NCIS: Origins Season 2 — Everything We Know About The Premiere, Cast, And Gibbs’ New Life

The highly anticipated prequel series, NCIS: Origins, is officially back for a second season, bringing with it a confirmed premiere date, major cast expansions, and a host of new challenges for a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. As of today, December 15, 2025, the show is deep into its second season run, having already delivered several explosive episodes that have fundamentally altered the trajectory of Gibbs' early career and personal life. The renewal, which was announced back in February 2025, cemented the show's place in the ever-expanding NCIS universe, promising to continue the deep-dive into the backstory of one of television's most iconic characters.

The first season laid the groundwork, introducing fans to a younger, less-jaded Gibbs (Austin Stowell) as he navigated his early days as a newly minted Special Agent in Charge of the Camp Pendleton office, all while being mentored by the legendary Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid). Season 2 is set to build on those foundations, moving the story forward with a major shift in the broadcast schedule and a slew of dramatic plot developments that have left the NCIS fanbase buzzing with speculation.

The Official Season 2 Premiere Date and New Timeslot

The wait for more origin story content is officially over. NCIS: Origins Season 2 premiered on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, marking a significant change in its broadcast schedule. The show has moved to a new night, now airing as a key component of an all-NCIS Tuesday lineup. This strategic move by CBS aims to create a powerful block of programming, solidifying the franchise's dominance in the primetime schedule and ensuring that the prequel series reaches a wider audience of dedicated NCIS viewers.

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The decision to renew the show for a 2025-2026 TV season was a huge vote of confidence from the network, especially given the competitive landscape of network television. The 18-episode first season, which ended with several compelling cliffhangers, successfully set the stage for a dramatic and action-packed sophomore run.

The Core Cast Returns: Meet the New Faces of NCIS: Origins

The foundation of NCIS: Origins remains the dynamic trio introduced in the first season, but the second season has significantly expanded the roster with exciting new characters, some of whom have deep ties to existing NCIS lore.

Returning Main Cast Members

• Austin Stowell as Leroy Jethro Gibbs: Stowell returns as the young, ambitious, and increasingly complicated former Marine, continuing his journey toward becoming the stoic leader fans know.
• Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks: Gibbs’ mentor and the grizzled veteran of the NIS/NCIS, Franks is back to guide his protégé, though his own personal life is set to become a major focus.
• Mariel Molino as Special Agent Lala Dominguez: The fearless and resourceful Special Agent returns, with the new season expected to delve deeper into her recovery and the dramatic personal crisis she faced at the end of Season 1.

Major New Additions for Season 2

The most intriguing new addition is a character who provides a direct link to Mike Franks’ past and the darker side of the agency's early days:

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• Philip Winchester as Mason Franks: Winchester, known for his roles in Strike Back and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, joins the cast as Mike Franks' older brother. This casting promises to explore the complex family history of Mike Franks and potentially reveal new layers to his character, which will undoubtedly influence young Gibbs.
• Adam Campbell: The actor is also slated to join the cast, though his specific role and character details remain under wraps. His presence suggests another layer of complexity or a new recurring antagonist for the team to face.

Plot Twists and Major Storylines for Young Gibbs

Season 2 picks up immediately after the dramatic events of the first season finale, which delivered several bombshells that will define the narrative arc for the young agents. The showrunners have confirmed that the new season will not shy away from the personal stakes that shape Gibbs into the man he eventually becomes.

The Surprise Wedding and Family Life

Perhaps the most shocking twist was the revelation that Gibbs and Diane got married in a surprise ceremony. This development is crucial to NCIS canon, as fans know Diane Sterling is one of Gibbs' four ex-wives and the mother of his daughter, Kelly. Season 2 will explore the immediate aftermath of this sudden marriage, focusing on the early, tumultuous stages of their relationship and the challenges of balancing a demanding NCIS career with a new family life. This storyline is essential for understanding the emotional baggage Gibbs carries throughout the main series.

Lala's Recovery and New Threat Emerges

Special Agent Lala Dominguez’s recovery process from her personal crisis will be a central theme. The fall finale of Season 1 left her future uncertain, and Season 2 will chart her path back to the field, showcasing her resilience and determination. Simultaneously, the team will face a new, formidable threat that emerged in the midseason finale. This antagonist is expected to be more complex and deeply rooted than previous adversaries, potentially leading to a season-long arc that tests the limits of the Camp Pendleton office and the bond between Gibbs and Franks.

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The Alaska Foreshadowing

A subtle but significant detail that has delighted long-time fans is the continued foreshadowing of Gibbs' future. A recent episode featured a poignant voiceover from the older Gibbs (Mark Harmon) hinting that someone might join him in Alaska. This nod to the original series’ ending suggests that Origins is meticulously connecting the dots to the established NCIS timeline, using the prequel to provide context and emotional depth to the later events of Gibbs' life. The relationship between Gibbs and Franks, in particular, will be explored as a key factor in his eventual decisions.

The Future of the Prequel: Ratings, Renewals, and the NCIS Universe

While NCIS: Origins secured a Season 2 renewal, the series has faced scrutiny over its initial ratings performance. Season 1 averaged around 3.9 million viewers, placing it lower in the rankings compared to other CBS scripted shows. However, its renewal despite these numbers is a strong indicator of the network's commitment to the long-term vision for the NCIS franchise and the value of intellectual property (IP) like the Gibbs character.

The show's move to a Tuesday night slot, alongside the flagship NCIS series, is a clear attempt to leverage the established audience and improve viewership. This creates a powerful topical authority for the network on Tuesday nights, focusing all fan attention on the single evening. The success of Season 2 will be critical in determining the series' longevity and its ability to continue exploring the rich, untold history of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The show acts as a crucial bridge, connecting the original series' mythology with new, dedicated viewers, ensuring that the legacy of Leroy Jethro Gibbs lives on for years to come.

With the introduction of Mason Franks and the deepening of Gibbs' personal and professional arcs, NCIS: Origins Season 2 is poised to deliver a captivating narrative that not only satisfies the curiosity of long-time fans but also establishes its own unique identity within the massive NCIS universe. The dramatic turns, from a surprise wedding to a new criminal threat, ensure that the journey of young Gibbs is anything but predictable.