‘NCIS’ Prequel Has Mark Harmon In Behind-The-Scenes Role

Fans of the CBS drama NCIS have watched actor Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs for years until his departure from the show. For an upcoming prequel series, however, Harmon will return in a behind-the-scenes role. However, that isn’t the only job Harmon will have for the series.

The Prequel Will Take Place In 1991

Harmon first appeared as Gibbs in two episodes of JAG, “Ice Queen” and “Meltdown.” This two-parter served as the backdoor pilot for the NCIS series. Harmon’s performance of special agent Simon Donovan on a four-episode story arc on The West Wing also notably helped him get cast as Gibbs. However, Harmon exited the role a few episodes into Season 19 of the series.

In addition to his role on the main show, Harmon is set to serve as an executive producer on the prequel series, NCIS: Origins. Taking place in 1991, the series will revolve around Gibbs’ days as a rookie agent at the NCIS Camp Pendleton office. The spin-off will feature a younger version of Gibbs, as played by Austin Stowell.

In an interview with CBS News, Harmon shared that, “I’m there to help and to talk to them or to tell them what I remember from being in this for a while. But this is their thing.”

Fans Might Still Get To Hear (& See) Harmon On The Show

Stowell himself also made note of how involved Harmon was with the project: “From day one, [Harmon] has been available.” He continued, “He’s so good at allowing the people who are on this show to feel like they are supported.”

The series will start off with Gibbs mourning the loss of his wife and child. As Stowell noted, “Loss is something we all deal with and for Gibbs, this is something that has cracked him to his core.”

In addition to working behind-the-scenes, Harmon is also expected to serve as a narrator for the show. Added to this, Harmon is expected to appear onscreen in the series’ pilot episode. As noted by TV Line, series co-showrunner David J. North revealed that Harmon’s appearance “was a discussion between Mark, myself and [co-showrunner] Gina Monreal.” North added, “I hope the audience will be excited to see him after so many years.”

At this time, it is unclear just who Harmon will be portraying in the prequel series. On whether he will reappear as Gibbs at some point, North shared, “As far as Mark appearing again, we are open to anything.”

The series is set to have a two-episode premiere on October 14. However, it will make its regular time slot premiere on Monday, October 21.

Are you excited to watch NCIS: Origins? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.