So, you’re looking for the young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. I get it. We’ve spent decades watching Mark Harmon stare down suspects with that terrifying silent "Gibbs glare," and now we finally get to see how he actually became that guy. NCIS: Origins isn’t just another spinoff; it’s a gritty 1991 time capsule. But honestly, keeping track of where shows live these days is a total headache. One minute it’s on cable, the next it’s hidden behind a subscription you forgot you had.
If you're trying to figure out where to watch NCIS Origins, you've got a few solid options depending on whether you're a "live TV on the couch" person or a "stream it on my phone at 2 AM" person.
The Best Way to Watch NCIS Origins Right Now
If you are in the United States, the simplest, most direct answer is Paramount+. Because NCIS is a CBS brand, Paramount+ is its home base. But there’s a catch—isn't there always?
If you have Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, you can actually watch the show live as it airs on your local CBS station. If you’re on the cheaper Paramount+ Essential plan, you usually have to wait until the next day to stream it. Honestly, waiting 24 hours isn't the end of the world, but if you're dodging spoilers on Twitter (or X, whatever), that one-day delay feels like a lifetime.
What about regular old TV?
Yes, CBS still exists! You can find NCIS: Origins on your local CBS channel. For the 2025-2026 season, CBS has turned Tuesdays into a full-blown "NCIS Night." They’ve got the flagship NCIS at 8 PM, followed by NCIS: Origins at 9 PM. It’s a smart move. You get the current team and then immediately dive into the 90s nostalgia.
If you’ve cut the cord but still want that "live" feeling, you can use services like:
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- YouTube TV (Pricey, but basically cable without the box)
- FuboTV (Great if you also want sports)
- Hulu + Live TV * DirecTV Stream
These services carry CBS, so you can record the episodes to your "cloud DVR" and skip the commercials.
Is NCIS Origins on Netflix?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: Don't hold your breath. While the original NCIS has lived on Netflix for years, CBS (and its parent company Paramount Global) is getting way stingier with their new stuff. They want you on their own app. It sucks for the "all-in-one" dream, but that's the streaming war for you. If you're searching Netflix for Austin Stowell’s Gibbs, you’re just going to find old episodes of Suits or something.
Watching from the UK, Australia, or Canada
Kinda annoying, right? If you aren't in the US, the rollout can be a bit wonky.
In Australia, you’re in luck. Paramount+ Australia carries the show pretty much in lockstep with the US. It’s the same deal as the States—it’s their flagship franchise, so they keep it in-house.
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In the UK, things are a bit more scattered. Usually, the NCIS shows land on Disney+ or Paramount+ UK, but sometimes there’s a delay of a few months. Historically, Sky Witness has also been a player for NCIS content. If it's not showing up on your Paramount app yet, it's likely stuck in a licensing "waiting room."
For Canada, it’s almost always Global TV. You can watch it on the Global TV app or via their website if you have a cable login.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With This Prequel
Look, we all knew Mike Franks was a legend because Gibbs told us so. But seeing Kyle Schmid play a younger, swaggering Franks is something else. The show starts in 1991, right as Gibbs is joining the NIS (before it was even called NCIS) at Camp Pendleton.
He’s not the "boss" here. He’s the "probie."
He’s also dealing with the immediate, raw aftermath of the murder of his wife and daughter. It’s much darker than the original show. If you're used to the "quippy" vibe of the later seasons with McGee and Torres, this might feel like a punch in the gut. It’s a noir-style crime drama.
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Does Mark Harmon actually appear?
People keep asking this. Mark Harmon is the narrator. He’s the one telling the story from the future. He also showed up in the series premiere in a brief, snowy cameo (spoiler alert, sorry!), but the show belongs to Austin Stowell. Stowell had to nail the "Gibbs walk" and that specific way Gibbs stares into the middle distance, and honestly, he kinda kills it.
Quick Cheat Sheet: Where to Stream
| Service | Availability | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ (Showtime Tier) | Live + On Demand | Immediate |
| Paramount+ (Essential Tier) | On Demand Only | Next Day |
| CBS (Cable/Antenna) | Live | Tuesday Nights |
| YouTube TV / Fubo | Live + DVR | Immediate |
| Netflix | None | Don't bother |
What You Need to Do Next
If you’re ready to dive in, check your current subscriptions first. If you already pay for Paramount+ for Yellowstone or Survivor, you’re already set.
- Check your tier: If you have the basic Paramount+ plan, set a reminder for Wednesday mornings to catch the new Tuesday night episodes.
- Sync your apps: If you use an Apple TV or Roku, add NCIS: Origins to your "Up Next" list so it automatically pokes you when a new episode drops.
- Watch the "Judgement Day" episodes: If you want a refresher on the Gibbs/Franks lore before starting the prequel, go back and watch NCIS Season 5, episodes 18 and 19. It sets the stage for everything you’re about to see in Origins.
The show is currently deep into its second season, so there is plenty of content to binge if you're just starting. Just make sure you have a box of tissues ready—1991 Gibbs is a lot more emotional than the 2003 version we first met.
Actionable Insight: If you want the cheapest way to watch without a long-term contract, grab a one-month trial of Paramount+ Essential. You can binge the first season and the start of the second in 30 days and then cancel if you're not feeling it.