Mark Harmon Balances Legacy and Evolution Through NCIS: Origins

With the launch of NCIS: Origins, the franchise explores Gibbs’ early career, portrayed by a younger actor. Harmon’s involvement behind the scenes and through narration has been praised as a respectful way to bridge past and present. Rather than overshadowing the new cast, Harmon’s participation helps anchor the prequel in authenticity and continuity.

Sources close to the production say Harmon was selective about how Gibbs would be portrayed, ensuring the character’s core values — discipline, loyalty, and moral complexity — remained intact. Fans have responded positively, noting that the series feels like an extension of the original rather than a disconnected reboot. The careful balance between honoring Harmon’s legacy and allowing the new series to stand on its own has been widely praised by critics.