The new spinoff NCIS: Origins represents a major change for the long-running procedural franchise, and the Gibbs-centric prequel will return for season 2. Debuting in late 2024, NCIS: Origins concerns young Agent Leroy Gibbs (originally played by Mark Harmon and now played by Austin Stowell) as he begins his career at Camp Pendleton in 1991 under his mentor, Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid). Exploring the early days of the franchise's most beloved hero, Origins is the first spinoff of NCIS to take place earlier in the show's timeline and eschew the typical procedural format found in other off-shoots.

Though NCIS has been airing since 2003, NCIS: Origins marks the first time in the franchise's history that a spinoff has tried something new. The character-driven narrative not only serves to flesh out Gibbs, but also to deliver crucial context to what comes much later in the timeline. Instead of the narrowly-focused weekly cases of NCIS and its spinoffs, Origins (and the Tony & Ziva spinoff) shows a path forward for NCIS as it continues to set TV records. All that said, NCIS: Origins season 2 is just the first step in a new direction for NCIS.

NCIS: Origins Season 2 Latest News

CBS Renews Origins For A Second Season

Announced amid a slew of other renewals, the latest news confirms that NCIS: Origins season 2 has been renewed. The prequel series hasn't struggled to find a major audience during its debut outing, and it only made sense for CBS to order more episodes. Origins was renewed alongside fellow franchise series NCIS and NCIS: Sydney, all of which haven't even finished their current seasons yet. This early renewal is not only a good sign that NCIS is flourishing, but that the series like Tony & Ziva won't struggle to find its place as well.

Tony & Ziva is an NCIS spinoff focusing on the eponymous characters living in Europe trying to raise their daughter.

NCIS: Origins Season 2 Is Confirmed

The Prequel Returns For More Episodes Soon

With a lot of buzz surrounding the debut season of NCIS: Origins, it didn't take long for CBS to order a sophomore season. Coming in late February 2025, the network not only renewed Origins but also brought back the flagship show for season 23 and NCIS: Sydney for season 3. While many details are still unknown about the second season of Origins, it's highly likely that it will premiere as part of CBS' fall 2025 season.

NCIS: Origins Season 2 Cast Details

Expect Gibbs & His Team To Return

The cast of NCIS: Origins is chock-full of familiar characters, even if the actors playing them have changed since the old days of NCIS. Austin Stowell was given the daunting task of playing the younger version of Gibbs, and he has slotted into the role excellently. Since it's his origin story that lends the spinoff its title, it stands to reason that Stowell will be back in the lead role alongside the likes of Kyle Schmid as Gibbs' mentor, Agent Mike Franks. Shockingly, Mark Harmon returned to play Gibbs (largely as a narrator) in season 1, but it's unclear if the actor is looking to make it a full-time gig.

Another expected return is Mariel Molino as Special Agent Lala Dominguez, and her storyline seems to be just as crucial to the plot as Gibbs'. Similarly, Tyla Abercrumbie should be back as Field Operation Officer Mary Jo Sullivan, and Diany Rodriguez should reprise her role as Special Agent Vera Strickland, since Strickland is an original character in NCIS.

The likely cast of NCIS: Origins season 2 includes:

NCIS: Origins Season 2 Story Details

Watch Young Gibbs Become The Agent Fans Know & Love

As it stands now, it's impossible to guess exactly what will happen in NCIS: Origins season 2 since the season 1 finale hasn't aired yet. Unlike the procedural series found in the rest of the franchise, Origins will likely employ overarching narratives that will grow and change from season to season. Season 1 probably won't see Gibbs learn all the crucial skills he put to good use in NCIS, and there are likely more important connections he still needs to make.

Gibbs' emotional storyline could take on a new dimension going forward as he learns how to really deal with the grief of losing his wife and daughter to a murder.

Furthermore, Gibbs' emotional storyline could take on a new dimension going forward as he learns how to really deal with the grief of losing his wife and daughter to a murder. This development will likely shape Stowell's Gibbs into the stoic and sure Gibbs that viewers met in the original series, but NCIS: Origins still has a long way to go before the accomplished agent can become self-actualized.