If you were planning to curl up on the couch in late February to see young Leroy Jethro Gibbs get back to work, you might want to adjust your calendar. Honestly, it's a bit of a bummer. We’ve been waiting since the winter hiatus began in December to see how the fallout from that massive cliffhanger plays out, but CBS just threw a bit of a curveball.
The short version? NCIS: Origins coming back isn't happening on the date originally advertised.
Originally, the network had the prequel set for a big return on February 24, 2026. However, due to the State of the Union address—which traditionally takes over the major networks for the night—the entire NCIS Tuesday block has been bumped. You’ve now got an extra week of waiting.
The New 2026 Return Date for NCIS: Origins
Mark it down: Tuesday, March 3, 2026. That is the official night the NIS Camp Pendleton office reopens for business. The show will hold onto its usual time slot at 9/8c, sandwiched right between the flagship NCIS and NCIS: Sydney.
It feels like a long time to wait, especially considering the show has been off the air since early December. By the time March rolls around, it will have been nearly three months since we saw Austin Stowell’s Gibbs dealing with the psychological weight of his new career.
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Why the delay actually matters
Television schedules are finicky. When a show like NCIS: Origins loses its momentum in the middle of a season, fans start to worry about ratings. There’s been some chatter online about whether the prequel is pulling the numbers CBS hoped for.
But here’s the thing: network TV is a different beast now.
Between Paramount+ streaming numbers and DVR recordings, the "live" audience isn't the only metric that counts. Showrunner David J. North has gone on record saying they are in this for the "long haul." Even with the one-week delay, the confidence from the studio seems high.
What to expect when the show returns
When we finally get to March 3, the story picks up in a heavy place. Season 2 has already been leaning into much darker territory than the first. We’re talking about missing Marines, mysterious chemical compounds, and a much deeper dive into the relationship between Gibbs and Mike Franks (played by Kyle Schmid).
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If you remember where we left off, the tension was through the roof.
- Gibbs and Lala: Their dynamic is becoming the emotional core of the series, but it’s messy. Really messy.
- New Faces: Philip Winchester, who many know from Law & Order, is joining the cast in a recurring role. He’s set to make his debut shortly after the midseason return.
- The 1991 Vibe: The show is doing a great job of staying gritty. It doesn't feel like the polished, high-tech NCIS we know from the modern era.
Is Season 2 the end of the road?
There’s a segment of the fanbase that thinks this show is a "limited" story. They argue that once we see the major events—the death of Shannon and Kelly, the first meeting with Franks—the story is "done."
I totally disagree.
The beauty of a prequel is the "how," not just the "what." We know Gibbs becomes a legendary leader. We don’t know how he developed that specific "gut" or why he started making those famous rules. There are decades of story to tell before he ever walks into the modern-day NCIS headquarters.
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Why the March 3 return is a "must-watch"
The midseason premiere is titled "The Funky Bunch" (yes, really), and it’s supposed to be a pivot point for the season. We’re moving away from the "case of the week" slightly and into a serialized arc that explores the darker corners of Camp Pendleton.
Plus, Mark Harmon is still providing the narration. Hearing his voice over Austin Stowell’s performance bridges the gap in a way that makes the show feel essential for long-time fans. It’s not just a spinoff; it’s the DNA of the franchise.
How to stay updated
If you’re worried about more schedule shifts, the best bet is to keep an eye on the Paramount Press Express or the official CBS social accounts. Network TV in early 2026 is going to be a bit chaotic with political coverage and special events, so March 3 is the date for now—but always keep your DVR set for "New Episodes Only" just in case.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your DVR: Ensure your recording schedule has updated to March 3 so you don't miss the 9 p.m. start.
- Catch up on Paramount+: If the December finale feels like a lifetime ago, re-watch the last two episodes to refresh your memory on the Lala/Gibbs tension.
- Watch the flagship: The March 3 return is a crossover-lite event with the main NCIS series, so watching the 8 p.m. episode might provide some "Easter egg" context for the prequel.