The NCIS universe continues to expand with the thrilling renewal of NCIS: Origins for a second season. The prequel series, which boldly steps into the shoes of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, has not only filled the void left by Mark Harmon’s departure from the original show but has given fans a fresh, character-driven backstory packed with emotional weight, suspense, and that signature procedural grit. And with the explosive Season 1 finale just around the corner, CBS is doubling down on its most enduring franchise with plans that tie every corner of the NCIS world together — from Camp Pendleton to Paramount+.
How NCIS: Origins Turns a Legendary Character Into a New Hero
One of the most inspired choices in NCIS: Origins is casting Austin Stowell as the young Gibbs. It’s a role that carries the legacy of Mark Harmon, not just in voice — with Harmon serving as both narrator and executive producer — but in the emotional resonance of every scene. Watching Gibbs in 1991, before he hardened into the stoic, rules-averse agent we’ve known since 2003, is nothing short of captivating. The show doesn’t rely on nostalgia alone; it builds on it.
And it does so masterfully by bringing in Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid), Gibbs’ mentor and one of the most enigmatic figures from the original series. Franks isn’t just a character in the past — he’s a presence that looms over Gibbs’ entire career. The dynamic between young Gibbs and Franks adds layers to every reference made in the original NCIS, turning offhand mentions into full-fledged emotional beats.
The Finale That Promises to Rewrite Gibbs’ Origin Story
The upcoming Season 1 finale, titled “Cecilia”, is more than just a climax — it’s a pivot. Named after Lala Dominguez’s (Mariel Molino) full name, the episode shines a spotlight on a character who has quietly become the emotional core of the team. Lala’s journey from background operative to key player mirrors the show’s own evolution, and her protective instincts towards Gibbs and Randy reveal a team that's as fragile as it is resilient.
But what truly sets Cecilia apart is the promise of a secret so integral to Gibbs’ future self that even he doesn’t know it. Molino teases that Lala does something in the finale—something crucial—that will change the entire narrative of who Gibbs becomes. It’s an origin twist buried so deep in the timeline that it feels like an NCIS equivalent of a Marvel multiverse shift. And with a “huge” cliffhanger about Lala’s identity looming, fans are left with more questions than answers—and that’s exactly where a procedural should be.
NCIS: Origins Season 2 — What We Can Expect From the Next Chapter
With the renewal announcement coming while Season 1 was still filming, the creative team behind Origins had the rare opportunity to craft Season 2 with full knowledge that their story would continue. Co-showrunner David J. North described the moment they learned about the renewal as a “real highlight” of his career. And that enthusiasm is sure to carry into the next season.
Fans can expect the core cast—Stowell, Molino, Schmid, Tyla Abercrumbie (Mary Jo Hayes), Diany Rodriguez (Vera Strickland), and Caleb Foote (Bernard “Randy” Randolph)—to return, continuing the tight-knit dynamic that’s become a hallmark of the NCIS brand. Barring any shocking developments in the finale, the team is likely to remain intact, giving the writers a stable foundation to explore deeper conspiracies, darker cases, and more personal stories.
How NCIS: Origins Complements the Entire Franchise
NCIS: Origins isn’t just a prequel—it’s a keystone. Alongside the original NCIS (now in Season 23) and the Sydney spinoff (renewed for Season 3), Origins completes a trilogy of temporal storytelling that CBS is leveraging like few networks have with a single franchise. Add in the upcoming NCIS: Tony & Ziva streaming-exclusive series on Paramount+, and you’ve got a full ecosystem of storytelling that spans past, present, and future.
What’s especially exciting is how these shows aren’t just coexisting—they’re interweaving. References, character arcs, and even plot threads are bouncing between broadcast and streaming platforms, creating a unified world that’s as interconnected as the MCU or the Fast & Furious saga. And with Gibbs narrating his own past, it feels like the entire franchise is being shepherded by its original heart.
Where to Watch and Why This Matters for Network TV
New episodes of NCIS: Origins air on CBS and stream the next day on Paramount+. For fans looking to catch up, episodes 13-16 are even available for free on Tubi. It’s a savvy distribution strategy that ensures maximum reach for a show that thrives on audience engagement and long-term investment.
In an era where network TV is often chasing streaming trends, NCIS is doing the opposite—it's building a legacy. Origins may be a procedural, but it’s proceduring at its best: evolving, deepening, and connecting. It’s not just about solving crimes; it’s about understanding the men and women who stand behind the badge. And with Season 2 on the horizon, that journey is only just beginning.