The long-awaited moment for the “NCIS” faithful has finally arrived, and it is every bit as emotional as fans hoped it would be. CBS has officially released the trailer for the upcoming crossover event that brings Mark Harmon back to our screens as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. After four years of living in the quiet solitude of Alaska, the man who led the Major Case Response Team for nearly two decades is stepping back into the light, and the first footage is already sparking intense theories across the internet.
The trailer is a masterclass in nostalgia, blending the present day with the gritty 1990s setting of the prequel series, NCIS: Origins. It opens with a transition that feels like a passing of the torch, as we see a grizzled, modern-day Gibbs staring into the distance before the camera cuts to Austin Stowell as the younger version of the character. The narrative hook of the special event revolves around an escaped convict from a case that Gibbs originally investigated thirty years ago, forcing the current team to look to the past for answers.
One of the most striking elements of the trailer is the reveal of Gibbs’ current life in Alaska. We get a glimpse of him in his cabin, far removed from the high-stakes world of federal investigations, yet still carrying that unmistakable intensity. Showrunners have teased that “Gibbs is no longer alone,” and the trailer offers a brief, tantalizing shot of him interacting with a new companion—a dog—while hinting that a “big storm” is coming, both literally and figuratively, for the legendary agent.
Fans who have been following the franchise know that Mark Harmon has remained close to the project as an executive producer and narrator for Origins, but seeing him back in character on camera is a different experience entirely. His presence in the trailer provides a sense of gravity that only a veteran like Harmon can deliver. It serves as a reminder of why the show became a global phenomenon in the first place, grounding the high-octane action in a deeply personal character study.
The crossover event, titled “Now and Then” and “Funny How Time Slips Away,” is designed to bridge the gap between the two shows in a way that feels organic rather than forced. By reopening a cold case from the nineties, the writers have found a way to let the modern-day characters interact with Gibbs’ legacy in a tangible way. The trailer highlights this by showing Gary Cole’s Alden Parker recognizing that they are walking in the footsteps of a legend, adding a layer of respect and continuity to the story.
In addition to Harmon, the trailer reveals other familiar faces, including the return of retired Special Agent Vera Strickland, played by Roma Maffia. This inclusion suggests that the crossover will be a deep dive into the lore of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, rewarding long-time viewers who remember the peripheral characters from Gibbs’ early career. It’s a celebration of the “NCIS” universe as a whole, proving that even as the show evolves, its roots remain firmly planted in the history established by the original cast.
While some might have worried that a return would feel like a gimmick, the trailer suggests a poignant, reflective tone. Harmon himself has stated that the story idea presented to him felt like the right time to “check in” with Gibbs. This doesn’t feel like a permanent return to the bullpen in Washington, D.C., but rather a meaningful visit with an old friend who has found a complicated kind of peace. The emotional resonance of seeing him back in his element is clearly the driving force behind this special event.
As the trailer wraps up with that iconic, pulsing “NCIS” theme, the excitement is palpable. The two-hour event is scheduled to air this spring on CBS and will be available for streaming on Paramount+. Whether you’ve been watching since the JAG backdoor pilot in 2003 or you’ve just recently joined the journey through Origins, this is an event that promises to be a milestone in television history. You can watch the full trailer now on the official CBS YouTube channel or through the network’s social media platforms
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