The new spinoff NCIS: Origins represents a major change for the long-running procedural franchise, but will the Gibbs-centric prequel return for season 2? Debuting in late 2024, NCIS: Origins concerns young Agent Leroy Gibbs (originally played by Mark Harmon and now played by Austin Stowell) as he begins his career at Camp Pendleton in 1991 under his mentor, Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid). Exploring the early days of the franchise's most beloved hero, Origins is the first spinoff of NCIS to take place earlier in the show's timeline and eschew the typical procedural format found in other off-shoots.
Though NCIS has been airing since 2003, NCIS: Origins marks the first time in the franchise's history that a spinoff has tried something new. The character-driven narrative not only serves to flesh out Gibbs, but also to deliver crucial context to what comes much later in the timeline. Instead of the narrowly-focused weekly cases of NCIS and its spinoffs, Origins (and the upcoming Tony & Ziva spinoff) shows a path forward for NCIS as it continues to set TV records. All that said, NCIS: Origins season 2 isn't confirmed yet, but it could get the green light soon.
NCIS: Origins Season 2 Latest News
An Optimistic Update From The Showrunner
With anticipation high for the potential next installment of the prequel series, the latest news comes in the form of an optimistic update from the showunner of NCIS: Origins. David J. North runs the show alongside Gina Lucita Monreal, and he spoke candidly about his hopes for the latest installment in the epic TV franchise. In a great sign for season 2, North said "I do know that CBS and Paramount are in it for the long haul," meaning the series already has the backing of its network.
This isn't particularly surprising considering the franchise's history with CBS, and a Gibbs-centric show was always going to get a lot of attention. As North points out in his latest comments, NCIS: Origins has consistently stayed in the streaming top 10 since its debut, which all but guarantees another season.
Read North's comments here:
We’re really proud of what we’re making, and the goal is always, obviously, to get as many eyes on it as possible. I know that we’re doing well on Paramount+; after we air, the following day we’re always in the Top 10.
I do know that CBS and Paramount are in it for the long haul, so we just try to keep our heads down and write as good of material as possible. And this cast, they’re fantastic, they really are. I think we have something special here, and I hope everybody comes on board.
NCIS: Origins Season 2 Is Not Confirmed
CBS Hasn't Ordered A Second Season Yet
With a lot of buzz surrounding the debut season of NCIS: Origins, it is somewhat surprising that CBS has been tight-lipped about the show's future. Presumably, the spinoff is intended to be an ongoing series that will span across multiple seasons, but nothing has been confirmed yet. As such, Origins season 2 is not confirmed, and the network is likely waiting to see how the latest franchise installment fares before they make their final decision regarding its fate. NCIS as a franchise is in an odd place in the early 2020s, and Origins isn't a sure-fire hit.
- NCIS: Origins airs Mondays at 9pm EST on CBS
Though most of the show's off-shoots have done well, recent shows like NCIS: Hawaii were less fortunate, and CBS wasn't sentimental when axing it from their slate. However, with the promise of Mark Harmon's return as Gibbs, and a more recognizable framework for the story, there's little doubt that Origins will be able to hold its own in a crowded fall schedule. With the other character-driven spinoff, Tony & Ziva, also looming, CBS needs Origins to work as proof that the future of the franchise is in specialized spinoffs.
NCIS: Origins Season 2 Cast Details
Expect Gibbs & His Team To Return
The cast of NCIS: Origins is chock-full of familiar characters, even if the actors playing them have changed since the old days of NCIS. Austin Stowell was given the daunting task of playing the younger version of Gibbs, and he has slotted into the role excellently. Since it's his origin story that lends the spinoff its title, it stands to reason that Stowell will be back in the lead role alongside the likes of Kyle Schmid as Gibbs' mentor, Agent Mike Franks. Shockingly, Mark Harmon returned to play Gibbs (largely as a narrator) in season 1, but it's unclear if the actor is looking to make it a full-time gig.
Another expected return is Mariel Molino as Special Agent Lala Dominguez, and her storyline seems to be just as crucial to the plot as Gibbs'. Similarly, Tyla Abercrumbie should be back as Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Sullivan, and Diany Rodriguez should reprise her role as Special Agent Vera Strickland, since Strickland is an original character in NCIS.
The likely cast of NCIS: Origins season 2 includes:
Actor | NCIS: Origins Role | |
|---|---|---|
Austin Stowell | Young Agent Gibbs |
|
Mark Harmon | Older Agent Gibbs |
|
Kyle Schmid | Mike Franks |
|
Mariel Molino | Agent Lala Dominguez |
|
Tyla Abercrumbie | Officer Mary Jo Sullivan |
|
Diany Rodriguez | Agent Vera Strickland |
|
Daniel Bellomy | Agent Granville "Granny" Dawson |
|
Caleb Martin Foote | Agent Benjamin "Randy" Randolf |
|
Julian Black Antelope | ME Kai Blackrock |  Photo Credit: Pooya Nabei |
Patrick Fischler | SAC Cliff Walker |
|
Robert Taylor | Jackson Gibbs |
|
NCIS: Origins Season 2 Story Details
Watch Young Gibbs Become The Agent Fans Know & Love
As it stands now, it's impossible to guess exactly what will happen in NCIS: Origins season 2 since the season 1 finale hasn't aired yet. Unlike the procedural series found in the rest of the franchise, Origins will likely employ overarching narratives that will grow and change from season to season. Season 1 likely won't see Gibbs learn all the crucial skills he put to good use in NCIS, and there are likely more important connections he still needs to make.
Furthermore, Gibbs' emotional storyline could take on a new dimension going forward as he learns how to really deal with the grief of losing his wife and daughter to a murder. This development will likely shape Stowell's Gibbs into the stoic and sure Gibbs that viewers met in the original series, but NCIS: Origins still has a long way to go before the accomplished agent can become self-actualized.
NCIS: Origins Season 2: Further News & Info
NCIS: Origins: Everything To Know About Gibbs Prequel Show
