NCIS: Origins – Release date, cast, plot, trailer and latest news
Plus, does Mark Harmon appear?

NCIS continues to be one of the popular TV franchises worldwide, having spawned numerous spin-offs and gained a legion of loyal fans since it debuted in 2003.
The saga continues with NCIS: Origins, a new prequel series looking at how Leroy Jethro Gibbs became the man we came to know in the main show, as played by Mark Harmon.
The series, which started airing in the US in October, picks up with the beloved character in the early stages of his career, as he's learning what it really takes to become a fully-fledged special agent.
The series has finally now arrived in the UK, but when did the episodes become available for UK fans to watch, who is playing young Gibbs and what else do we know about the series?
Read on for everything you need to know about NCIS: Origins.
NCIS: Origins release date – When can I watch it?
The series kicked off with a two-hour special in the US on Monday 14th October 2024 on CBS.
Meanwhile, the series finally arrived in UK on Thursday 13th March, streaming on Paramount Plus, as opposed to NCIS which is on Disney Plus.
NCIS: Origins cast – Who stars?

Austin Stowell (Catch-22, The Hating Game, Bridge of Spies, Whiplash, Dolphin Tale) leads the series as a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
He's joined by:
- Kyle Schmid (Copper) as Special Agent Mike Franks. He was played by Muse Watson in NCIS.
- Mariel Molino (Papis muy padres) as Special Agent Lala Dominguez.
- Diany Rodriguez (The Blacklist) as Special Agent Vera Strickland.
- Tyla Abercrumbie (The Chi) as Officer Mary Jo Sullivan.
Daniel Bellomy (Power Book II: Ghost), Caleb Martin Foote (Made for Love) and Robert Taylor (Longmire) also take on recurring roles.
Will Mark Harmon appear in NCIS: Origins?

Yes - the original Gibbs pops up briefly in the opening episode, as well as serving as the show's narrator and one of its executive producers.
"That was a discussion between Mark, myself and [co-showrunner] Gina Monreal," said David J North (via Deadline).
"I hope the audience will be excited to see him after so many years."
Harmon himself said: "I'm just pleased to be part of it. And I'm a distant part of it, really, because I'm not there to make any big moves or anything. I'm just there to support. And how can I help? And if you need my help, great. And if not, that's OK too."
North also said that they are "open to anything" regarding the possibility of Harmon returning.
NCIS: Origins plot – What's it about?
It's set in 1991, when Gibbs is just starting out as a "newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office".
"He forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks," continues the official synopsis.
Longtime fans will know that Franks was killed in the season 8 finale, but he would appear to Gibbs during particularly difficult investigations.
NCIS: Origins trailer – When can I watch it?
You can watch the trailer for its debut season below.
NCIS: Origins is streaming now on Paramount Plus in the UK. The first 20 seasons of NCIS are available to stream on Disney Plus for UK viewers.
Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors

Abby Robinson is the Drama Editor for Radio Times, covering TV drama and comedy titles. She previously worked at Digital Spy as a TV writer, and as a content writer at Mumsnet. She possesses a postgraduate diploma and a degree in English Studies.

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.