5 Shocking Revelations About Mark Harmon's NCIS Return (And The Full-Time Comeback Fans Demand)

The question that has dominated the *NCIS* fandom for years finally has a definitive and incredibly fresh answer. As of the latest updates in December 2025, Mark Harmon's legendary character, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, has officially returned to the *NCIS* universe, but not in the way most fans expected. The comeback was an integral part of a major franchise event, confirming his continued involvement while leaving the door wide open for a full-time return to the flagship show.

The highly anticipated appearance occurred during a massive crossover event between the original *NCIS* series and the new prequel, *NCIS: Origins*, which aired on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. While Harmon has been busy as an Executive Producer and narrator for *Origins*, his on-screen return was a surprise for many, cementing his legacy and teasing the future of the beloved character.

Mark Harmon: A Brief Biography and NCIS Legacy

Mark Harmon is an American actor, producer, and former college football quarterback whose career spans over five decades. While he has starred in numerous films and television series, his nearly two-decade run as Leroy Jethro Gibbs remains his most iconic role. His deep connection to the character is what made his 2021 departure from the main series so impactful.

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• Full Name: Thomas Mark Harmon
• Date of Birth: September 2, 1951 (Age 74 in 2025)
• Place of Birth: Burbank, California, U.S.
• Spouse: Pam Dawber (m. 1987)
• Notable Roles Before NCIS: Dr. Robert Caldwell on *St. Elsewhere*, Agent Simon Donovan on *The West Wing*, and starring in films like *Summer School* and *The Presidio*.
• NCIS Tenure: 2003–2021 (Seasons 1–19) as a series regular.
• Current NCIS Role: Executive Producer and Narrator for *NCIS: Origins*.

The Definitive Answer: Harmon's On-Screen Return in the Crossover Event

The biggest news in the *NCIS* world for 2025 was the official, on-screen return of Mark Harmon as Gibbs. This was not a rumor or a flashback, but a confirmed appearance that thrilled fans who thought they had seen the last of the legendary agent's face.

The Veterans Day Crossover: NCIS Meets Origins

The special event on November 11, 2025, served as a crucial bridge between the past and present of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service franchise. The crossover was structured to air back-to-back, with the first hour dedicated to the prequel series, *NCIS: Origins*, and the second to the flagship *NCIS* show (currently in Season 23).

• Where He Appeared: Mark Harmon's on-screen cameo took place during the *NCIS: Origins* portion of the evening.
• The Nature of the Cameo: While he is the primary narrator for the prequel, the cameo was an unexpected, short, but powerful appearance. It served to connect the older, wiser Gibbs with the younger version of himself, played by Austin Stowell, thereby grounding the new series within the established *NCIS* canon.
• The Context: The appearance was tied to the character's journey, referencing his decision to leave the team in Season 19 for a peaceful life in Alaska. It provided a moment of reflection and closure for the fans who missed his presence as a series regular.

This appearance, while brief, was the first time Mark Harmon had been seen on-screen as Gibbs since his emotional departure in 2021, proving that the character is still very much alive and relevant to the franchise's future.

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NCIS: Origins—Harmon's New Role Behind the Scenes

Even before his on-screen return, Mark Harmon’s commitment to the *NCIS* universe was solidified through his role in *NCIS: Origins*. This series is not a replacement for the original but a deep dive into the formative years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

The Story of Young Gibbs

*NCIS: Origins* is set in 1991, years before Gibbs became the hardened, rule-breaking Special Agent fans know. It follows his early career at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, showing how he met his future mentor, Mike Franks.

• The New Gibbs: The role of the young Leroy Jethro Gibbs is played by actor Austin Stowell, known for films like *The Hating Game*. Harmon himself has spoken highly of Stowell's casting, noting that the actor perfectly captured the essence of the character's early days.
• Key Supporting Cast: The prequel introduces other vital players in Gibbs' past, including Kyle Schmid as the younger version of Special Agent Mike Franks and Mariel Molino as Special Agent Lala Dominguez.
• Harmon's Involvement: As an Executive Producer, Harmon has a direct hand in shaping the narrative and ensuring the prequel remains true to the character's established history. He also provides the voice-over narration for the entire series, allowing the original Gibbs to guide the audience through his own past.

The Burning Question: Will Gibbs Return to NCIS Full-Time in Season 23 or 24?

The cameo in the *Origins* crossover naturally reignited speculation about whether Harmon would ever return to the main *NCIS* show for a longer arc or as a series regular. The current team is led by Alden Parker, but the shadow of Gibbs remains large.

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Harmon's Candid Comments on a Full-Time Comeback

While his return for the crossover was a one-off on-screen appearance, Harmon has been surprisingly open about the possibility of a permanent return. When asked about coming back as a full-time cast member, the actor gave a playful but telling response.

Harmon joked that for a full-time return, fans would "have to write letters," suggesting that the demand and the right storyline are the key ingredients. He has consistently expressed happiness with how his character's exit was handled—Gibbs found peace fishing in Alaska—but has never definitively closed the door.

What It Would Take for Gibbs to Leave Alaska

For Leroy Jethro Gibbs to return to the *NCIS* headquarters in Washington D.C., the writers would need a compelling narrative reason to pull him away from his life of peaceful Alaskan retirement. The current team, which includes veteran agents like Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) and the new leadership of Alden Parker, has been functioning well, but a massive threat or a deeply personal case would be necessary to bring the legendary agent back from his cabin.

Adding fuel to the fire, *NCIS* star Brian Dietzen, who plays Dr. Jimmy Palmer, has teased the return of "returning faces" in *NCIS* Season 23, though he did not specify who. While this could refer to other fan favorites, the possibility of Gibbs making another guest appearance remains the most exciting prospect for the fanbase.

Conclusion: The answer to "Is Mark Harmon returning to NCIS?" is a resounding "Yes, he did!" in a limited, but significant, on-screen capacity for the November 2025 crossover. While a full-time return to the main *NCIS* series remains unconfirmed, Mark Harmon’s continued involvement as an Executive Producer and narrator for *NCIS: Origins*, coupled with his candid comments, suggests that the story of Leroy Jethro Gibbs is far from over in the *NCIS* universe. Fans should keep their pens ready to "write letters" and watch closely for future announcements from CBS.