NCIS: Origins showrunner gives thrilling update on season 2 renewal

NCIS: Origins was a fascinating proposition for NCIS fans. It was the first prequel series in the history of the franchise, and it was an opportunity to bring Leroy Jethro Gibbs back into the fold after he left in NCIS season 19.

It's worked out pretty well so far. Not only have fans responded to the 1991 period setting, and the new cast of characters, but they have embraced Austin Stowell's performance as Gibbs, after Mark Harmon played the role for two decades.

David J. North claims Origins is in for the 'long haul'

“One Flew Over” – NIS investigates the murder of a dementia-afflicted Jane Doe. Also, flashbacks reveal the first time Gibbs met Franks, on NCIS: ORIGINS, Monday, Nov. 25 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Pictured (L-R): Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks and Austin Stowell as Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

NCIS: Origins has been a steady ratings earner for CBS, but there hasn't been any mention of a season 2 renewal. This has led some to voice concern for the show's future, especially given how much ground there is to cover between 1991 and the start of NCIS in 2003.

Fortunately, we have an update. David J. North, one of the showrunners for NCIS: Origins recently spoke to TV Line about the show's future. He confirmed that the creative team have plans for the next batch of stories, and that things are looking very promising in terms of renewal.

"I do know that CBS and Paramount are in it for the long haul," North told the outlet. "So we just try to keep our heads down and write as good of material as possible." The co-showrunner also praised the cast for making the transition from the modern iteration of NCIS to the past. It wasn't always going to be a guarantee that it would work.

CBS Chief is confident about the franchise's future

“Incognito” – Gibbs goes undercover for the first time with Lala as NIS works the case of a dead Navy seaman who may have been sharing top-secret intel that poses a threat to national security. Also, Lala struggles with her place on the team and an unexpected development in her personal life, on NCIS: ORIGINS, Monday, Nov. 11 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+

"This cast, they’re fantastic, they really are," North added. "I think we have something special here, and I hope everybody comes on board." CBS disappointed tons of fans when they pulled the plug on NCIS: Hawai'i in May, which subsequently led to concern about every other title in the franchise.

Thankfully, the network seems to be onboard with NCIS as a franchise for the foreseeable future. The show has launched the first international spinoff, NCIS: Sydney, in addition to NCIS: Origins and a new spinoff, NCIS: Tony and Ziva, slated for 2025.

In February, CBS entertainment chief Amy Reisenbach told Deadline that fans have nothing to worry about. "I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon," she asserted. "They’re just as reenergized today as they were as when I started on the show in Season 8." Sounds like Origins will get the chance to flesh out Gibbs' character even further heading into 2025.