Category: NCIS

NCIS: Origins’—How Mark Harmon’s Advice Is Shaping the Prequel’s Young Stars

NCIS is one of television’s longest‑running franchises, and its newest offshoot, NCIS: Origins, rewinds to the 1990s to chart the rise of future legend Leroy Jethro Gibbs. While Mark Harmon narrates and executive‑produces, the younger Gibbs is played by Austin Stowell—joined by an unlikely partner, Special Agent Bernard “Randy” Randolf, portrayed by Caleb Foote.

The “Godfather” Speaks

Foote told Entertainment Tonight that Harmon—whom he calls “the godfather of NCIS”—pulled him aside with one simple directive:

“Trust who you are.”

That authenticity, Foote says, has informed every scene he shoots as Randy, a character meant to guide Gibbs yet destined to forge a far different mentor‑rookie dynamic than fans might expect.

Building the Gibbs We Know

Showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal insist Season 2 will continue Gibbs’s slow transformation from earnest rookie to the steely leader introduced in 2003:

“We’re inching our way there… Season 1 showed his gut was already churning. Those are all stepping stones toward becoming the Gibbs fans first met.”

What’s Next

Renewed in February while Season 1 was still airing, NCIS: Origins left viewers with a cliff‑hanger: Gibbs’s confidante Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino) bleeding in an overturned car. Season 2—arriving on CBS this fall—promises answers and a more assertive Gibbs.

Catch up: Stream NCIS: Origins Season 1 on Paramount+ now, and stay tuned for more updates as production on Season 2 gets underway.

Gary Cole: From Cult Horror Star to NCIS Lead – Revisiting the Underrated ‘American Gothic’

With a diverse and celebrated career spanning over four decades, Gary Cole has firmly established himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and enduring actors. From acclaimed TV series like The West Wing, The Good Wife, and Veep to cult-favorite films such as Office Space and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Cole’s captivating performances have left an indelible mark on both small and big screens.

Since 2021, Cole has taken on the role of NCIS Supervisory Agent Alden Parker in the long-running military police procedural NCIS, stepping into the leadership position following Mark Harmon’s iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs. But before becoming a key player in this beloved franchise, Cole starred in the 1995 cult supernatural horror series American Gothic—a show that deserves a fresh look for its unique blend of mystery and darkness.

Gary Cole Leads the Sinister ‘American Gothic’

Set in the eerie town of Trinity, South Carolina, American Gothic features Gary Cole as Lucas Buck, the corrupt and murderous sheriff wielding supernatural powers to manipulate the townspeople and maintain his grip on the community. Buck’s malevolent influence centers on young Caleb Temple (Lucas Black), an orphan battling the legacy of his troubled past and the shadow of Buck’s evil.

Caleb, revealed to be Buck’s biological son—conceived through an assault that drove his mother to suicide—struggles against Buck’s corrupting hold. His cousin, reporter Gail Emory (Paige Turco), arrives in Trinity to support him, while the ghostly spirit of his late sister Merlyn (Sarah Paulson) appears to guide and protect him. Over 22 episodes, the series explores Caleb’s battle between light and darkness as he unravels his family’s dark secrets and fights to end Buck’s reign of terror.

A Cult Classic Ahead of Its Time

Created by singer-actor Shaun Cassidy and executive produced by Sam Raimi, American Gothic broke new ground in the mid-’90s with its morally complex villain, Lucas Buck. At a time when television rarely embraced antiheroes, Cole’s chilling portrayal helped pave the way for future iconic characters like Tony Soprano and Walter White.

Though American Gothic premiered to critical praise on September 22, 1995, and ran for a full 22-episode season, it struggled to match the popularity of contemporaries like Twin Peaks and The X-Files—ultimately leading to its cancellation after one season. Still, the show became a cult favorite over the years, spotlighting Cole, Paulson, and Black, all of whom have gone on to impressive careers.

Paulson, a Golden Globe winner, embraced the horror genre with acclaimed roles in American Horror Story and Ratched. Black found success with roles in NCIS: New Orleans and the Fast & Furious franchise.

Cole’s Continued Success

After American Gothic, Gary Cole continued to showcase his talent across film and television. His film credits include beloved comedies like Office Space, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and Pineapple Express, while his TV appearances span Family Guy, The West Wing, The Good Wife, and Veep. Now a central figure in NCIS, renewed through Season 23, Cole proves his remarkable staying power in Hollywood.

Where to Watch ‘American Gothic’

For fans of supernatural thrillers and underrated ’90s shows, all 22 episodes of American Gothic are available to purchase or stream on Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Fandango. If you enjoy series like Twin Peaks, American Horror Story, or The X-Files, this dark gem starring Gary Cole is a must-watch.

NCIS: Origins Season 2 Could Bring Back a Fan‑Favorite—And Finally Explain His Bond with Gibbs

NCIS: Origins has stayed loyal to franchise canon, and all signs point to one long‑time favorite stepping into a bigger spotlight next season: Tobias Fornell. The younger version of the future FBI stalwart made a brief cameo in season 1, episode 6, munching tacos while working a case with Noah Oakley, Wheeler, and Mike Franks. According to co‑showrunner David J. North, that taste was only the appetizer: “We’d love to see young Fornell come back—sooner rather than later.”

A larger role for Fornell makes perfect sense. In the early ’90s timeline he’s still a mid‑level FBI agent, exactly the rank that would have him crossing paths with Naval Investigative Service cases. More importantly, Origins still hasn’t shown the moment Gibbs and Fornell first meet—an omission that grows more glaring each episode, given how inseparable the two become in NCIS. Season 2 is the ideal time to establish their first team‑up and lay the groundwork for the hard‑won friendship fans know so well.

The personal stakes are just as juicy: the season‑1 finale introduced Gibbs’ future second wife, Diane Sterling, who will one day divorce Gibbs and marry Fornell. That tangled history—complete with messy break‑ups and, eventually, the birth of Fornell’s daughter Emily—needs room to breathe. Giving young Fornell a meatier arc in season 2 would deepen Gibbs’ backstory, honor NCIS lore, and deliver the kind of character‑driven drama that keeps viewers coming back.

NCIS: Origins star Caleb Foote recently opened up about the valuable advice he received from franchise icon Mark Harmon. As the narrator and executive producer of the NCIS prequel, Harmon remains deeply involved in the story, which follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) in the early 1990s as he builds his career at NCIS.

Foote plays Special Agent Bernard “Randy” Randolf — a character often labeled the “golden boy,” but one who’s far from perfect. While capable and confident, Randy is still growing into his role and finding his place in the team. As NCIS: Origins heads into season 2, the focus will continue to explore not just Gibbs’ journey, but also the key individuals who shaped him along the way.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Foote shared that Harmon offered one simple but powerful piece of advice:

“He’s done it all. He’s the godfather of NCIS. Some really big advice that Mark Harmon had was just like, ‘Trust who you are.’”

That encouragement has clearly stuck with Foote, especially as his character navigates complex dynamics with Gibbs. Although Randy is brought in to guide and assist Gibbs, their relationship doesn’t follow the typical rookie-mentor path. In one memorable moment, Randy awkwardly tries to set Gibbs up on a date — a misstep that highlights his own learning curve and the show’s fresh take on familiar roles.

Sure! Here’s a rewritten version of your text — tightened, more emotionally charged, and formatted for impact, while keeping your message intact:

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Why NCIS Fans Still Feel Betrayed by Gibbs’ Exit

If you’ve ever loved a show so much it felt like home, then you know exactly why NCIS fans are still heartbroken over the way Mark Harmon left the series. For nearly 20 years, Leroy Jethro Gibbs wasn’t just the team leader—he was the show. He was its soul, its moral compass, the one constant in a world full of chaos. So when he disappeared with barely a goodbye, fans didn’t just lose a character—they lost the heart of NCIS.

A Goodbye That Didn’t Feel Like One

For months, rumors swirled: Harmon was stepping back, maybe retiring, maybe staying for a few episodes. CBS stayed silent, offering vague reassurances—until Season 19 aired and Gibbs vanished after just four episodes. No big finale, no heartfelt goodbye—just a quiet exit in Alaska that felt more like a write-off than a tribute.

Fans were stunned. Angry. Hurt. This wasn’t just poor storytelling—it felt like betrayal.

Enter Alden Parker… and the Backlash

To replace Gibbs, the show brought in Gary Cole as Alden Parker. Great actor? Yes. But he’s not Gibbs. And more importantly, he was handed the role without any real transition or fanfare. Viewers weren’t ready—and the response was brutal.

Social media exploded. “CBS lied to us” trended. Fans felt misled, cheated. And the real sting? It wasn’t just about losing Gibbs—it was about who didn’t replace him.

The McGee Snub

For years, NCIS had quietly built up Tim McGee (Sean Murray) as Gibbs’ natural successor. He earned it—through growth, loyalty, and leadership. So when an outsider took the job, fans felt slapped in the face.

Showrunner Steven D. Binder tried to explain: Maybe McGee didn’t want the job. Maybe there were conversations off-screen. But to many, it just sounded like damage control. If McGee truly passed on the role, why not show that? Why not give fans closure?

A Show Without Its Center

NCIS has weathered cast shakeups before—Tony, Ziva, Abby, Kate—but this was different. Harmon wasn’t just a character; he was the anchor. His presence made the show feel safe, grounded, real. Without him, something vital is missing. The chemistry feels off. The team feels incomplete. And no matter how talented Cole is, Parker can’t fill the void left behind.

Even the actors seem to feel it. Sean Murray has been gracious, but you can sense the loss in his words. Cole isn’t trying to mimic Gibbs—he’s carving his own path—but winning over a grieving fanbase isn’t easy.

Can NCIS Bounce Back?

Maybe. The show’s still on the air, and the ratings, while lower, haven’t collapsed. Some fans are giving Parker a chance. But for many, the trust is broken. The bond between show and audience has frayed. And that kind of damage doesn’t heal overnight.

This isn’t just about television—it’s about connection. For years, NCIS offered comfort, justice, and family. Losing Gibbs wasn’t just a plot twist—it was personal.

So yes, NCIS will go on. But for millions of viewers, something irreplaceable is gone. And until that magic returns, the empty seat at the head of the table is a painful reminder of what made the show truly special—and how badly that legacy was mishandled.

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NCIS: ORIGINS Season 2 Promises Major Changes for Young Gibbs

NCIS: ORIGINS was officially renewed for a second season back in February, and showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal are teasing big developments for young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he continues his evolution from rookie agent to future legend.

“We’re getting there—slowly, but in a way that stays true to who Gibbs is,” North told TVLine. “In Season 1, we saw his gut starting to kick in, like with Bugs, but he didn’t fully trust it yet. He didn’t push Franks about it, even though he ended up being right. That’s a key step in becoming the Gibbs fans first met in 2003.”

The freshman season explored Gibbs’ emotional recovery after the loss of his wife and daughter—an event that shaped not only his personal life, but his drive to pursue justice. It also laid the groundwork for deeper connections within the team, especially with his colleague, Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez.

Season 2 may delve further into the complicated bond between Gibbs and Lala, who shared a flirty but emotionally rich friendship throughout the first season. “The relationship between Gibbs and Lala is a unique and impactful one, and it’s one we want to explore fully,” Monreal told Screen Rant.

But fans were left reeling after the Season 1 finale, which ended with Lala in a serious car crash—and possibly dead. North commented, “I won’t officially say that Lala is dead, but we knew going into this story that we needed room to take big creative swings.”

Austin Stowell, who plays the younger version of Gibbs, is deeply invested in the role. “I dream about the show almost every night,” he told PEOPLE. “This version of Gibbs is making mistakes, haunted by loss, and trying to rebuild. That’s the part of him I love playing.”

While CBS hasn’t announced a release date yet, NCIS: ORIGINS Season 2 is expected to premiere this fall. Until then, fans are left wondering: Will Gibbs finally become the man we remember from the flagship series? And will Lala survive?

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the premiere.

Mark Harmon became a household name as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS, captivating viewers for nearly two decades with his quiet strength and emotional depth.

But behind the scenes, not everything ran smoothly. Tensions flared between Harmon and co-star Pauley Perrette after a dog-biting incident sparked a rift that permanently altered their working relationship.

Despite the backstage drama, Harmon’s commitment to the show never faltered. Known for his relentless work ethic and loyalty, he played a crucial role in keeping NCIS at the top of the ratings for years.

Eventually, Harmon made the difficult decision to step away, prioritizing peace, family time, and a much-needed break from the intense demands of the role.

Now, he continues to shape the series as an executive producer and has embraced a new chapter as an author—still inspiring fans and leaving the door open for a potential on-screen return.

Pauley Perrette’s beloved character, Abby Sciuto, once had a clear route back into the NCIS universe—but a recent development has likely closed that door. While the franchise has seen several fan-favorite characters make surprise returns, Abby—who exited in Season 15—has yet to come back. With CBS bringing back familiar faces like Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo, fans had hoped Abby might be next. Unfortunately, the latest update from the upcoming spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva makes that return look unlikely.

NCIS: Tony & Ziva Cast Update Dampens Hopes for Abby’s Comeback

The spinoff’s plot, which finds Tony and Ziva on the run across Europe, seemed like the perfect setup for Abby to lend her tech and forensic skills from afar—especially since she’s believed to be based in the UK. This could have allowed Pauley Perrette to rejoin the franchise without crossing paths with former co-star Mark Harmon, with whom she’s had a very public falling out.

However, with the full Tony & Ziva cast now confirmed, it appears Abby’s role has essentially been filled. Maximilian Osinski has been cast as Boris, a Russian ex-pat and expert hacker who seems to cover the same narrative function Abby might have served. His presence likely eliminates the need for a guest appearance from the original forensic specialist, at least in the short term.

That said, all hope isn’t lost. While Abby may no longer be a part of the team full-time or have a dedicated lab like she did at NCIS headquarters, a surprise cameo to assist Tony and Ziva on a mission would still thrill longtime fans and offer a meaningful callback to the show’s early years.

Related News

Stay tuned for more updates on NCIS and its spinoffs as new information becomes available.

Mark Harmon didn’t just play Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS—for 18 unforgettable seasons, he embodied him. The silent strength, the unwavering integrity, the no-nonsense stare? That wasn’t just acting. That was Tom Harmon’s son channeling a lifetime of hard-earned wisdom.

“If It’s Not True, Don’t Worry About It.”

In a rare interview with People, Harmon opened up about the code that guided both him and Gibbs—and how it all started with his father, legendary athlete Tom Harmon.

“My dad taught me early: if people are lying about you, let it go. The truth doesn’t need defenders,” he shared. It’s a simple principle, but one that anchored Harmon through decades in Hollywood—just like Gibbs anchored the NCIS team with his own rules.

No Silver Spoons

Long before Harmon became one of TV’s most beloved leading men, he was just a kid growing up in a no-excuses household with two older sisters. “We were working stock,” he said. “You show up. You do the job. That’s it.”

There were only two rules in the Harmon home:

1. Work hard without complaining.
2. Repeat step one.

That mindset carried over into his career. Even as NCIS became a global phenomenon, Harmon stayed out of the spotlight, avoiding red carpets and Hollywood headlines. Fame didn’t change his foundation—work ethic did.

Built Like an Athlete

Discipline was in his DNA. His father wasn’t just a role model—he was a Heisman Trophy winner who knew exactly what it took to be great. That competitive drive stuck with Mark.

“Tell me I can’t do something? That’s my fuel,” Harmon admitted. “I’m a repetition guy. Fail, adjust, try again.”

That gritty persistence helped him push through early setbacks and typecasting. When others gave up, Harmon stayed in the fight—until he landed the role that would define his career.

A Legacy in His Ear

Tom Harmon passed away in 1990, but his voice never really left. Mark still hears his father’s lessons in his head:

• “Work your ass off—but make it look easy.”
• “Treat the janitor like the CEO.”
• “Compliments are distractions. Kindness is mandatory.”

So when Harmon walked away from NCIS, it was quiet. No press circus. No long farewell tour. Just a quiet exit—Gibbs-style.

Why Gibbs Felt So Real

While television has no shortage of flashy, tortured antiheroes, Gibbs was something else: steady, loyal, and grounded in truth. That’s because the man behind him was too.

“This business demands everything,” Harmon said. “You prepare when no one’s watching. Because eventually, they will be.”

And then, with a quiet smile that could only belong to Gibbs, he added, “There are no little things.”

Maybe that’s why fans still feel his absence. In a world built on image, Mark Harmon—and the character he brought to life—never needed one. He was the real deal.

NCIS: Tony & Ziva Gets Premiere Date — and It’s Sooner Than You Think

It’s been a long time coming, but fans of NCIS can finally mark their calendars: NCIS: Tony & Ziva is set to premiere Thursday, September 4, exclusively on Paramount+ in multiple countries including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and more.

The highly anticipated spinoff kicks off with three episodes on premiere day, with the remaining episodes releasing weekly every Thursday, leading up to the season finale on October 23.

A Reunion Worth the Wait

Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo — who return as Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David — couldn’t be more excited to reunite on screen after more than a decade. “Returning to these roles together has been an unforgettable journey,” they shared in a joint statement. “Packed with lies, spies, danger, desire… and self-driving murder cars. (Don’t worry, that last one will make sense soon).”

What’s the Story?

Set years after their last on-screen moments, Tony & Ziva picks up in Paris, where the couple has been raising their daughter Tali (played by The Outlaws’ Isla Gie). But when Tony’s security firm comes under attack, the family is forced to go on the run across Europe, navigating conspiracies, international enemies, and a complicated romantic past, all while trying to protect their daughter and carve out a future.

Meet the Cast

Alongside Weatherly, de Pablo, and Gie, the show boasts a strong international cast:

• Lara Rossi as Sophie, Tali’s SAS-trained nanny
• Amita Suman as Claudette, CTO at Tony’s firm
• Maximilian Osinski as Boris, a brilliant and elusive hacker
• James D’Arcy as Henry, a high-ranking Interpol agent
• Julian Ovenden as Jonah, former NSA programmer and now Interpol Secretary General
• Nassima Benchicou as Martine, a former French intelligence operative
• Terence Maynard as Dr. Lang, a trauma therapist

Behind the Scenes

Veteran TV creator John McNamara (The Magicians, Profit) serves as showrunner and penned the series premiere. Executive producers include Weatherly, de Pablo, Laurie Lieser, Christina Strain, and Shelley Meals.

McNamara describes the show as “a serialized story of intrigue, espionage, romance, and family” told across 10 thrilling episodes. He adds, “We get to explore Tony and Ziva’s complicated relationship and co-parenting struggles — all under the threat of constant danger.”

Why It’s Streaming-Only

Though part of the NCIS universe, Tony & Ziva was designed specifically for streaming. “It was always meant to be a Paramount+ show,” said CBS Studios president David Stapf. “Tony and Ziva are a global phenomenon, and this platform allows us to bring their story to a worldwide audience.”

The Legacy Lives On

First introduced in NCIS Season 3, Ziva and Tony’s chemistry quickly became a fan-favorite dynamic. After Ziva’s supposed death in Season 13 and Tony’s exit to raise their daughter, the characters remained off-screen for years. That changed in the NCIS Season 16 finale, when Ziva returned from the dead in a shocking reveal. Though their reunion was confirmed to have happened off-camera in Paris, fans never got to see it — until now.

With familiar faces, new dangers, and a backdrop of European intrigue, NCIS: Tony & Ziva promises action, romance, and everything fans have waited over a decade to see.

Streaming begins September 4. Buckle up — it’s going to be a wild ride.