The beloved actor, 74, has hinted that a full-time NCIS return may still be possible.
Mark Harmon reprises his iconic role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in Tuesday night’s episode of NCIS: Origins, which also serves as a crossover with the original series. While fans are thrilled to see him back, many are wondering whether this appearance could lead to something more permanent.
Speaking to TV Insider ahead of the episode, Harmon didn’t rule out future involvement with either Origins or the main show.
“I don’t know,” he said. “Gina and David had an idea. I admire them – worked with them for a long time. They’re really good. They had an idea and I liked it. I try to think about what’s best for the show.” He added that he avoids interfering with the writers’ process, especially as they develop the new series. Comparing Origins to early NCIS, he noted, “This is on a similar path, which is not a bad idea if it works… So we’ll see.”
Harmon also reflected on stepping back into Gibbs’ shoes. “Oh, that’s a comfortable spot,” he shared. “You have a big backlog of time together with people, and they’re special. That’s what 20 years in the saddle does – it gives you a comfort that’s rare.”
He previously addressed his 2021 departure from NCIS in a 2024 interview with TVLine, saying it was “the right timing to push away a little bit.” As for appearing in the eventual series finale, he remained noncommittal: “I don’t know. It’s really about feeling like you’re fulfilled with a role, or complete with a role.”
