Mark Harmon, the seasoned actor known for his portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS, recently made the decision to step back from his onscreen duties after season 19 in 2021. Despite this departure, he remains involved with the show as an executive producer and is now set to take on a new role as narrator for the upcoming spin-off NCIS: Origins, premiering on October 14. During the show’s TCA panel, Harmon expressed his excitement about this new chapter, stating, “I’m just pleased to be part of it.”
While Harmon remains a key figure behind the scenes, he emphasized his intention to take a step back and let the new cast of NCIS: Origins shine. His son, Sean Harmon, who appeared as a younger version of his father’s character on the original series, played a pivotal role in conceiving the spin-off. As Harmon shared his thoughts on the new cast, he stated, “I’m fine with the step back to let this cast do their work. We spent a lot of time in rooms, finding this group that sits in front of you.”
Reflecting on his journey with NCIS, Harmon expressed his gratitude towards CBS for their support throughout the years. Despite facing challenges in the early days of the show, including long hours on set and the demands of balancing work with family life, Harmon acknowledged the network’s commitment to the series. He recalled, “I’m thankful always to CBS that was in third place and really didn’t have much more to put on.”
As Mark Harmon embarks on this new chapter with NCIS: Origins, he is filled with optimism and excitement for what the future holds. While he may no longer be in front of the camera as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, his influence and presence will undoubtedly be felt throughout the spin-off series. Harmon’s willingness to support the new cast and his dedication to the show’s legacy are testaments to his enduring commitment to the NCIS franchise.
Mark Harmon’s transition from his iconic role on NCIS to a new role as narrator and executive producer for NCIS: Origins marks a significant moment in his career. As he reflects on his time with the original series and looks forward to the next chapter, Harmon’s passion for storytelling and dedication to quality television continue to shine through. With NCIS: Origins set to premiere in October, fans can eagerly anticipate a fresh take on the beloved franchise, guided by Harmon’s guiding hand behind the scenes.