Mark Harmon is Back as Gibbs — Here’s What His Return Means for the NCIS Universe

After a four-year absence from the screen, Mark Harmon steps back into the shoes of Leroy Jethro Gibbs — for one night only — as the franchise he helped define gears up for its first-ever crossover event between NCIS and its prequel, NCIS: Origins.

What’s the big move

Harmon will reprise his role as Gibbs in the upcoming crossover. He has been involved behind the scenes — executive producing and narrating NCIS: Origins — but this marks his first on-screen return as the character since 2021.
The event will span decades: the case begins in the 1990s (in Origins) and connects back to the present-day team in NCIS.

Gibbs helped anchor NCIS for 18 seasons — his absence left a noticeable gap. His brief return gives long-time viewers a moment to reconnect with the character, while also bridging the gap between the original series and the newer prequel.
The crossover isn’t just a fun cameo: it deepens the lore of Gibbs, showing both where he came from (Origins) and where he is now (present day).

What we know so far

• The episode is scheduled for November 11, 2025.
• Harmon appears in the Origins hour — in a scene set in his Alaskan cabin — then the story shifts to the ’90s investigation, and later to the present team.
• Showrunners say Gibbs is “no longer alone.”
• Harmon's return isn’t being billed as a full-time comeback; it’s a guest appearance, though one with potential implications.

What this might mean moving forward

• It signals that the franchise is willing to pull from its legacy while pushing into new territory (Origins).
• For fans of Gibbs, it may open the door to more meaningful appearances — even if not full-time, more than just a nod.
• For the NCIS universe, it strengthens continuity: the older Gibbs, the younger Gibbs, the original team — all part of a larger story.