The NCIS universe has expanded once again, bringing fans an exciting new prequel series, “NCIS: Origins.” This much-anticipated installment takes a deep dive into the formative years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs and other iconic characters, giving viewers a chance to witness their evolution from young agents to the legends they become in the main NCIS series.
Premiering in October 2024, NCIS: Origins has already become a fan favorite, offering a mix of gripping investigations, emotional storytelling, and deep character explorations. This article will cover everything you need to know about NCIS: Origins, including:
✔️ The Premise and Plot of the Show
✔️ Key Characters and Cast Members
✔️ How It Connects to the Original NCIS Series
✔️ The Emotional Storylines and Themes
✔️ Upcoming Episodes and What’s Next for the Show
What Is “NCIS: Origins” About? A Deep Dive Into the Prequel Series
Unlike previous NCIS spin-offs (NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawai’i), which introduced new teams and locations, NCIS: Origins takes a trip back in time to show how it all began.
🎬 Plot Overview:
Set in the early 1990s, NCIS: Origins follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell, as he starts his career as a rookie agent at NCIS (formerly known as NIS – Naval Investigative Service). The series provides a unique look into Gibbs’ first major cases, his early mentors, and the relationships that shape his career.
🚔 What to Expect:
✔ Gibbs’ first big cases that shaped him into the agent we know.
✔ His early relationships with future key characters.
✔ A look at NCIS before it became the powerhouse agency seen in the main series.
✔ Deep dives into Gibbs’ personal struggles, motivations, and early tragedies.
This fresh approach allows longtime NCIS fans to learn more about their favorite characters while giving new audiences a thrilling entry point into the franchise.
Meet the Cast: Who’s Playing Who in “NCIS: Origins”?
🕵️♂️ Austin Stowell as Young Leroy Jethro Gibbs
The rising star Austin Stowell (Whiplash, Bridge of Spies) takes on the daunting task of playing a young Mark Harmon’s character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. He brings the same intensity, intelligence, and quiet strength that made the older Gibbs an unforgettable character.
🎭 Kyle Schmid as Young Mike Franks
Longtime NCIS fans know Mike Franks as Gibbs’ mentor and close friend. Kyle Schmid (Big Sky, Six) portrays the younger version of the character, showing how Franks influenced Gibbs’ no-nonsense attitude and rulebook approach.
👩💼 Tyla Abercrumbie as Special Agent Vera Strickland
A new addition to the franchise, Vera Strickland is one of the first female agents at NCIS and plays a significant role in shaping Gibbs’ career. She is described as tough, intelligent, and fiercely independent.
🌟 Mark Harmon Returns as the Narrator
To keep the legacy of Gibbs alive, Mark Harmon—who played Gibbs for 19 seasons on NCIS—returns as the narrator of the series, offering an insider’s perspective as he reflects on his younger years.
“NCIS: Origins” Episode 13 – A Deeper Look Into Gibbs’ Mentor, Mike Franks
The most recent episode of “NCIS: Origins”, titled “Monsoon,” aired on February 10, 2025. This episode became one of the most talked-about moments in the series so far.
Plot Summary: The Emotional Case That Hits Close to Home
🔎 Case of the Week:
- The team investigates the murder of a Vietnam veteran, a man who struggled to reintegrate into society after returning home from the war.
- The case becomes deeply personal for Mike Franks, who also served in Vietnam and has his own dark past to confront.
💔 Franks’ Emotional Flashbacks to 1982:
- The episode features powerful flashbacks of Franks’ life after Vietnam, showing his struggles with PTSD, relationships, and finding a new purpose.
- Tish (played by Tonantzin Carmelo) is introduced as a key figure in Franks’ life, someone who tried to help him, but ultimately walked away due to his emotional wounds.
🎤 Kyle Schmid on Playing Young Mike Franks:
- In an interview, Schmid stated: “This episode was emotionally intense. Franks has always been a tough guy, but we get to see his vulnerabilities here.”
- He also mentioned that the political climate of the 1980s added another layer to the story, making it historically relevant and powerful.
How “NCIS: Origins” Connects to the Original “NCIS” Series
For fans wondering how NCIS: Origins fits into the overall NCIS timeline, here’s what we know:
🔗 Gibbs’ Rule #1 – Never Let Personal Feelings Get in the Way of a Case
- This prequel explores the moments that led Gibbs to create his famous “Gibbs’ Rules.”
- The latest episode explains why Gibbs avoids emotional attachments, a trait seen throughout NCIS.
🔗 Mike Franks’ Influence on Gibbs
- NCIS fans remember Mike Franks as one of the most significant figures in Gibbs’ life. NCIS: Origins is showing how their friendship began.
🔗 The Evolution of NCIS as an Organization
- Back in the early 1990s, NCIS was still known as NIS (Naval Investigative Service).
- The show gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at how NIS evolved into the NCIS we know today.
What’s Next for “NCIS: Origins”? Upcoming Episodes & Future of the Series
📅 Upcoming Storylines to Look Forward To:
✔ Gibbs’ First Major Undercover Operation – A mission that nearly cost him his life.
✔ The Introduction of Future NCIS Characters – Familiar faces may appear, including younger versions of Ducky, Jenny Shepard, and even Tony DiNozzo Sr.
✔ The Event That Changed Gibbs Forever – Fans speculate that the show will explore the tragic death of Gibbs’ first wife and daughter.
📢 Will There Be a Season 2?
- While CBS has not officially renewed NCIS: Origins for a second season, its strong ratings and positive fan reception suggest that it’s likely to continue.
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch “NCIS: Origins”?
If you’re a longtime NCIS fan, NCIS: Origins is a must-watch. It provides rich character backstories, thrilling crime-solving, and an emotional journey that adds depth to Gibbs and his legacy.
✨ Final Verdict:
✔ A great mix of nostalgia and new storytelling.
✔ Strong performances, especially from Austin Stowell and Kyle Schmid.
✔ Perfect for both longtime fans and newcomers to the NCIS universe.
📺 Catch NCIS: Origins on CBS and streaming on Paramount+!
