Alaskan (or perhaps now, non-Alaskan) world.

Mark Harmon's Perspective on Diving Back into the Role

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Harmon himself expressed his enthusiasm for the project and the creative team behind "Origins." It's clear that his return wasn't just a casual decision; it was about finding the right story that honored the character he brought to life for nearly two decades.

"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. I hope fans enjoy it."

— Mark Harmon

As an executive producer on both "NCIS" and "NCIS: Origins," Harmon has remained deeply involved with the franchise, even narrating every episode of the prequel series. This return signifies a meaningful moment, not just for viewers but for the actor himself, to revisit a character that means so much to so many.

Austin Stowell and the Legacy of Playing a Younger Gibbs

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"NCIS: Origins" takes us back to the early 1990s, exploring Gibbs' formative years as a special agent. Austin Stowell has the formidable task of portraying a younger version of Harmon's iconic character, a role he's embraced with dedication.

Stowell has previously shared how invaluable Harmon's guidance has been, saying, "It’s a daunting task to recreate Gibbs... Mark Harmon makes us feel so comfortable and he makes us feel justified in our decisions." He also noted Harmon's subtle mentorship: "He leads by example. He’s a guy who I’ve learned a lot more about being a human being than being Gibbs." This behind-the-scenes camaraderie truly speaks to the collaborative spirit that continues to define the NCIS universe.

The prequel, currently in its second season, delves into the NCIS Camp Pendleton team, led by Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid), providing a rich backstory that informs the Gibbs we know and love.

The Ever-Expanding NCIS Universe Continues to Grow and Evolve

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The "NCIS" franchise is a true television phenomenon, spawning multiple successful spinoffs like "NCIS: Hawai'i," "NCIS: Sydney," and the upcoming "NCIS: Tony & Ziva." Harmon's return isn't just a treat for long-time fans; it also reinforces the interconnectedness of this sprawling universe and proves that the stories of these beloved characters have endless possibilities.

This crossover event is a testament to the franchise's enduring popularity and its ability to keep audiences engaged by revisiting its roots while pushing forward with new narratives. It's a chance to see how the past influences the present in a way that only "NCIS" can deliver.

Don't Miss Out: How to Watch Mark Harmon's Epic Return

So, to recap and make sure you're fully prepped for the big day:

What: "NCIS" and "NCIS: Origins" Crossover Event with Mark Harmon.
When: Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Time: "NCIS: Origins" at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, followed by "NCIS" at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Where to Watch Live: CBS Television Network.
Where to Stream On-Demand: Paramount+ (the day after airing).

This is a must-watch event for any fan of the NCIS world. Set your reminders, tell your friends, and get ready to welcome Gibbs back!

Frequently Asked Questions About the NCIS Crossover

When exactly does the NCIS crossover event with Mark Harmon air?

The special crossover event featuring Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs airs on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. "NCIS: Origins" will start at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, followed by "NCIS" at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Where can I watch the NCIS crossover event?

You can watch the crossover live on CBS Television Network. If you miss the live broadcast, both episodes will be available to stream on Paramount+ the day after they air.

What is "NCIS: Origins" about, and who plays young Gibbs?

"NCIS: Origins" is a prequel series set in the early 1990s, following a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs during his early career as a special agent. Austin Stowell plays the younger version of Gibbs, and Mark Harmon narrates each episode.

Will Mark Harmon be a regular character on "NCIS" or "Origins" again?

While Mark Harmon is making a highly anticipated on-screen guest appearance for this special crossover event, the current reports indicate it is a "special guest appearance." He remains an executive producer and narrator for "NCIS: Origins," but there's no official confirmation of him returning to a regular role on either series at this time.

What happened to Gibbs before this return?

Leroy Jethro Gibbs officially left "NCIS" in 2021 during season 19, choosing to retire and remain in Alaska to live a life of solitude. This crossover event will reveal what he's been up to since then, with showrunners teasing that "Gibbs is no longer alone."

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