With the year coming to a close, fans are looking ahead to season 3 of NCIS: Origins. CBS’s strategy of launching multiple shows at once has worked well, helping viewers keep track of new series like NCIS: Origins alongside the original NCIS. This show tells the story of how Leroy Jethro Gibbs first joined the agency, set in the early 1990s, and features both familiar and new characters.
Over its two seasons, NCIS: Origins has effectively explored the early days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ career and built out the stories of the people around him. The show has also introduced younger versions of characters who would later become Gibbs’ colleagues when he moves to Washington D.C., including Tobias Fornell and Ducky Mallard. Season 2 of NCIS: Origins is moving the story closer to that eventual move, but the current action still takes place at Camp Pendleton.
NCIS Origins Season 3 Is Officially Confirmed By NBC
CBS has confirmed that NCIS: Origins will return for a third season. The network made decisions about its fall 2026 lineup earlier than other networks, which meant deciding on renewals and cancellations sooner. The renewal of NCIS: Origins was announced in January, along with news that NCIS season 24 and NCIS: Sydney season 4 will also be back.
NCIS: Origins Season 3 Release Is Set, But With A Caveat
CBS has announced that season 3 of NCIS: Origins will be back this fall, likely between late September and early October, though a specific date hasn’t been revealed. When it returns, it will air at 11 PM Eastern time. The show’s original time slot will then be filled by the new NCIS: New York series starring LL Cool J and Scott Caan.
So, here’s the thing – I was a bit surprised to hear that NCIS: Origins season 3 is going to be shorter than previous seasons, with only 10 episodes. It looks like this prequel series is wrapping up pretty quickly. Depending on when CBS airs them, it might be off the air before the year is out, or even sooner! And when it’s done, NCIS: Sydney season 4 will take over that timeslot for the rest of the season.
What NCIS Origins Season 3’s Story Will Be
The season 2 finale of NCIS: Origins put the Camp Pendleton office at risk of closing due to a major agency restructuring. This is also when the organization officially changed its name from NIS to NCIS, and Tom Morrow took over as director. Season 3 will probably focus on what happens after these changes, ultimately setting the stage for Gibbs’ transfer to Washington D.C.
Season 3 of NCIS: Origins is predicted to focus on the growing relationship between Gibbs and Lala, now that Diane is out of the picture. The show can finally explore their will-they/won’t-they dynamic more fully. If the season continues in the same timeframe, viewers can also anticipate further development of the newly formed Fed Five team.
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2026-05-05 22:40