CBS is expanding its NCIS universe with the upcoming prequel series, NCIS: Origins, focusing on the early life of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, originally played by Mark Harmon. Following the unexpected cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i, the network aims to fill the gap with this new series, slated for the upcoming television season.
NCIS: Origins marks a first for the franchise, diving into the backstory of the iconic character. Set in the early 1990s, the series tracks a young Gibbs as he embarks on his law enforcement career at Camp Pendleton, shortly after the tragic deaths of his first wife, Shannon, and daughter, Kelly. These early years also see Gibbs under the mentorship of Mike Franks’ team.
Austin Stowell takes on the role of the young Gibbs, succeeding Sean Harmon, Mark Harmon’s son, who previously portrayed younger versions of the character in flashbacks on NCIS. Although Mark Harmon won’t appear on-screen, he remains pivotal to the series, serving as narrator and co-executive producer alongside his son.
The promotional campaign for NCIS: Origins has kicked off, with CBS unveiling the first official image of Austin Stowell as the youthful Gibbs during their upfront presentations. However, this new portrayal hasn’t been without its controversies. Fans were quick to notice discrepancies in Gibbs’ appearance, particularly his hairstyle. Known for his precise, short haircut—a hallmark of his disciplined nature—Gibbs’ new look with notably longer hair has sparked debates among long-time viewers.
Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Gibbs established him as a steadfast leader and moral compass for the NCIS team, defined by his personal rules and habits, including his distinctive haircut. The consistent depiction of his short, tidy hairstyle became symbolic of his integrity. As NCIS: Origins explores his formative years, fans have voiced concerns that maintaining this iconic hairstyle would honor the character’s legacy. Any deviation from this may require a strong narrative justification to uphold continuity and satisfy the dedicated fanbase.
NCIS: Origins is scheduled to air on Mondays at 10 pm ET on CBS, taking over the time slot formerly occupied by NCIS: Hawai’i. With the series gearing up for its debut, viewers are encouraged to reserve judgment until they see how these aspects translate on screen.