Mark Harmon did not make a physical return to NCIS in Season 22, but fans still felt his presence strongly. Instead of a traditional cameo, the show honored his character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, through a touching storyline focused on the impact Gibbs has had on the team. This approach allowed the series to pay tribute to Harmon’s iconic role without disrupting the current storylines or confusing viewers.

Though Harmon himself did not appear, his connection to the NCIS universe continues through the upcoming prequel series, NCIS: Origins. This new show explores Gibbs’ early years, offering fans a deeper look at the character’s backstory. In this series, a younger version of Gibbs is portrayed by another actor, while Harmon remains involved behind the scenes.

In short, while Mark Harmon didn’t return to the main show in Season 22, his legacy remains a vital part of NCIS. Fans can look forward to learning more about Gibbs’ past and how it shaped the man they’ve come to admire over the years.