Mark Harmon is gearing up to return as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the upcoming *NCIS* and *NCIS: Origins* crossover, set to release on November 11 on CBS. This episode marks his first major onscreen appearance since departing *NCIS* in Season 19, aside from a brief cameo in the prequel series’ pilot. Recently, the actor addressed whether this crossover signals a larger comeback to the franchise.
### Mark Harmon Discusses Potential Return as Gibbs After *NCIS: Origins* Crossover
While Mark Harmon did not confirm a full-time return as Gibbs following the crossover event, he also didn’t rule out the possibility. When asked about future appearances, Harmon told TV Insider, “I don’t know.”
He explained that his decision to return was driven entirely by the creative vision of *NCIS: Origins* showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal, whom he deeply trusts. “Gina and David had an idea. I obviously like them, I admire ’em, worked with ’em for a very long time. They’re very good. They had an idea and I liked the idea,” Harmon shared.
His main priority is to support the show’s story without complicating it. “I try really hard to think about what’s best for the show. I try hard not to bother them, not to make their job harder than it is, and it’s plenty hard just developing this new show,” he added.
However, Harmon left fans with a hopeful note about Gibbs’ future in the franchise. Referring to *NCIS: Origins*, he said, “This is on a similar path, which is not a bad idea if it works. So we’ll see.”
His return in the crossover might be a one-time appearance tied specifically to the *Origins* storyline. That said, Harmon has kept the door open for potential future appearances, suggesting that if the story and timing align, Gibbs could return again.
The crossover episode connects a 1990s case led by the young Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) in *NCIS: Origins* to a present-day investigation on *NCIS*. Harmon appears in the *Origins* half of the episode, revisiting Gibbs’ life in Alaska.
https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/2060157-ncis-crossover-gibbs-return-mark-harmon
