Despite NCIS season 22 releasing a new episode, NCIS: Origins continues to be on a break, and there's a good reason why. Born out of Mark and Sean Harmon's love of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the NCIS franchise launched its very first prequel that tackles the first years of the beloved character in NIS. As a member of Mike Franks' team, Austin Stowell's young version of Gibbs has grown in the last few months. Beyond him, however, NCIS: Origins is also telling compelling stories about the people around him at Camp Pendleton, creating a more dynamic series.

Admittedly, there was skepticism about NCIS: Origins' chances of success. As beloved as he is, much of Gibbs' story has already been told in the flagship show. The first half of its freshman year focused on rehashing events that people already knew. Things turned around in 2025, however, when NCIS: Origins started focusing on scene-stealer Franks and other people at the NIS office. Somehow, they're more compelling because not only are they fresh material, but the writers are also not beholden to the canon. So naturally, it's disappointing when the prequel continues its hiatus in the middle of the season.