NCIS fans rejoiced earlier this week when it was announced that the series will show a new spin-off, and instead of branching out to a new place, it will branch out in time.

CBS has ordered NCIS: Origins, a spin-off prequel series to the flagship NCIS, which will also include the return of Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

Read on for more information on the impending prequel series, including its description and cast of returning characters, as well as a possible premiere date and which NCIS family member came up with the idea in the first place…

What is the plot of NCIS: Origins?

NCIS: Origins will follow a young Gibbs as he is recruited as a special agent at the NCIS Camp Pendleton office, which is led by NCIS icon Mike Franks (a recurring character on the main series).

The series is set in 1991, years before the original series premieres, and will let a fresh, younger actor to take on the role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, while Mark, 72, will serve as narrator, much like Young Sheldon.

What inspired the concept?

Sean Harmon, Mark’s son who played a younger version of Gibbs on NCIS for seven episodes between 2008 and 2020, came up with the idea for the show.

Sean, 35, will executive produce the series alongside his father, saying in a statement: “For the past 20 years, the character of Gibbs has been a crucial part of my life, both in terms of watching my father construct the role and having previously had the honor of playing young Gibbs myself.”

I’ve always believed there was a narrative to be told about his early years, so I’m excited to be moving into a producing role alongside [NCIS writers-producers Gina Lucita Monreal, David J. North] and my father as we tell this story and unveil a new side of this iconic character.

Which characters will make a comeback?

We know that Mark Harmon’s Gibbs will return, and he’ll be joined by Mike Franks, played by Muse Watson on the main series, and Special Agent Vera Strickland, Franks’ old partner, played by Roma Maffia on NCIS.

Who will play the characters in the prequel series?

So far, no casting decision has been made, though it has been stated that neither Sean Harmon nor Ben Turner Dixon, who played the young Mike Franks on NCIS, will return to the part. Instead, new talent will be sought for the series.

When will the show premiere? And how can I see it?

NCIS: Origins will air as part of CBS’s autumn lineup, and episodes will also be available on Paramount+. A specific date has yet to be revealed.