Two major characters in the NCIS universe are tied for appearing in the most NCIS shows. The tiebreaker may come down to NCIS: ORIGINS.
Leroy Jethro Gibbs, originally portrayed by Mark Harmon, and Leon Vance, played by Rocky Carroll, will both appear in four NCIS shows.
“Gibbs’ character has been featured on the flagship, NCIS: NEW ORLEANS, and JAG. ORIGINS will be the fourth show he has been featured in across the NCISverse,” MSN reported. He also made an appearance in NCIS: LOS ANGELES.
Meanwhile, “Leon Vance has also appeared in four shows across the NCISverse: NCIS, NCIS: LOS ANGELES, NCIS: NEW ORLEANS, and NCIS: HAWAI’I.”
MSN reported, “The advent of NCIS: ORIGINS gives Leroy Jethro Gibbs an even better chance at breaking this NCIS franchise record. The expansion series will explore Gibbs’ backstory, transporting audiences back to 1991 at Camp Pendleton – where it all begins for Gibbs as an NCIS agent.”
Movieguide® previously reported on NCIS: ORIGINS:
“Narrated by Harmon, the new series begins in 1991, years prior to the events of NCIS, and chronicles Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ younger years,” Deadline shared. “In the series, Gibbs (Stowell) starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks.”
Although it looks like Gibbs has the lead, Vance may surpass him with the upcoming Season 2 of NCIS: SYDNEY.
“Director Vance has been featured in every NCIS show up to this point, except for NCIS: SYDNEY, which premiered just last year. In the upcoming NCIS: SYDNEY season 2, it will be natural to include Leon Vance, and it will solidify Vance’s presence in five shows across the franchise,” MSN reported.
NCIS: ORIGINS will premiere Sept. 1, 2024, on Paramount+.