The eagerly awaited premiere of "NCIS: Origins" is just around the corner, offering fans a rare glimpse into the early days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Titled "Enter Sandman," the two-part premiere episode is set to air on October 14, 2024, starting at 9 pm ET/PT on CBS . This special event will set the stage for the rest of the season, as viewers are introduced to a young Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell, as he begins his career as a special agent at the NCIS Camp Pendleton office.
Under the leadership of NCIS legend Mike Franks, portrayed by Kyle Schmid, Gibbs joins a gritty and ragtag team that includes Special Agent Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino), Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Sullivan (Tyla Abercrumbie), and Special Agent Vera Strickland (Diany Rodriguez). The cast is rounded out with Caleb Foote as Bernard "Randy" Randolf, and the series is narrated by the original Gibbs, Mark Harmon.
The title "Enter Sandman" hints at the challenges and trials that Gibbs and his team will face, as they navigate the complexities of their jobs in the early days of NCIS. The episode, written by Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North and directed by Niels Arden Oplev, promises to deliver the same blend of action, drama, and mystery that "NCIS" is known for.
For those who cannot catch the premiere on CBS, the episode will be available to stream on Paramount+ the following day. This allows fans to dive into the origins of one of TV's most iconic characters at their convenience.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Enter Sandman |
| Air Date | October 14, 2024 |
| Time | 9 pm ET/PT |
| Network | CBS |
| Streaming Platform | Paramount+ (Available next day) |
| Lead Character | Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) |
| Mentor Character | Mike Franks (played by Kyle Schmid) |
| Supporting Characters | Special Agent Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino), Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Sullivan (Tyla Abercrumbie), Special Agent Vera Strickland (Diany Rodriguez), Bernard "Randy" Randolf (Caleb Foote) |
| Narrator | Mark Harmon |
| Director | Niels Arden Oplev |
| Writers | Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North |
| Episode Length | Two-hour premiere |
| Setting | NCIS Camp Pendleton office, 1991 |
| Plot Overview | Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent, forging his place on a gritty ragtag team led by Mike Franks. |
"NCIS: Origins" is not just a prequel; it's a journey into the making of the character who has become a cornerstone of the "NCIS" franchise. With a compelling cast, a gripping plot, and the backdrop of a pivotal time in Gibbs' life, "Enter Sandman" is poised to be a must-watch for any "NCIS" enthusiast.