A major reunion is set for fans of the NCIS franchise as Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly will appear together on the upcoming episode of NCIS: Origins, marking their first onscreen collaboration in 10 years.
Why it matters: This reunion brings back two beloved characters from the original NCIS series, Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Tony DiNozzo, offering nostalgia for longtime viewers. It highlights the enduring popularity of the NCIS franchise and the excitement surrounding its latest installment.
The reunion episode airs on October 20, 2026, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
Harmon and Weatherly's characters last shared the screen in the Season 13 finale of NCIS in 2016, when DiNozzo left the agency.
This marks a continuation of their arcs, with Harmon appearing throughout Season 3 of NCIS: Origins, which explores Gibbs' past.
Driving the news: The announcement of this reunion was made on October 13, 2026, generating buzz among fans eager to see how the characters have evolved over the years.
Gibbs returns to NCIS headquarters in Washington, D.C., to enlist the help of DiNozzo, who has become the agency's new director.
Gibbs seeks assistance following an incident where he was shot by unknown assailants in the Season 3 premiere of NCIS: Origins, which aired on October 6, 2026.
Weatherly’s return to the original NCIS series was also marked by his appearance in the Season 24 premiere, adding to the excitement of both shows.
State of play: The NCIS franchise continues to expand, with Harmon serving as an executive producer on NCIS: Origins, which tells the story of a young Gibbs in the early 1990s.
NCIS: Origins follows Austin Stowell as young Gibbs, narrated by Harmon, and features a storyline connected to Gibbs' time at Camp Pendleton.
The show has seen a boost in viewership, with the Season 3 premiere averaging 4.39 million viewers, up 20% from the previous year.
The current season includes a blend of nostalgia and new storylines, keeping long-time fans engaged.
The big picture: This reunion is part of a broader trend of reviving classic characters in television, tapping into the nostalgia of audiences.
The NCIS-verse is set to expand even more with a two-part crossover event scheduled for November 11, 2026, bringing together multiple series within the franchise.
Fans are hopeful for more cameos and connections between the various NCIS shows, fostering a sense of continuity and community.
The return of familiar faces like Harmon and Weatherly strengthens the franchise's ties to its roots, appealing to both new and old viewers.
What they're saying: Showrunner Steven D. Binder expressed excitement about DiNozzo’s evolution into the director role.
“It’s the idea of the kid in high school who pulls the fire alarm, and then you come back 20 years later and he’s the principal,” Binder said, highlighting the character's growth.
Viewers can expect emotional moments as Gibbs and DiNozzo reconnect after years apart, with references to their history likely woven into the dialogue.
In a teaser clip, Gibbs states, “You’re home. And home means family,” emphasizing the bond between the characters.
By the numbers: The NCIS franchise remains a powerhouse in television ratings, consistently drawing millions of viewers.
NCIS: Origins’ Season 3 premiere was the No. 1 broadcast show in its time slot, indicating strong audience interest.
Weatherly's return to the original NCIS series has added to the anticipation for the upcoming reunion episode.
Fans are eagerly discussing potential callbacks and memorable moments from the original series that could appear in the reunion.
What's next: Viewers can look forward to the October 20 reunion episode, which promises to deliver both action and nostalgia.