NCIS: Originshas cast its “Young Gibbs” withAustin Stowellstepping into the coveted role. The casting news comes hot on the heels ofthe announcement of a new Tony and Ziva spin-offheading into production, making it an exciting time for fans of the long-running drama.
NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. Special Agent Alden Parker, a quirky former FBI agent who solves his cases with calm professionalism and sharp, sarcastic charm, leads the NCIS team.
The new series, which is set to air in September 2024, is a prequel to CBS’ ever-popular procedural drama. The new series adds another string to theNCISbow, and also allows the franchise to explore the early career of one of its most popular characters, Leroy Jethro Gibbs.Mark Harmon returns to reprise his role as the older Gibbs, who will narrate the series, but it falls to Stowell to deliver a convincing performance as the lead of the show.
According to details released by CBS,NCIS: Originsis set in 1991, years before the mainNCIStimeline began, which gives it plenty of scope for multiple seasons if audiences are on board. The series will focus on Gibb’s first steps on the road to becoming the agent fans know and love, which means we can probably expect to see a much different version of the character to what we are used to, and not just because of his more youthful appearance.
Austin Stowell has a challenge on his hands to take over such an iconic and much-loved character as Gibbs, but he boards the show with a string of previous credits to his name. Stowell’s TV work includes roles inBreatheandThe Hating Game, while his big screen appearances have includedBridge of Spies,WhiplashandBattle of the Sexes. Despite that, there is something daunting about taking over a character with the history of Gibbs, and transitioning into the persona of the character will be one of the biggest tests the show will have to cope with.
NCIS Continues to Expand Its Universe
NCIS: Originsis part of the latest expansion of theNCISuniverse by CBS. The network has recently greenlit another spinoff set in Europe, focusing on the returning characters of Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David,played once again by Michael Weatherlyand Cote De Pablo, respectively. Fans have reacted positively to both new shows, and of course they will also have the existing roster ofNCISofferings that are set to continue in the new season.
The original series, now in its 21st season, continues to be a cornerstone of CBS’ schedules, and previous spin-offsNCIS: Hawai’i, currently in its third season, and the franchise’s first international show,NCIS: Sydney, are also firmly in the mix for at least another year.
Mark Harmon Reveals the Reason He Left NCIS During Season 19
Mark Harmon discusses why he left NCIS after playing the role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs for the last time in season 19.
In 2023, fans said goodbye to the longest running spin-off in the franchise,NCIS: Los Angeles, which concluded after 14 seasons. Whether any of the current and upcoming off-shoots of theNCISfranchise will have the same kind of longevity is something that we will only discover in time, but so far, everything is pointing to theNCISsuccess story having several more years in it yet.
NCISis currently airing Season 21 on CBS, while previous seasons and spin-offs can be found streaming on Paramount+.
