‘NCIS: Origins’ Sets Return Date — And Start of Mark Harmon’s Season-Long Arc
Gibbs (Mark Harmon) was a man of few words on the mothership for 19 seasons. But with NCIS: Origins, we’re getting to see parts of his life we either barely heard about or never knew existed. And the good news is we’ll get to learn a lot more, with the series returning for Season 3 in October 2026 — and with Harmon appearing in every episode!
Below, we take a look at everything we know so far about NCIS: Origins Season 3, from the cast to the premiere date and more.
When does NCIS: Origins Season 3 premiere?
The NCIS prequel will remain a fall show, airing Tuesdays at 10/9c, with new spinoff NCIS: New York taking over its 9/8c slot after the mothership kicks off the night. The new seasons for that lineup begins on October 6.
How many episodes is NCIS: Origins Season 3?
NCIS: Origins Season 3 will reportedly be 10 episodes, according to Deadline on May 1. (Seasons 1 and 2 were both 18 episodes.)
CBS
Who’s in the NCIS: Origins Season 3 cast?
NCIS: Origins stars Austin Stowell (Leroy Jethro Gibbs), Mariel Molino (Lala Dominguez), Kyle Schmid (Mike Franks), Tyla Abercrumbie (Mary Jo Hayes), Diany Rodriguez (Vera Strickland), and Caleb Foote (Bernard “Randy” Randolf).
Mark Harmon, who has appeared twice and narrates every episode, will appear in every episode “as part of a present-day mystery tied to his ‘90s Camp Pendleton days in an action-packed story that unfolds all season long.”
In Season 3, there will only be one showrunner instead of the two, Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North, who have been since its origins. Monreal is exiting after Season 2 “to focus new projects,” according to Deadline on January 28 (just six days after the renewal news).
Working on Origins has “meant so much. I get to work with my dear friend, David, and this person who I respect and admire in David, and that has just been such a highlight for me. It’s really tough to leave. I love these characters. I love our actors. I love the cast and crew and everybody involved in the show, and I’m so excited to see where they take it next,” Monreal told TV Insider. “And it’s in extremely capable hands with David. I can’t wait to see what he does. But yeah, it’s just been such a complete honor for me. I’m just so incredibly grateful.”
Added North, “We’re all looking forward to making her proud. That’s what we’ve all said behind closed doors because obviously this show, I think everyone that watches it feels there’s something special to it, and that’s just Gina, Gina, Gina.”
Joining North, Mark Harmon, Sean Harmon, and Michele Greco as an executive producer is NCIS: LA star Eric Christian Olsen.
What’s NCIS: Origins about?
The NCIS prequel follows Gibbs’ early days at NIS, working for Mike Franks and alongside his team. As the show tracks them tackling cases, it also delves into their personal lives.
The agency officially changed names to NCIS in the Season 2 finale. That episode also saw Gibbs and Lala finally kiss — we’ll have to wait to see what that means for them in Season 3 — and Randy be kidnapped in connection with the work he’s been doing digitizing files.
What are the statuses of the other NCIS shows?
The mothership NCIS and international NCIS: Sydney have both been renewed for their 24th and fourth seasons, respectively. New York will be debuting in the fall 2026 with its first season.
Conversation14 Comments
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N
I’ve been watching ‘NCIS’ since `forever’(yes I am old) and just finished watching ‘NCIS Origins’ . I love that Mark Harmon does the voice overs and learning the back stories of all the characters. Can’t wait to see what is to come.
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L
So Hawai'i gets canceled for Origins which then gets shortened (along with Sydney) for New York. If CBS is unable to carry more than three, I suggest not starting new spin-offs or other high budget shows in the same category.
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T
I would rather have more Origins than New York, I like LL Cool J but stopped watching L.A when towards the end it was more about the main cast and the case of the day was wrapped up too quickly. e.g season 11 episode 6 with Vinnie Jones.
If CBS wants to save money, have New York on a short run first, to try win viewers over.
Don't axe Sydney, as it is very good.
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T
I stopped watching Hawaii when Sam was shoe horned as it made the two male leads redundant on Tennant's squad.
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F
I think it is rotten that they only get to do 10 episodes. Such a good show. Are they trying to kill it off?
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A
I love origins and finally got my husband hooked on it, too. I loved NCIS, too, with Gibbs, Tony, and Ziva, but can not stand it, now. In fact, while I eagerly wait every week for origins, I just don't like any other NCIS, anymore.
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S
I am so glad there will be a season 3 and hope it continues for as long as it can. NCIS is my favorite show. Maybe they should do a prequel for NCIS New Orleans. These shows I can and have watched over and over again.
Thanks for renewing for a season 3.
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D
I'd like to see NCIS New Orleans come back
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F
City Mouse and the Country Mouse LoL.
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A
NCIS TONY AND ZIVA SEASON 2.
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F
I like others here would like to see more Hawaii. Don't get me wrong Sydney is good but Hawaii made more sense. Being Retired Navy I can relate better. LA was a stretch, loved the show but not much Navy in LA anymore now that Long Beach is gone. Seems to me NCIS San Diego would have been better than LA. New Orleans was interesting but again outside of a shore base there isn't much Naval Action there. Origins, I think it is interesting getting to see more of Gibbs Origins, first loves etc. One big Question on NCIS, was Parker or Gibbs the Sniper that took out Vance's Killer. Now for New York, WHY? You have the HQ located in DC that should be close enough to handle issues in New York, Right?
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R
I wish S3 was 18 episodes. I’m addicted to this show. The storytelling, the acting , production,all the characters , Gibbs and Lala . This show is excellent. I have no interest on watching the same things over and over like im pretty sure NCIS NY will be
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C
I just started watching ncis origind
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F
To me Tony and Ziva was hard to follow and not real interesting as it wasn't really related to NCISverse
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