How ‘NCIS’ Characters Compare to Their ‘NCIS: Origins’ Counterparts

NCIS paved the way for numerous spinoffs since its 2003 premiere — including the prequel series, NCIS: Origins, which fans will notice features more than one familiar character.

When NCIS began, it followed Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, and his team of naval investigators stationed in Washington, D.C. More than 20 years later, CBS created NCIS: Origins, which shows how Gibbs, now played by Austin Stowell, got started as a naval investigator in 1991.

During season 1 of the prequel series in 2024, fans were introduced to not only the younger version of Gibbs but that of his mentor, Mike Franks (played by Kyle Schmid), and even more OG characters.

“I don’t want to give anything away with that,” NCIS: Origins showrunner David J. North told TV Insider in December 2024 when asked whether more young characters from the flagship series would be popping up on the show before season 2 brought two more NCIS characters to the forefront.

Scroll down to see how the original NCIS characters compare to their NCIS: Origins counterparts: