The next episode of the hit prequel series is set to air. NCIS: Origins Season 2 Episode 8, titled “End of the Road,” arrives on CBS on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. For many fans, this episode marks an early start to the show’s winter break, making it the last new episode for a while.
Here is when you can watch based on your time zone:
- Pacific Time (PT): 6:00 PM, Tuesday, December 9
- Eastern Time (ET): 9:00 PM, Tuesday, December 9
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): 2:00 AM, Wednesday, December 10
- Central European Time (CET): 3:00 AM, Wednesday, December 10
- India Standard Time (IST): 6:30 AM, Wednesday, December 10
- Australia Central Daylight Time (ACDT): 1:30 PM, Wednesday, December 10
If you miss the live broadcast, the episode will be available for streaming on Paramount+ the following day, December 10. Subscribers to the Premium plan can watch it without commercials.
What Happened in Episode 7: “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”
The previous episode set the stage for major personal drama. The NIS team investigated the murder of a Marine named Natasha, whose death was initially mistaken for a cougar attack. The case led them to a top-secret military mission.
However, the real focus was on the team’s personal lives. Patrick Fischler’s character, Cliff Wheeler, faced intense turmoil as his wife discovered his affair with FBI Detective Noah Oakley. This threatened both his marriage and his career. Meanwhile, Mariel Molino’s character, Lala Dominguez, dealt with professional news as her partner, Vera, applied for a job in Washington, D.C.. By the end of the hour, Austin Stowell’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his girlfriend Diane seemed to be in a good place, even enjoying a double date with a teammate.
The Major Stories in Episode 8: “End of the Road”
Episode 8 brings three main storylines that will test the team both personally and professionally.
A Personal Case for Lala Dominguez
The central case hits very close to home for Lala. The official description for the episode states, “When Lala’s favorite CI is shot, the team joins forces with Oceanside PD to determine who was behind the attack”. A confidential informant, or CI, is a crucial source for investigators, and this attack suggests Lala’s work has put someone she trusts in grave danger. This storyline is expected to show a more emotional side of the determined agent.
A Test for Gibbs and Diane
Gibbs’ relatively stable relationship with Diane, played by Kathleen Kenny, hits a major hurdle. Diane is offered a job in Los Angeles. With Gibbs firmly rooted in his work at Camp Pendleton, this opportunity forces them to confront whether their relationship can survive the distance. This plot point is significant for longtime NCIS fans who know Diane becomes Gibbs’ second wife in the original series.
Franks’ Family Visit
A third plot involves Kyle Schmid’s character, Mike Franks. He visits his brother, Mason, at a compound. Mason Franks is played by Philip Winchester. This visit will likely give viewers more insight into Franks’ background and his complicated family relationships.
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Where to Watch NCIS: Origins and Meet the Cast
NCIS: Origins airs on the CBS television network and is available for streaming on Paramount+. You can also purchase individual episodes or the full season on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home.
The show features a mix of new actors and familiar franchise faces. Austin Stowell plays the young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, while the original Gibbs, Mark Harmon, narrates the series. The main cast of the Camp Pendleton office includes:
- Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks
- Mariel Molino as Special Agent Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez
- Diany Rodriguez as Special Agent Vera Strickland
- Tyla Abercrumbie as Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Hayes
- Caleb Foote as Special Agent Bernard “Randy” Randolf
- Patrick Fischler as Special Agent in Charge Cliff Wheeler
Bobby Moynihan also appears as forensic analyst Woodrow “Woody” Browne. The series is set in 1991 and follows Gibbs’ early days with the Naval Investigative Service, the predecessor to NCIS.
Season 2 has been praised for addressing some criticisms of the first season, particularly by allowing Gibbs to show a wider range of emotions beyond constant grief. The season is expected to have a total of 18 episodes. Following Episode 8 on December 9, the show will go on a winter hiatus. New episodes are scheduled to resume in February 2026.
