November 12, 2025 — Fans of the NCIS franchise were treated to a nostalgic surprise on Tuesday, November 11, as Mark Harmon reprised his iconic role as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs during a two-part crossover event spanning the original series and its prequel, NCIS: Origins.
Harmon, 74, who originally portrayed Gibbs for 18 seasons before leaving the show in 2021, appeared in the opening sequence of the prequel episode “Funny How Time Slips Away.” His brief but poignant cameo offered viewers a glimpse into Gibbs’ life in Alaska, reflecting on his career, friendships, and the early days of his law enforcement journey.
A Heartfelt Callback to Gibbs’ Early Days
During the opening scene, Gibbs poured himself a drink and reflected on his decades-long career:
“Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about those early days, back when I was still cutting my teeth,” he said, recalling his first years on the job.
In a touching moment, Gibbs addressed a K-9 companion in his remote Alaska home, sharing memories of past colleagues and emphasizing the enduring bonds he had formed. Harmon’s narration paired with Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away”, adding a nostalgic, reflective tone to the sequence.
“Three decades, hell of a long time,” Gibbs said, referencing the passage of years and the relationships that shaped him.
De-Aging and Special Effects
Following the heartfelt monologue, Harmon was digitally de-aged to portray a younger version of Gibbs alongside Austin Stowell’s character in the prequel storyline. The episode then pivoted to the investigation of a mysterious death of a California naval officer in the 1990s, bridging the timeline between the prequel and original series.
The crossover episode also featured a nod to Harmon’s appearance at the conclusion, as Kyle Schmid’s Origins character, Mike Franks, aged forward into Muse Watson’s older portrayal on NCIS, underscoring the franchise’s attention to continuity and character development.
Executive Producer and Harmon Insights
Harmon has remained largely off-screen in recent years but continues to serve as executive producer and narrator for NCIS: Origins. Co-showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal previously explained that Gibbs’ Alaska storyline allowed the character to find companionship and purpose in isolation. Harmon added:
“They came to me with an idea for Gibbs that I liked, and it seemed like a good time to check in with him. I hope fans enjoy it.”
Speaking with The Wrap, Harmon described the cameo as “interesting” and “made me smile,” noting that it offered audiences insight into Gibbs’ current life while staying true to his established character.
Airing Details
NCIS: Origins airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, followed by NCIS at 9 p.m. ET on CBS. The crossover event has been praised by fans for seamlessly connecting the prequel and original series while offering new layers of depth to beloved characters.
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