Mark Harmon Returns as Gibbs! ‘NCIS: Origins’ Season 3 Brings Back the Fan-Favorite Agent

“NCIS” fans are getting a major surprise as Mark Harmon is officially returning as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The actor will step back into the role that made him one of television’s most recognizable crime drama characters, with a major storyline planned for the third season of CBS’ “NCIS: Origins.”

According to Variety, Harmon will appear in every episode of Season 3 as part of a season-long story that connects Gibbs’ present-day life with events from his past. CBS revealed that the new storyline will involve “a present-day mystery tied to his ‘90s Camp Pendleton days in an action-packed story that unfolds all season long.”

Harmon’s return marks the first time he will have a major on-screen role as Gibbs since leaving the original “NCIS” series in 2021. While he has remained connected to the franchise, mostly through narration and his work behind the scenes, fans have been waiting to see him fully return as the character.

Harmon currently narrates every episode of “NCIS: Origins” as an older Gibbs and also works as an executive producer on the series. He previously appeared briefly as Gibbs in the “NCIS: Origins” pilot and later returned for a special crossover episode between “NCIS” and “NCIS: Origins” that aired in 2025. However, those appearances were much smaller compared to the upcoming Season 3 role.

The actor first introduced Gibbs to audiences when “NCIS” premiered, eventually becoming the face of the long-running franchise. Harmon played the character for 18 seasons before stepping away during Season 19. His departure marked the end of an era for the series, but Gibbs has remained one of the most popular characters in the entire “NCIS” universe.

“NCIS: Origins” explores Gibbs’ younger years, showing his early career before he became the experienced team leader viewers know from the original series. The show stars Austin Stowell as a younger version of Gibbs during his time at Camp Pendleton.

The prequel also features Kyle Schmid, Mariel Molino, Tyla Abercrumbie, Diany Rodriguez, and Caleb Foote. The series focuses on Gibbs’ early experiences as an investigator and the events that helped shape him into the agent fans came to know.

Season 3 will also continue expanding the massive “NCIS” franchise, which remains one of CBS’ biggest television brands. Along with the original “NCIS” and “NCIS: Origins,” the network has also produced shows including “NCIS: Sydney” and is developing “NCIS: New York” with LL Cool J and Scott Caan.

Over the years, the franchise has grown with several spinoffs, including “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” “NCIS: Hawaiʻi,” and Paramount+’s “NCIS: Tony & Ziva.”

Behind the scenes, Harmon remains closely involved with “NCIS: Origins.” He executive produces the series alongside his son Sean Harmon, David J. North, Michele Greco, and Eric Christian Olsen. CBS Studios is responsible for producing the show.

With Gibbs returning for a full season-long storyline, “NCIS: Origins” Season 3 is shaping up to be a must-watch event for longtime fans. The new episodes will give viewers another chance to see the character who helped turn “NCIS” into one of television’s biggest franchises.

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