Is Mark Harmon Making His Return to NCIS? All You Need to Know

Mark Harmon is officially set to re-enter the NCIS universe as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, marking his first on-screen return since departing the franchise in 2021. CBS has confirmed that Harmon will appear as a special guest during the upcoming NCIS and NCIS: Origins crossover event, scheduled to air on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025.

Harmon’s Comeback After Four Years

The two-hour crossover will open with NCIS: Origins, where a young Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell, and his 1990s NIS team investigate the mysterious death of a naval officer. Decades later, the same case resurfaces in the present day during the NCIS hour. Harmon, who continues to serve as executive producer and narrator of the prequel, last appeared briefly in its pilot episode.

According to CBS, Harmon’s reappearance will highlight Gibbs’ current life following his decision to live in solitude after retiring to Alaska. “Four years ago, Gibbs disappeared to Alaska to live a life of solitude. We know how much fans have missed seeing Mark and have wondered what Gibbs is up to today,” said co-showrunners and executive producers David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal.

They added, “On Nov. 11, we’re thrilled to announce that Mark Harmon will return as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the Origins hour of the NCIS crossover event. We don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say Gibbs is no longer alone.”

Harmon on Revisiting Gibbs

Speaking about his return, Harmon expressed appreciation for the creative direction of the series. “I’m very proud of the storytelling that David and Gina are doing on Origins. They continue to push boundaries and dive deeper into the characters’ backstories,” he said. “They came to me with an idea for Gibbs that I liked, and it seemed like a good time to check in with him. I hope fans enjoy it.”

The Crossover Event: Two Eras, One Case

The Veterans Day event will bring together both shows through a multi-decade investigation. Beginning at 8 p.m. ET with NCIS: Origins, the story will transition to NCIS at 9 p.m. ET, creating a single narrative that spans the 1990s and the present day.

In Origins, Gibbs and his NIS team pursue the case of a slain naval officer in a small town. When new evidence resurfaces years later, the modern NCIS team reopens the investigation, uncovering hidden ties to Gibbs’ early career and his mentor, Mike Franks.

Harmon’s appearance as the older Gibbs will take place during the Origins hour, revealing how his life has evolved since his Alaskan retreat. With both timelines intersecting around the same mystery, the crossover is expected to bridge the emotional distance between Gibbs’ past and present—offering fans a deeper exploration of the choices that shaped one of television’s most enduring characters.

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