The NCIS franchise has a special place in the hearts of crime drama lovers, and NCIS: Origins has added a fresh, emotional twist by diving into the younger days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Set in the rugged 1990s at Camp Pendleton, this prequel hooked viewers with its raw storytelling and deep dive into Gibbs’ past. With Season 2 officially greenlit, excitement is through the roof. Here’s everything known so far about the release date, time, cast, and plot for NCIS: Origins Season 2.
When Does NCIS: Origins Season 2 Hit Screens?
Get ready to mark those calendars! NCIS: Origins Season 2 kicks off on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. This is a switch from Season 1’s Monday slot, as the show now joins NCIS and NCIS: Sydney for a full-on NCIS Tuesday night takeover. For streamers, episodes drop the next day on Paramount+, making it easy to catch up or rewatch favorite moments. While CBS hasn’t confirmed the exact episode count, Season 1 had 18 episodes, so expect something in that ballpark.
Who’s Back for Season 2? The Cast Lineup
The NCIS: Origins crew is a tight-knit bunch, and most of the core cast is expected to return. Here’s the rundown on who’s bringing these characters to life:
- Austin Stowell plays young Leroy Jethro Gibbs
- Kyle Schmid is Mike Franks
- Mariel Molino stars as Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez
- Tyla Abercrumbie brings warmth as Mary Jo Hayes
- Diany Rodriguez is Vera Strickland
- Caleb Foote plays Bernard “Randy” Randolf
- Mark Harmon returns as the older Gibbs
- Patrick Fischler is Agent Cliff Wheeler
- Kathleen Kenny plays Diane, Gibbs’ future second wife
There’s chatter about new faces or younger versions of NCIS staples like Ducky, but nothing’s locked in yet. The writers seem eager to sprinkle in familiar characters to keep fans buzzing.
What’s the Plot for Season 2?
Unlike the case-heavy vibe of other NCIS shows, Origins leans hard into character-driven stories, and Season 2 looks to double down on that. Here’s what’s brewing:
Gibbs’ Journey: Season 1 dug into Gibbs’ grief over losing his wife, Shannon, and daughter, Kelly. Season 2 will keep exploring how that tragedy fuels his drive as an agent. The fallout from Gibbs taking down drug lord Pedro Hernandez in Season 1’s “Blue Bayou” could shake things up, impacting his career and relationships.
Lala’s Fate: That car crash cliffhanger with Lala had fans holding their breath. Recent CBS promos hint she’s back, and her connection with Gibbs—described as a cornerstone of the show—will deepen, bringing emotional twists.
Gibbs and Diane: The Season 1 finale introduced Diane, a woman tied to Gibbs’ future. Fans of the original NCIS know this romance doesn’t end happily, but Season 2 will show its early sparks, blending hope with heartbreak.
Team Tensions: The team faced big shakes in Season 1’s Operation Sundown, with Randy eyeing a desk job and Wheeler scheming in the background. Season 2 will dive into how these changes ripple through the group, with more focus on each character’s past.
NCIS Connections: The show loves tossing in nods to the NCIS universe, and Season 2 might bring more Easter eggs or early glimpses of familiar faces, all while keeping the story accessible to new viewers.
