NCIS: Origins is bringing back its biggest star in a way fans have not seen since he left the flagship series. Mark Harmon will appear as present-day Leroy Jethro Gibbs in every episode of Season 3, marking his first full-time return to the NCIS universe after stepping away in 2021. The prequel series, which follows a young Gibbs at Camp Pendleton in the early 1990s, premieres its third season on Tuesday, October 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. A new cast member is also joining the fold, while one key creative leader is stepping away. Here is everything confirmed about the NCIS: Origins Season 3 cast so far.
Mark Harmon Returns as Present-Day Gibbs in Every Episode
Mark Harmon is not just narrating anymore. The 74-year-old actor, who played Gibbs for 18 seasons on the original NCIS before his character retired to Alaska, will appear on screen in all 10 episodes of Season 3. His return is part of a season-long mystery that connects his present-day life to cases he worked in the 1990s at Camp Pendleton.
The season premiere, titled “Don’t You Forget About Me,” shows Gibbs living in Alaska with a rescue dog before ghosts from his past pull him back into action. “I came to Alaska to find peace, but ghosts from my past found me,” Harmon’s Gibbs says in the trailer. “I know now peace never lasts.”
Showrunner David J. North explained how the return came together. “Mark and I had been talking for a while about how exciting it would be for the fans for Gibbs to return,” North told Deadline. “Mark was excited to give the fans what they wanted. So, I pitched him an idea, he responded to it, and then we were off and running.”
Austin Stowell Leads the 1990s Timeline as Young Gibbs
Austin Stowell continues as the younger version of Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the 1992 timeline. The 41-year-old actor has led the series since its debut, playing a rookie agent still learning the job under the guidance of Mike Franks.
Stowell has spoken about the pressure of taking on a character so closely tied to Harmon. “I was scared for so many reasons,” he told Deadline. “But I don’t think I’ll ever quite get comfortable because, at the end of the day, Gibbs will always be Mark Harmon’s character, and I’m playing the younger version of that.”
Season 3 picks up right after the Season 2 finale kiss between young Gibbs and Special Agent Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez. North confirmed their relationship will be a major focus. “The Gibbs and Lala relationship is a huge part of season 3,” he said. “They just had that big kiss at the end of last season, but their feelings for each other are complicated. So there’s a lot to unpack there.”
Kyle Schmid, Mariel Molino, and the Returning Camp Pendleton Team
The core Camp Pendleton team is back for Season 3. Kyle Schmid returns as Special Agent Mike Franks, the mentor who leads the unit. Mariel Molino is back as Lala Dominguez, whose romantic storyline with young Gibbs is set to grow. Tyla Abercrumbie returns as Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Hayes, and Diany Rodriguez returns as Special Agent Vera Strickland. Caleb Foote is back as NIS Agent Randy Randolf, who was kidnapped in the Season 2 finale and will be rescued in the premiere.
Adam Campbell returns as young Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, the medical examiner made famous by the late David McCallum on the original NCIS.
Sean Harmon Joins as FBI Agent Casey Bloom in Episode 2
Sean Harmon, the son of Mark Harmon, is joining the cast in a guest role. He will play FBI Agent Casey Bloom in Season 3, Episode 2, titled “My Own Worst Enemy,” airing Tuesday, October 13.
Sean Harmon previously played a younger version of Gibbs in flashback scenes on the original NCIS but did not take on the role for the prequel. He serves as an executive producer on NCIS: Origins. Mark Harmon explained the decision in a past interview with Variety. “He’s an actor, writer, producer, a surfer, he does a lot of things,” Harmon said. “He likes executive producing.”
Episode 2 also brings back Bobby Moynihan as Woody, an old friend of Gibbs who appears in both timelines. In the present day, Gibbs returns to civilization and calls in a favor from Woody. In 1992, the team helps Woody when he is accused of murdering a bowling rival.
Gina Lucita Monreal Exits as Co-Showrunner
Gina Lucita Monreal, who co-created NCIS: Origins with David J. North, left the series after Season 2. She is focusing on new projects, and North is now the sole showrunner for Season 3.
CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach and CBS Studios President David Stapf released a joint statement praising her work. “Gina has been an important beloved member of the NCIS family for many years,” they said.
Eric Christian Olsen, known for playing Marty Deeks on NCIS: Los Angeles, has joined the executive producing team for Season 3.
Related:
NCIS Origins Season 3 Release Date and Where to Watch
NCIS: Origins Season 3 premieres on Tuesday, October 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS in the United States. The episode will also stream on Paramount+ for subscribers in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and other international markets where the service is available.
The season will consist of 10 episodes, a shorter run than the previous two seasons. It is part of CBS’ Tuesday night NCIS block, which also includes the NCIS Season 24 premiere and the new spin-off NCIS: New York starring LL Cool J.
Also Read: NCIS Origins Season 3 Brings Mark Harmon Back as Gibbs Full-Time to Boost Spin-Off
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