Mark Harmon teases whether Leroy Jethro Gibbs will return to NCIS in light of the upcoming premiere of NCIS: Origins. More than two years since Gibbs left MCRT in NCIS season 19, the actor is slated to make a comeback via the next spinoff series from the franchise. Instead of stepping back into the role he played for almost two decades, he will only provide the narration for the prequel, which tackles Gibbs' earliest years as part of Mike Franks' NIS team. Despite this, many are still holding out hope that Harmon will reprise the role in NCIS.
Speaking with TVLine during CBS' TCA Summer Press Tour, Harmon addresses the idea. Since he's already back in the franchise via NCIS: Origins, it might not be difficult to recruit him for a cameo in the main show. That said, Harmon states that he is actually unaware of any plans for Gibbs to return. Read his full quote below:
It wasn’t so much a decision to leave, but the right timing to push away a little bit. I was thrilled with the storyline they came up with and how they handled the character. And the show continued on. I have been asked that a lot…I’ve always let the writers do what they want to do. Directly, like a phone call…? Not that I’m aware of. I don’t know [if I'll be back for the eventual series finale]. I don’t think he’s still standing in the stream. [Chuckles]
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Back in November 2023, Harmon essentially made the same statement. However, the actor was still fully out of the NCIS franchise then, since NCIS: Origins wasn't officially announced until January 2024. While he isn't appearing in the upcoming prequel, still being involved in the TV universe makes it so much easier for CBS to rope him back into the main show. Perhaps the flagship show can come up with a storyline that also ties to NCIS: Origins to give Harmon further motivation to do it.
For what it's worth, CBS hasn't had any shortage of reasons to bring back MCRT's former leader. Season 21 had Ducky's tribute outing and NCIS' 1000th episode, which could have both used Gibbs' appearance. However, while the producers have made it clear that the door is always open for Harmon to appear, they also want to make the most of their time with him once he agrees to return. That means that a short cameo is out of the picture. Instead, there will be a proper storyline for him when Gibbs finds his way back to Navy Yard.
Aside from providing the narration, Gibbs will also co-produce the '90s-set NCIS: Origins. This further involves Harmon in the business aspect of the show. Considering this, he should know how big it would be for him to make an appearance in the main NCIS show, especially if it's for another milestone outing. He already missed so many of them, it would be nice to finally have him back for anything coming up in the near future.
