Mark Harmon's Epic Return: Everything You Need to Know About the NCIS Crossover Event

Get ready, Ncis fans! The highly anticipated crossover event with Ncis: Origins is almost here, bringing back a familiar face and a decades-spanning mystery that will tie the past and present together. You definitely won't want to miss this one.

TL;DR: Quick Crossover Highlights

• Mark Harmon is back! He’ll reprise his role as older Leroy Jethro Gibbs onscreen in the Origins episode of the crossover.
• A Case Across Decades: The event kicks off with a '90s investigation by young Gibbs and his team, then reopens in the present day with the current NCIS crew.
• When & Where: Tune in Tuesday, November 11, 2025, on CBS, starting with NCIS: Origins at 8/7c, followed by NCIS at 9/8c.

A Rule for Everything: Unpacking the Decades-Spanning Mystery

If you're an NCIS fan, you know Leroy Jethro Gibbs lives by his rules. But have you ever wondered where some of them came from? This upcoming two-hour crossover event promises to peel back those layers, showing us young Gibbs (Austin Stowell) learning a crucial rule, understanding its necessity, and realizing just how hard it can be to follow your own advice.

"You often hear [Gibbs' rules] when they're about to be broken," teases NCIS executive producer Steven D. Binder. "We're going to see why the rule came about and why it should be a rule and yet why it's so hard to obey your own rule sometimes." Origins EP David J. North adds that this theme is central to both hours of the special. Source: [TV Insider, "NCIS and NCIS: Origins Crossover Brings Back a Major OG Character", November 6, 2025].

The intricate plot begins in the 1990s-set NCIS: Origins, where the Naval Investigative Service (NIS, the precursor to NCIS) team, including young Gibbs, investigates the mysterious death of a naval officer in the small, seemingly idyllic town of Serenity, California. As North hints, "nothing is what it seems" there. The challenge for the showrunners, Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North, was crafting a case that could "span decades" and remain "interesting and emotionally compelling," ensuring connections across time even if the characters aren't all still alive. Source: [TV Insider, "NCIS and NCIS: Origins Crossover Brings Back a Major OG Character", November 6, 2025].

Old Cases, New Twists: How the Present Team Connects

Fast forward to the present day, and the very same case is unexpectedly reopened after a prison break—right before the convicted person was due for release. This twist forces the current NCIS team to dive deep into the past, sifting through decades-old case files and even interrogation tapes. North humorously notes the practical challenge: "Maybe they don't even have a way to play [a tape] in 2025."

This unique setup allows the present-day agents, like Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) and Alden Parker (Gary Cole), to encounter a "proto" version of their former boss. Binder points out the significance for McGee, who started as a "wet behind the ears probie," now seeing Gibbs in a similar early-career stage. It's a poignant reflection on their own histories.

Beloved Faces Return: Who's Back and Who's New

The crossover is a treasure trove for long-time fans, promising the return of "beloved characters" and even "some you thought couldn't do so," as Austin Stowell teases. One of the most anticipated comebacks is Roma Maffia as the present-day Vera Strickland, reprising her role from Season 11 Episode 3, "Under the Radar." She originally worked the '90s case as a younger Agent Strickland (played by Diany Rodriguez in Origins) and, according to Binder, is "as fiery as ever." Don't expect her to have forgotten McGee losing his badge, forcing her out into the field just as she was nearing retirement. "She's back in the fold and she still hates McGee," Binder confirms with a laugh. Source: [TV Insider, "NCIS and NCIS: Origins Crossover Brings Back a Major OG Character", November 6, 2025].

Other familiar faces from Origins set to appear in their older iterations on NCIS include Bobby Moynihan as Woody and Ely Henry as Phil. And keep an eye out for Gary Callahan, NIS’s canine member, making an appearance! Kyle Schmid, who plays young Mike Franks, hints that the case also plays into "the legend of Mike Franks" and offers "fun banter between Franks and Vera."

Mark Harmon reprises his iconic role as Gibbs for the crossover event. (Photo: CBS) Mark Harmon's Onscreen Comeback as Gibbs: No Longer Alone

The biggest news, however, is the much-anticipated onscreen return of Mark Harmon as older Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Last seen in NCIS Season 19 heading to Alaska, Harmon will make a special guest appearance in the Origins half of the crossover. His voiceover, a staple of Origins, will be "especially important for the crossover," David J. North notes. Source: [TV Insider, "NCIS and NCIS: Origins Crossover Brings Back a Major OG Character", November 6, 2025].

Co-showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal shared their excitement, stating, "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." Source: [TV Insider, "Kyle Schmid Says Mark Harmon’s ‘NCIS: Origins’ Return for Crossover ‘Elevates’ the Show", November 4, 2025].

Harmon himself expressed his enthusiasm: "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." Source: [TV Insider, "Kyle Schmid Says Mark Harmon’s ‘NCIS: Origins’ Return for Crossover ‘Elevates’ the Show", November 4, 2025].

"His presence does something to the show that just, I think elevates it."

— Kyle Schmid (Mike Franks, NCIS: Origins) on Mark Harmon's return. Source: [TV Insider, "Kyle Schmid Says Mark Harmon’s ‘NCIS: Origins’ Return for Crossover ‘Elevates’ the Show", November 4, 2025].

Behind the Scenes: The Talk Around Harmon's Future

While Harmon's return is official for the crossover, there's been some chatter about his long-term plans. A source speaking to the National Examiner suggested Harmon might be "bored" with semi-retirement and is actively looking for projects outside the NCIS universe, including movies. This contrasts with his direct statement about being proud of the storytelling and liking the specific idea for Gibbs' return. It seems, for now, his focus is on quality roles that inspire him, rather than a full-time return to one specific series.

For example, imagine a seasoned veteran like Harmon who has spent decades immersed in a character. While they cherish the role, the desire to explore new acting challenges or direct different stories is a natural next step for creative growth. The crossover offers him a chance to revisit Gibbs on his own terms.

The Navy Time Capsule and Emotional Payoffs

In a clever narrative parallel, the present-day NCIS team is also busy putting together a Navy time capsule. This personal project gives them ample opportunity to reflect on their own history and what legacy they want to leave behind. "What is it that they want people, when they open this time capsule and they look back whatever it is, 50, 100 years, to think and feel?" Steven D. Binder ponders. Source: [TV Insider, "NCIS and NCIS: Origins Crossover Brings Back a Major OG Character", November 6, 2025].

Each team member has a unique idea for the capsule, with Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) apparently having a particularly "interesting idea." This subplot beautifully mirrors the audience's own journey of looking into Gibbs' past through Origins while the NCIS team considers their future legacy. Wilmer Valderrama, who plays Nick Torres, sums up the emotional weight, advising fans to "Bring your tissues!" Source: [TVLine, "NCIS' Wilmer Valderrama Says 'Bring Your Tissues' To Crossover Event With NCIS: Origins – Watch", November 5, 2025].

The Trade-offs of a Crossover: Time Slot Shuffle & Expectations

To fully embrace the narrative flow of a decades-spanning case, CBS is shaking up its schedule for this special night. NCIS: Origins will air first at 8/7c in NCIS's usual slot, followed by the flagship series at 9/8c. This ensures the 1990s story sets the stage before the present-day team picks it up. It's a small change for a big narrative payoff, showing the network's commitment to telling this story right.

One potential limitation of such a highly anticipated event is managing fan expectations. While the promise of Mark Harmon's return and emotional reveals is huge, his onscreen appearance is confirmed to be in the Origins episode, not a full reunion with the main NCIS cast. Fans hoping for an extensive interaction with McGee, Parker, and the rest might find that specific desire unfulfilled, but the narrative purpose of his appearance is to enrich the origin story and show his present-day status.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered When does the NCIS and NCIS: Origins crossover air? The two-hour crossover event airs on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. What time do the episodes air and on what channel? NCIS: Origins will air at 8/7c, followed by NCIS at 9/8c, both on CBS. Can I stream the crossover event? Yes, the episodes will be available to stream the next day on Paramount+. Does Mark Harmon appear in both episodes? Mark Harmon will reprise his role as older Leroy Jethro Gibbs onscreen in the NCIS: Origins hour of the crossover event. His voiceover will be present across both. Practical Takeaways for the Ultimate Fan Experience

• Clear Your Calendar: November 11th is a big night for NCIS, so make sure you're ready to tune in right at 8/7c.
• Prepare for Emotions: With Wilmer Valderrama's "bring your tissues" warning, this won't just be a procedural investigation; expect heartfelt moments.
• Watch Both Hours: The storyline seamlessly connects, so watching NCIS: Origins first will give you the full context before diving into the present-day continuation on NCIS.
• Look for Easter Eggs: Pay close attention to details, both in the 1990s and present day, for clues and nostalgic nods to Gibbs' legendary rules and past cases.

Sources:

• TV Insider: "NCIS and NCIS: Origins Crossover Brings Back a Major OG Character" (November 6, 2025)
• TVLine: "NCIS' Wilmer Valderrama Says 'Bring Your Tissues' To Crossover Event With NCIS: Origins – Watch" (November 5, 2025)
• TV Insider: "Kyle Schmid Says Mark Harmon’s ‘NCIS: Origins’ Return for Crossover ‘Elevates’ the Show" (November 4, 2025)
• Primetimer: "When is the NCIS crossover event? Date, time, and all details revealed" (November 5, 2025)
• PopCulture.com: "Mark Harmon Reportedly 'Bored' With Retirement After 'NCIS' Return" (November 4, 2025)
• ScreenRant: "Mark Harmon Is Unrecognizable As Gibbs In NCIS & Origins Crossover Trailer" (November 5, 2025)
• Hello!: "Fans spot nostalgic detail in Mark Harmon's NCIS comeback announcement" (November 3, 2025)
• CBR: "NCIS & NCIS: Origins Crossover Trailer Brings Back Mark Harmon" (November 5, 2025)