The new spinoffNCIS: Originsrepresents a major change for the long-running procedural franchise, and the Gibbs-centric prequel will return for season 2. Debuting in late 2024,NCIS: Originsconcerns young Agent Leroy Gibbs (originally played by Mark Harmon and now played by Austin Stowell) as he begins his career at Camp Pendleton in 1991 under his mentor, Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid). Exploring the early days of the franchise’s most beloved hero,Originsis the first spinoff ofNCISto take place earlier in the show’s timeline and eschew the typical procedural format found in other off-shoots.
ThoughNCIShas been airing since 2003,NCIS: Originsmarks the first time in the franchise’s history that a spinoff has tried something new. The character-driven narrative not only serves to flesh out Gibbs, but also to deliver crucial context to what comes much later in the timeline. Instead of the narrowly-focused weekly cases ofNCISand its spinoffs,Origins(and the upcomingTony & Zivaspinoff) shows a path forward forNCISas it continues to set TV records. All that said,NCIS: Originsseason 2 is just the first step in a new direction forNCIS.
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8 Gibbs Stories NCIS: Origins Can Reveal
Even though Leroy Jethro Gibbs was a major character on NCIS for almost 20 years, there are several stories that only NCIS: Origins can reveal.
NCIS: Origins Season 2 Latest News
CBS Renews Origins For A Second Season
Announced amid a slew of other renewals, the latest news confirms thatNCIS: Originsseason 2 has been renewed. The prequel series hasn’t struggled to find a major audience during its debut outing, and it only made sense for CBS to order more episodes.Originswas renewed alongside fellow franchise seriesNCISandNCIS: Sydney, all of which haven’t even finished their current seasons yet. This early renewal is not only a good sign thatNCISis flourishing, but that the upcoming series likeTony & Zivawon’t struggle to find its place as well.
Tony & Zivais anNCISspinoff focusing on the eponymous characters living in Europe trying to raise their daughter.
NCIS: Origins Season 2 Is Confirmed
The Prequel Returns For More Episodes Soon
With a lot of buzz surrounding the debut season ofNCIS: Origins, it didn’t take long for CBS to order a sophomore season. Coming in late February 2025, the network not only renewedOriginsbut also brought back the flagship show for season 23 andNCIS: Sydneyfor season 3. While many details are still unknown about the upcoming second season ofOrigins,it’s highly likely that it will premiere as part of CBS' fall 2025 season.
NCIS: Origins Season 2 Cast Details
Expect Gibbs & His Team To Return
The cast ofNCIS: Originsis chock-full of familiar characters, even if the actors playing them have changed since the old days ofNCIS. Austin Stowell was given the daunting task of playing the younger version of Gibbs, and he has slotted into the role excellently. Since it’s his origin story that lends the spinoff its title,it stands to reason that Stowell will be back in the lead role alongside the likes of Kyle Schmid as Gibbs' mentor, Agent Mike Franks. Shockingly, Mark Harmon returned to play Gibbs (largely as a narrator) in season 1, but it’s unclear if the actor is looking to make it a full-time gig.
Another expected return is Mariel Molino as Special Agent Lala Dominguez, and her storyline seems to be just as crucial to the plot as Gibbs'. Similarly, Tyla Abercrumbie should be back as Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Sullivan, and Diany Rodriguez should reprise her role as Special Agent Vera Strickland, since Strickland is an original character inNCIS.
NCIS: Origins Season 2 Story Details
Watch Young Gibbs Become The Agent Fans Know & Love
As it stands now,it’s impossible to guess exactly what will happen inNCIS: Originsseason 2 since the season 1 finale hasn’t aired yet. Unlike the procedural series found in the rest of the franchise,Originswill likely employ overarching narratives that will grow and change from season to season. Season 1 probably won’t see Gibbs learn all the crucial skills he put to good use inNCIS, and there are likely more important connections he still needs to make.
Gibbs' emotional storyline could take on a new dimension going forward as he learns how to really deal with the grief of losing his wife and daughter to a murder.
Furthermore, Gibbs' emotional storyline could take on a new dimension going forward as he learns how to really deal with the grief of losing his wife and daughter to a murder. This development will likely shape Stowell’s Gibbs into the stoic and sure Gibbs that viewers met in the original series, butNCIS: Originsstill has a long way to go before the accomplished agent can become self-actualized.
NCIS: Origins
Cast
NCIS: Origins is set in 1991, preceding the events of the original series. The series introduces Leroy Jethro Gibbs as a new special agent at NCIS Camp Pendleton. Under the leadership of NCIS legend Mike Franks, Gibbs navigates his role within a tenacious, unconventional team.
