Mark Harmon was the glue that held the NCIS ensemble together for 19 seasons.

As a result, fans have been begging for a comeback of sorts for the beloved star, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, ever since.

The character returned to the airwaves last year in NCIS: Origins, a prequel set in 1991, and the closest we’ve gotten to Harmon on that show is his narration.
(Courtesy of CBS)

The big event plays out on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, during a crossover between NCIS and NCIS: Origins.

Harmon will resurface as Gibbs on the prequel series, but we’re unsure what brings him back into the fold.

CBS has already confirmed that the special episode will feature a decades-spanning case, which is intriguing.

The NCIS franchise is known for its crossovers, and there’s always been that worry that it would be impossible to pull one off between the mothership and the prequel.
Gibbs Listens - NCIS Season 19 Episode 4(Cliff Lipson/CBS)

“Four years ago, Gibbs disappeared to Alaska to live a life of solitude,” said co-showrunners and executive producers David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal.

“We know how much fans have missed seeing Mark and have wondered what Gibbs is up to today.”

Gibbs Won’t Be Alone As Mark Harmon Returns to the NCIS Universe

“Well, on Nov. 11, we’re so excited 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.”

“I’m very proud of the storytelling that David and Gina are doing on ORIGINS,” Harmon said of the successful spinoff.
A Leroy Jethro Gibbs Picture(CBS/Sonja Flemming)

“They continue to push boundaries and dive deeper into the characters’ backstories. 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.”

Gibbs’ impressive 19-season arc concluded on NCIS Season 19 Episode 4, and despite being mentioned several times by his former colleagues, he has yet to return.

Fans’ apparent hope is that Harmon could be open to a more permanent return, even if that means a handful of episodes per season.

Look at Grey’s Anatomy.
Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs) - NCIS(CBS/Matt Hoyle)

Ellen Pompeo’s part-time status has actually helped the medical drama by maintaining Meredith Grey’s familiarity, and her absences allow other characters to get meatier storylines.

It’s hard to imagine how Gibbs could fit back into his old team, since Alden Parker has become the team’s leader.

Alden Parker Has Been the Perfect Replacement for Gibbs

Alden is a compelling lead because he has such a rich history that viewers have only recently become privy to.

And hey, NCIS Season 23 has gotten off to a high-octane start with Nancy Travis as Alden’s sister, Harriet Parker.
(Sonja Flemming/CBS)

The show is definitely on a bit of a creative upswing, and there’s no telling where things might go next.

It’s a shame that Harmon hasn’t booked a return visit to the mothership, but it’s great news that he’s willing to appear in the flesh, in the franchise.

That could indicate he’s open to a comeback.

Anchoring a TV show for two decades must have been taxing, so the beloved actor has probably been lapping up some time away.
Solving the Case(CBS/Sonja Flemming)

What are your thoughts on the news, TV Fanatics?

Do you think it’s the right time for Leroy Jethro Gibbs to be back on-screen?

Hit the comments.

TV Fanatic is covering the whole gamut of the NCIS franchise this season, including NCIS: Sydney!