Mark Harmon is gearing up for a meaningful and satisfying return to the NCIS universe—just not on the main NCIS team. Instead, his much-anticipated comeback is taking shape in the prequel hit NCIS: Origins, where he’ll reprise his iconic role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs—this time as the audience’s guiding voice. Harmon not only narrates every episode but also makes a surprise on-screen cameo in the Season 1 premiere, reaffirming his integral place in the franchise movieguide.org+15decider.com+15cinemablend.com+15.

Behind the scenes, Harmon’s influence runs even deeper. He serves as an executive producer alongside his son, Sean Harmon, and has been deeply involved in shaping the tone and direction of the series. Showrunner David J. North confirmed that Harmon and co-star Gina Lucita Monreal “go off into the sound studio together,” crafting Gibbs’ narration line by line—a process that has become so emotionally potent, North shared that viewers often “cry” during Mark’s voiceovers ew.com+4movieguide.org+4en.wikipedia.org+4.

Looking ahead, Harmon plans to continue narrating into Season 2, where the focus shifts even closer to the formative events that forged Gibbs into the stoic, gut-driven leader fans know and love. The writing team is deliberately guiding young Gibbs toward the defining traits that will underscore his later years movieguide.org. And though there’s no official word yet about another on-screen appearance beyond the pilot, the door remains wide open—North teased that “anything is possible,” and Harmon himself has said he’s “absolutely in” for continuing his storytelling role as long as it feels right youtube.com+14movieguide.org+14decider.com+14.

In other words, Gibbs is far from gone—Mark Harmon’s involvement continues to serve as both creative backbone and emotional anchor for the burgeoning NCIS origin story. Fans can rest assured: the calm presence of Gibbs isn’t fading—it’s evolving into a deeper legacy.