The hit NCIS prequel is coming back for a new season, and it’s bringing Gibbs’ past into the present with a major network event. NCIS: Origins Season 2 will continue to follow a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs in 1991 as he learns the ropes at the Naval Investigative Service under the tough but fair Mike Franks. This season promises to answer the big question left by the Season 1 finale, introduce new faces from the franchise’s history, and even connect directly with the present-day NCIS team in a special crossover.
When and Where to Watch
NCIS: Origins Season 2 will premiere on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, on CBS. The show has moved to a new night and time, now airing at 9/8c as part of a full night of NCIS programming, right after the original NCIS and before NCIS: Sydney.
For viewers who prefer to stream, new episodes will be available on Paramount+ the day after they air on CBS. Paramount+ Premium subscribers can watch episodes live as they broadcast, while Essential subscribers can watch on-demand starting the next day.
The Returning Cast and New Faces
The core team from the first season is returning, with Austin Stowell back as the young, grief-driven Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The legendary Mark Harmon also returns as the narrator, providing the voice of the older, reflective Gibbs. They are joined by returning series regulars:
- Kyle Schmid as Special Agent Mike Franks
- Mariel Molino as Special Agent Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez
- Tyla Abercrumbie as Mary Jo Hayes
- Diany Rodriguez as Special Agent Vera Strickland
- Caleb Foote as Special Agent Bernard “Randy” Randolf
The new season also adds several key recurring and guest stars. Philip Winchester joins the cast in a recurring role as Mason Franks, Mike’s older brother. Described as a “Texas-tough cowboy” who has hit rock bottom, Mason will seek help from his estranged brother to save the family ranch. His character will be introduced in the season’s fourth episode.
Additionally, Kathleen Kenny returns as Diane Sterling, a real estate agent who fans will recognize as one of Gibbs’ future wives. In a special guest appearance, Adam Campbell will reprise his role as a young Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard in an episode that pays tribute to the late David McCallum, who played the beloved character in the original NCIS.
What to Expect in the Story
The Season 2 premiere, titled “The Funky Bunch,” will immediately address the major cliffhanger from the Season 1 finale: the fate of Special Agent Lala Dominguez. After a tense moment with Gibbs, Lala was involved in a serious car accident, leaving her condition unknown. The premiere’s official description confirms that “Lala’s fate is revealed,” and this event is expected to have a significant impact on Gibbs’ emotional state.
Beyond this personal drama, the premiere will see Gibbs and Franks investigating the disappearance of a young Marine connected to a mysterious compound with a charismatic leader. The season will also explore the complicated relationship between Mike Franks and his brother Mason, shedding new light on Franks’ own background and family.
In the fourth episode, titled “The Edge,” young Ducky Mallard will be sent to Camp Pendleton to shadow the team on a case. During this episode, he will reconnect with Gibbs after the two had initially met years earlier.
A Groundbreaking Crossover Event
In a major franchise first, NCIS: Origins and the flagship NCIS show will have a special two-part crossover event. This will air on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 (Veterans Day). The two shows will even swap time slots for the night, with the main NCIS episode airing in the 9/8c slot typically held by Origins.
The storyline will involve “a case that spans over decades.” It will begin in the 1990s with Gibbs and the NIS team investigating the death of a naval officer in a small town. This very same case will be unexpectedly reopened in the present day by the team led by Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) on the mothership NCIS show.
Wilmer Valderrama and Austin Stowell announced the event together, with Valderrama stating, “Get ready for a crossover event like no other,” and Stowell adding, “We’ll work a case that spans over decades.”
A Look Back at the Story So Far
NCIS: Origins is set in 1991 and follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he begins his career as a new special agent at the NIS Camp Pendleton office. He is still processing the trauma of his wife and daughter’s murders, which shapes him into the agent he will become. He is mentored by the seasoned and gritty Mike Franks, who leads a ragtag team of investigators.
The Season 1 finale ended with several major developments. Gibbs was introduced to Diane Sterling, who would later become his second wife. More dramatically, Agent Lala Dominguez was in a car crash after confronting a situation connected to the man who killed Gibbs’ family. Her fate was left unknown, setting up the central mystery for the start of Season 2.
Also Read: NCIS: Tony and Ziva Season 1 Episode 8: Release Time, Killer Robots, and Finale Countdown
