CBS’s new NCIS spinoff series NCIS: Origins will explore the early career and life of Mark Harmon‘s Leroy Jethro Gibbs, this time portrayed by Austin Stowell. Though Harmon won’t be playing his younger self in the series, NCIS fans may be relieved to hear the actor will not only be narrating the series but he will also be making a special appearance in the premiere episode.

Per TVLine, NCIS: Origins co-showrunner David J. North confirmed during a panel discussion that Harmon recently finished shooting new footage for his cameo.

“That was a discussion between Mark, myself and [co-showrunner] Gina Monreal,” North said. “I hope the audience will be excited to see him after so many years.”

This marks Harmon’s first time appearing on the franchise since exiting during Season 19 in 2021. Harmon has stayed on the original series as an executive producer.

North also teased that fans may be seeing more of Harmon down the line.

“We are focusing on him telling the story of 1991,” North said. “As far as Mark appearing again, we are open to anything.”

Set in 1991, NCIS: Origins follows a young Gibbs as he’s just starting out at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office where he joins the team of NCIS legend Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid).

Mariel Molino, Tyla Abercrumbie, Caleb Foote, and Diany Rodriguez will also star.

Harmon recently said he was “pleased to be a part” of the new series.

“I’m a distant part of it really because I’m not there to make any big moves or anything. I’m just there to support. And how can I help? And if you need my help, great. And if not, that’s okay too. And so far, they’re all doing just fine,” he said, per Deadline.

Harmon added, “I love this cast. And I love what I’ve seen on dailies and what I’ve seen on set.”

And it looks like Stowell has been taking his new role seriously. He recently told Entertainment Weekly that he vowed to give it “all of me.”

“I know what it means to the fans. I know what Gibbs represents to a whole lot of people out there,” he said. “I know what the show represents to a whole lot of people out there, and I don’t want to let them down. I’m giving everything I can to give them something new and fresh, but also something tried and true at the same time.” 

NCIS: Origins premieres Oct. 14 at 9/8C on CBS. It will also stream on Paramount+.