Fans Anticipate Mark Harmon’s Return in ‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’

The highly anticipated spinoff series, NCIS: Tony & Ziva, has premiered, bringing back beloved characters Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David. Fans are eager to see how the duo navigates a new chapter in their lives, with Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo reprising their roles. A significant question looms over the series: will Mark Harmon return as the iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a character who has been a cornerstone of the original NCIS series?

The NCIS universe is known for its rich history of crossover episodes, with characters frequently appearing across various spin-offs, including NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans. Weatherly, who also serves as an executive producer on NCIS: Tony & Ziva, has not dismissed the idea of a crossover involving Gibbs. He emphasized the importance of establishing the new show’s identity before integrating any familiar faces from the past. In a recent interview with TV Guide, he stated, “We needed to really create the world. And then later, anyone who comes into it, we would have to make it appropriate to the way it feels.”

Possibilities for Crossover Appearances

Veteran NCIS actor Sean Murray, who portrayed McGee in the original series, also expressed openness to crossing over into Tony & Ziva. In a conversation with TV Insider, he hinted, “Yeah, it’s very possible, I’ll say that. Especially inside of our franchise, as I’m sure you could guess. And yeah, we like to have fun with some of that stuff, and it’s all in the family, so we’ll see what happens.”

While cameos from established characters like McGee or Torres (played by Wilmer Valderrama) seem feasible, bringing back Harmon as Gibbs could be more complex. The character officially exited the series in its nineteenth season, but Gibbs remains a pivotal figure in the franchise’s lore, particularly as the backstory of his character is explored in the upcoming prequel spinoff, NCIS: Origins. Harmon continues to lend his voice as the show’s narrator, and actor Austin Stowell portrays a younger version of Gibbs.

The second season of NCIS: Origins is set to premiere on October 14, 2025. Given Harmon’s ongoing involvement behind the scenes, there is still a chance for him to make an appearance in NCIS: Tony & Ziva. For now, fans must remain patient and hopeful.

A Lasting Connection with Harmon

During their recent appearance at Comic-Con 2025, both Weatherly and de Pablo shared their enduring connection with Harmon. They revealed a unique hand signal they still use, a gesture they learned from him while filming. This signal, which involves raised fists and a swiveling motion, was a trademark move of Harmon on set. When fellow alum Brian Dietzen inquired about the significance of the gesture, de Pablo and Weatherly responded in unison, “Mark Harmon.”

As the new series continues to unfold, the presence of Gibbs looms large in the minds of the characters and fans alike. The potential for Mark Harmon to return, even in a limited capacity, keeps viewers eagerly watching to see how the story unfolds in NCIS: Tony & Ziva.