The hit CBS prequel series NCIS: Origins continues to impress audiences with its deep dive into the early years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. After a gripping first season that explored the formation of the iconic agent, the show returned for its second season in October 2025. Viewers are now eagerly awaiting the next new installment, specifically wanting to know when NCIS: Origins Season 2 Episode 12 will be available.
The series, set in 1991, follows a young Gibbs (Austin Stowell) as he finds his footing at the Camp Pendleton NIS office under the rough guidance of Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid). The show, narrated by a retired Gibbs (the original Gibbs, Mark Harmon), has successfully expanded the NCIS universe by focusing not just on Gibbs, but on the team of agents who helped shape him. With Season 2 already underway, here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Episode 12, including its confirmed release date, time, and streaming options.
When is NCIS Origins Season 2 Episode 12 Coming Out
NCIS: Origins Season 2 Episode 12 is scheduled to air on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. This episode continues the show’s second season run on its regular night and time slot on CBS.
Following a brief hiatus in early 2026, the series returns with new episodes in March. Episode 12, which some sources list under the working title “The Gambler,” is set to be a pivotal moment in the season’s second half. The episode will air in its usual one-hour time block, running for approximately 43 minutes without commercials.
What Time Does NCIS Origins Air
NCIS: Origins consistently airs on Tuesday nights at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central) on the CBS television network. This timeslot has been the home for the show since its debut, allowing it to lead into or follow other popular CBS procedurals.
For global audiences, the broadcast time translates to:
- USA East Coast: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET
- USA West Coast: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 9:00 PM PT
- UK: Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in the early morning hours between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM GMT
- Canada: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET on Global TV
- Australia: Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in the afternoon or evening AEST depending on the local broadcaster
- India: Wednesday, March 25, 2026, very early morning around 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM IST
Where to Watch NCIS Origins Episode 12
For viewers who want to watch NCIS: Origins Season 2 Episode 12, there are several reliable options available. The most straightforward method is watching the live broadcast on CBS if you are in the United States.
If you miss the live airing, the episode will be available for streaming on Paramount+. As the home for CBS content, Paramount+ typically uploads new episodes shortly after they finish airing live. Subscribers can stream the show on demand the following day.
Additionally, viewers can catch the episode on live TV streaming services that carry CBS, such as:
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- FuboTV
- DirecTV Stream
For international viewers, availability varies. In many regions, NCIS: Origins is available on Netflix or local network partners, though release dates may differ from the US broadcast. It is best to check local listings for platforms like Disney+ in some territories or specific broadcast partners in the UK, Australia, and India.
What to Expect From Season 2 So Far
The second season of NCIS: Origins picked up right where the intense first season left off. Season 2 premiered on October 14, 2025, with an episode titled “The Funky Bunch.” The early episodes of Season 2 focused heavily on the fallout from Lala’s near-fatal car accident. Her survival and rehabilitation have been a central theme, putting emotional strain on her relationship with Gibbs.
As the season progressed, viewers saw Gibbs struggling to balance his personal feelings for Lala with his professional duties. Mike Franks, meanwhile, has been dealing with his own family drama. Season 2 introduced Philip Winchester as Mason Franks, Mike’s estranged brother. Their complicated relationship has added a new layer to Franks’ character, showing a vulnerable side to the tough-as-nails leader.
The show also continues to feature Adam Campbell as a younger Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, giving fans of the original series a treat by showing how the beloved medical examiner first crossed paths with the NIS team.
Looking Back at Season 1s Powerful Episode 12
While fans wait for Season 2’s Episode 12, it is worth remembering how impactful the first season’s twelfth episode was. Titled “Touchstones,” the Season 1 Episode 12 which aired in February 2025 was a standout moment for the series. That episode shifted the focus away from Gibbs to tell the deeply emotional story of Kowalski (Michael Harney), the evidence custodian.
In “Touchstones,” Kowalski’s world was shaken when the evidence room was broken into and $41,000 was stolen. The chaos triggered painful flashbacks to his time as a prisoner of war during the Korean War. The episode showed Kowalski resigning from the NIS, overwhelmed by the feeling that his safe space had been destroyed.
The investigation revealed that the theft was an inside job. Roger, a member of the team, confessed to stealing the money due to a serious gambling problem. He also admitted to giving up information about Millie’s location to a hitman, a betrayal that sent shockwaves through the office. The episode ended on a hopeful note, with Kowalski returning to work and gifting his prized Korean rock to his assistant, Herm, as a symbol of trust. It also saw Lala calling her ex-boyfriend Eddie, following Gibbs’ advice, showing a softer side of the young agent.
Critics noted that while Episode 12 of Season 1 had minimal Gibbs involvement, it was one of the most compelling stories of the series, proving the show’s strength in developing even its secondary characters.
The Main Cast of NCIS Origins Season 2
The core team remains intact for Season 2, with the main cast delivering strong performances week after week:
- Austin Stowell as young Leroy Jethro Gibbs
- Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks
- Mariel Molino as Lala Dominguez
- Tyla Abercrumbie as Mary Jo Sullivan
- Diany Rodriguez as Vera Strickland
- Caleb Foote as Benjamin Randolf
- Mark Harmon as the voice of older Gibbs Narrator
Recurring guest stars this season include Lori Petty, Robert Taylor, and Patrick Fischler, adding depth to the 1990s naval investigative world.
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Final Episode Information
As of now, NCIS: Origins is scheduled to run for a full season of 18 episodes. Episode 12 on March 24 will be followed by several more episodes leading up to the season finale in late April 2026. Fans can mark their calendars for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, to catch the next chapter in Gibbs’ origin story.
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