7 Shocking Details About NCIS: Origins Season 2: Renewal Status, Confirmed Premiere Date, And Young Gibbs' New Mission

The question has been answered: Yes, NCIS: Origins has been officially renewed for Season 2 by CBS, securing its spot in the highly anticipated 2025-2026 television season. This early renewal is a massive vote of confidence from the network, solidifying the prequel series as a major success and a worthy addition to the sprawling NCIS universe. The show, which chronicles the early career of legendary Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, has successfully captured the attention of both long-time franchise fans and new viewers alike, prompting CBS to greenlight the next chapter before the first season even concluded.

As of today, December 13, 2025, the second season is not only confirmed but has already premiered, with new episodes airing as part of the fall schedule. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the continuation of young Gibbs' journey, including the confirmed air date, the full returning cast, new characters, and the compelling plot twists set to define the upcoming season. The story of how Gibbs transforms from a Marine into the iconic NIS/NCIS agent we know is far from over, and Season 2 promises to raise the stakes even higher.

The Definitive Status: NCIS: Origins Season 2 is Confirmed

The renewal of NCIS: Origins for a second season was one of the biggest announcements of the 2025 television cycle. CBS, known for its strong procedural lineup, officially gave the green light back in February 2025. This early decision reflected the network's satisfaction with the show's performance, both in terms of total viewership and its critical reception. The prequel series has consistently drawn millions of viewers, quickly establishing itself as a Monday night anchor alongside the flagship NCIS series.

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Season 1, which was initially given a full-season order of 18 episodes, set the stage for Leroy Jethro Gibbs' transition from a Marine to a fledgling agent in the Naval Investigative Service (NIS) in 1970s Washington D.C. The narrative successfully blended compelling case-of-the-week structures with a deeper exploration of Gibbs’ personal history, including his relationship with his mentor, Mike Franks, and the nascent stages of the team dynamics that would define his future. The show’s success was also noted for its high critical scores, earning it the distinction of having the highest Rotten Tomatoes score of any series in the entire NCIS franchise upon its debut, a testament to its fresh approach to a beloved character.

Confirmed Premiere Date and TV Schedule

Fans did not have to wait long for the next installment. The official premiere date for NCIS: Origins Season 2 was set for October 14, 2025. The series occupies a prime-time slot on the CBS schedule, airing during the 2025-2026 broadcast season. This consistent scheduling ensures that the show remains a key component of CBS's successful procedural block, which also includes the long-running original NCIS and the international spin-off, NCIS: Sydney. The early renewal and confirmed slot underscore the network's long-term commitment to the prequel and its central star, Austin Stowell.

The Cast and Characters Returning for Gibbs' Next Chapter

A procedural drama is only as strong as its ensemble, and NCIS: Origins Season 2 is set to bring back all the essential players who have shaped young Gibbs' world. The core cast is confirmed to return, ensuring continuity in the development of these familiar, yet younger, characters.

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• Austin Stowell as Leroy Jethro Gibbs: Stowell will continue his portrayal of the future NCIS legend. Season 2 will further explore his transformation, moving closer to the stoic, rule-bending agent played by Mark Harmon. The focus will be on the evolution of his investigative skills and his emotional detachment.
• Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks: Gibbs’ mentor and future friend, Mike Franks, is a crucial component. Schmid's portrayal of the seasoned NIS agent will deepen in Season 2 as he guides Gibbs through more complex and morally ambiguous cases. Franks' own personal life and history are also expected to be explored.
• Diany Rodriguez as Vera Strickland: The ambitious and street-smart NIS agent is confirmed to return. Rodriguez has been a fan-favorite, and her dynamic with both Gibbs and Franks provides a vital counterpoint to the male-dominated world of 1970s law enforcement. Her character arc, which involves navigating the challenges of being a female agent, is a major focus.
• Mariel Molino as Special Agent Lala Dominguez: Lala's fate was left uncertain at the end of Season 1 following a dramatic accident. Season 2 will immediately address the aftermath of this cliffhanger, with Molino returning to explore Lala's decision about her future within the NIS, which is a major plot point in the early episodes.

New Faces and Franchise Connections

To inject fresh energy and expand the topical authority of the series, Season 2 is introducing a significant new character with deep ties to an existing one. Phillip Winchester (known for his roles in Strike Back and Law & Order: SVU) has been confirmed to join the cast as Mason Franks. Mason is Mike Franks' older brother, and his introduction is expected to complicate Mike's life and potentially reveal new layers to his background, offering a richer context for Gibbs' mentor. This casting move is a clear effort to expand the narrative beyond the core team and connect more deeply with the broader NCIS lore.

What to Expect: Season 2 Plot Predictions and Story Arcs

The second season is poised to be a pivotal one, pushing Gibbs further down the path toward becoming the agent fans have known for decades. The promotional material and initial episode synopses for the 2025-2026 season highlight several compelling storylines that will drive the narrative.

The Cult and the Missing Marine

One of the most intriguing new storylines involves a classic procedural setup with a cult-like twist. Gibbs and Franks will be tasked with investigating the disappearance of a young Marine. This case leads them to a mysterious compound led by a charismatic—and likely dangerous—figure. This mission will test Gibbs’ moral compass and expose him to the darker, more manipulative sides of human nature, a theme that frequently defined his character in the original series. The exploration of cults and charismatic leaders adds a timely and relevant layer of suspense to the 1970s setting.

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Lala Dominguez's Uncertain Future

The resolution of Lala Dominguez’s Season 1 cliffhanger is a central element of the early Season 2 episodes. After her accident, Lala is shown to be struggling with her recovery, leading her to a critical decision point about her role in the NIS. This storyline allows the series to explore the personal sacrifices and emotional toll that a career in law enforcement demands, providing a deeper look at the challenges faced by Special Agents like Lala, Vera Strickland, and even Gibbs himself. The showrunners have promised a satisfying, yet challenging, resolution to her arc.

The Evolution of Leroy Jethro Gibbs

The overarching topical authority of NCIS: Origins is the transformation of its protagonist. Season 2 is specifically designed to show how Young Gibbs moves closer to the emotionally reserved, highly skilled investigator fans recognize. His interactions with Mike Franks, his handling of the new, high-stakes cases like the Navy bank robbery, and his personal relationships will all contribute to the development of his distinctive personality and legendary "Gibbs' Rules." The series is meticulously charting the character’s journey, ensuring that every case and every personal conflict serves as a building block for the iconic agent. The continued success of the show relies on this slow-burn character development, making Season 2 a must-watch for anyone interested in the foundational lore of the NCIS franchise.