NCIS: Origins—How Many Seasons Are There? The Shocking Renewal Status And Episode Count For The Prequel Series

As of December 2025, the fan-favorite prequel series NCIS: Origins has been officially renewed for a second season, solidifying its place in the ever-expanding NCIS universe. The show, which takes viewers back to 1991 to explore the early career of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, has quickly proven to be a major hit for the network, earning a fast track to a full series order and subsequent renewal.

The question of "how many seasons" is a common one for new shows, and for NCIS: Origins, the answer is a definitive two. The first season was extended to a robust 18 episodes, and the second season premiered in October 2025, continuing the story of a young Gibbs at the Naval Investigative Service (NIS) Camp Pendleton Office. This deep dive into the origins of the iconic character is a must-watch for long-time fans.

The Star of NCIS: Origins: Austin Stowell's Biography and Role

The success of the prequel series hinges on the performance of the actor stepping into the shoes of the legendary Leroy Jethro Gibbs, originally played by Mark Harmon. That actor is Austin Stowell.

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Austin Stowell: Actor Portraying Young Leroy Jethro Gibbs

• Full Name: Austin Miles Stowell
• Born: December 24, 1984
• Birthplace: Kensington, Connecticut, USA
• Role in NCIS: Origins: Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs
• Key Career Highlights: Known for roles in films like Whiplash (2014), Battle of the Sexes (2017), and Bridge of Spies (2015). He also appeared in the Hulu series Catch-22.
• The Gibbs Connection: Stowell plays Gibbs in 1991, years before he became the seasoned agent fans know, allowing viewers to witness the formative experiences that shaped his character.

Key Cast Members and Their Roles

The compelling storyline of NCIS: Origins is supported by a strong ensemble cast who play pivotal characters in Gibbs's early professional life. These characters are crucial to building the topical authority of the series.

• Kyle Schmid as Special Agent Mike Franks: Gibbs's future mentor, a tough and seasoned agent who is his partner at the NIS Camp Pendleton Office.
• Mariel Molino as Special Agent Lala Dominguez: A dynamic and ambitious agent who works alongside Gibbs and Franks.
• Tyla Abercrumbie as FOS Agent Mary Jo Sullivan: A Field Operations Support (FOS) Agent who provides crucial assistance to the NIS team.
• Diany Rodriguez as Vera Toretto: A complex figure whose character adds depth and intrigue to the early 1990s setting.
• Mark Harmon: The original Leroy Jethro Gibbs, who serves as the series' narrator, linking the past and present of the NCIS franchise.

The Official Season Count and Renewal Status: Two Seasons Confirmed

The primary question, "how many seasons of NCIS: Origins are there," has a clear and exciting answer for fans: the series currently has a confirmed run of two seasons.

Season 1: The Full Order and Episode Count

The first season of NCIS: Origins debuted in October 2024. The initial order was for a standard number of episodes, but due to its immediate success and strong performance, CBS granted the series a full season order.

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• Initial Premiere Date: October 14, 2024.
• Total Episode Count: Season 1 was extended to a total of 18 episodes.
• Significance: Receiving a full-season extension so quickly is a massive vote of confidence from the network, signaling its faith in the prequel's ability to carry the NCIS legacy.

Season 2: The Fast-Track Renewal and 2025-2026 Airing Schedule

The show’s performance was so strong that the renewal for a second season was announced in February 2025, even before the first season concluded. This early renewal is a rare feat in modern television and highlights the show's successful capture of the audience's curiosity about Gibbs’s past.

Season 2 premiered on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, and is a key part of CBS’s "all-NCIS night." The second season is currently on a scheduled winter hiatus and is set to return with new episodes in early 2026. This staggered release ensures that the NCIS universe remains a dominant force in the network's programming well into the new year.

The Timeline: Where NCIS: Origins Fits in the NCIS Universe

NCIS: Origins is more than just a standalone series; it is a vital piece of the sprawling NCIS timeline, providing essential context for the main show. The prequel is set in 1991, following Gibbs as a newly minted Special Agent.

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The Prequel Setting: 1991 and the NIS

The series takes place at the Naval Investigative Service (NIS), which is the direct predecessor to the modern-day Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). This setting allows the show to explore the agency's early days and its procedural evolution, which is a fascinating element for long-time fans of the flagship series.

• Early Career: The 1991 setting allows the show to explore Gibbs's transition from a Marine to a federal agent, a period that was only briefly touched upon in the original NCIS.
• Character Development: Viewers get to see the origins of Gibbs's famous rules, his unique methods, and the early relationships that define his character, particularly his partnership with Mike Franks.
• Topical Authority: The show’s deep dive into the history of the NIS and its agents strengthens the overall topical authority of the entire NCIS franchise, connecting decades of storytelling.

Why the Prequel is Essential Viewing

The show answers many long-standing questions about Gibbs's backstory, including his personal life and the tragic events that shaped his stoic demeanor. It is a crucial bridge between the original show and the new generation of viewers, offering a fresh, unique take on a beloved character.

The confirmation of two seasons, with the second already airing, assures fans that they will receive a substantial and in-depth exploration of the young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The full 18-episode order for Season 1, combined with the fast Season 2 renewal, confirms that the series is a success and will continue to be a cornerstone of the network's schedule for the foreseeable future.