Over two decades after first embodying the character of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Mark Harmon is making a comeback in the world of NCIS in a different role. Having left the show during its nineteenth season in 2021, the acclaimed actor is set to take on the role of narrator and executive producer in the upcoming spin-off NCIS: Origins, scheduled to premiere on October 14 on CBS. During the show’s TCA panel, Harmon expressed his excitement about his new involvement, stating, “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 okay too. And so far, they’re all doing just fine.”
A Collaborative Effort with Son Sean Harmon
Mark Harmon serves as an executive producer on NCIS: Origins alongside his son Sean Harmon, who had previously appeared on the original NCIS series as a younger version of his father’s character and was the mastermind behind the spin-off’s concept. The role of Gibbs in the new series will be portrayed by Austin Stowell. Harmon expressed his gratitude for being part of this new team, saying, “I don’t know what to say other than I’m pleased to be part of this team. And I’m fine with the step back to let this cast do their work. We spent a lot of time in rooms, finding this group that sits in front of you. And we’re one week in. One week, but I love this cast. And I love what I’ve seen on dailies and what I’ve seen on set.”
Transitioning to Behind-the-Scenes Role
After reducing his onscreen responsibilities, Mark Harmon officially stepped down from his role on NCIS in 2021 but remains actively involved as an executive producer. During the panel, he commended CBS for their continued support of the show despite facing challenges. Harmon reflected on his decision to initially join NCIS, recalling, “At the time, I was traveling and doing movies and stuff and gone a lot. We had a young family. Sean was very young, and I just wanted to stay home more. […] Was trying to stay home more, obviously. First day was 22 hours. Didn’t exactly work out like I had thought. We had a lot of those days the first four years. And it took a while.”
Ultimately, Harmon expressed his gratitude towards CBS for providing the show with the opportunity to grow and evolve, stating, “People think this show jumped off. It didn’t. And I’m thankful always to CBS that was in third place and really didn’t have much more to put on. Because I think on other networks, we might’ve been gone. You’re not given that chance to grow. You’re not given that chance to find the right cast.”
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