A Comparison of NCIS Characters and Their NCIS: Origins Counterparts

NCIS has set the stage for multiple spinoffs since its debut in 2003 — including the prequel series, NCIS: Origins, which features several recognizable characters.

At the beginning of NCIS, the story followed Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Mark Harmon, along with his team of naval investigators based in Washington, D.C. Over two decades later, CBS introduced NCIS: Origins, depicting Gibbs, now played by Austin Stowell, in his early days as a naval investigator in 1991.

In the first season of the prequel series set for 2024, viewers were introduced not only to a younger version of Gibbs but also to his mentor, Mike Franks (played by Kyle Schmid), along with several original characters.

“I can’t reveal too much,” NCIS: Origins showrunner David J. North shared with TV Insider in December 2024, when asked if more young characters from the original series would appear before season 2 unveiled two additional NCIS characters.

Scroll down to explore how the iconic NCIS characters compare to their counterparts in NCIS: Origins: