Full Breakdown
Departure of Co-Showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal from NCIS: Origins
1/29/2026, 12:27:24 PM
Key Changes in NCIS: Origins Leadership
CBS’ prequel series, NCIS: Origins, is set to return for a third season following its early renewal. However, the series will proceed without co-showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal, who will depart at the end of the current season to pursue new projects. David J. North, the other co-showrunner, will remain as the sole showrunner for the upcoming season. Monreal's exit marks her second departure from the NCIS franchise, having previously worked on the original NCIS series for ten years before leaving in 2021.
Background of NCIS: Origins
NCIS: Origins, which premiered in October 2024, follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a character originally portrayed by Mark Harmon in the flagship NCIS series. The prequel explores Gibbs' early career as a special agent at the NIS Camp Pendleton office, set against the backdrop of personal tragedy following the deaths of his wife and daughter. The series was developed after Harmon and his son, Sean Harmon, approached CBS with the idea, leading to Monreal and North's involvement.
Official Statements & Responses
In a joint statement, CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach and CBS Studios President David Stapf expressed gratitude for Monreal's contributions, stating, “Gina has been an important beloved member of the NCIS family for many years... We look forward to working with her again in the future on new projects.” Monreal herself remarked, “It’s been the biggest honor of my career to write NCIS: Origins alongside my incredible co-showrunner and friend David North,” highlighting her appreciation for the opportunity to work with the cast and crew.
Criticism & Opposition
While the departure of Monreal has been framed positively by CBS executives, some fans and industry observers may view the change in leadership as a potential risk for the series' continuity and creative direction. The transition comes at a time when other CBS dramas, such as Fire Country, are also undergoing showrunner changes, raising questions about the stability of the network's programming.
What's Next for NCIS: Origins
NCIS: Origins is scheduled to return with new episodes on CBS on March 3, 2026. The series aims to maintain its appeal to both long-time fans of the original NCIS and new viewers, with Monreal and North previously emphasizing their commitment to respecting the established canon while exploring new character arcs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I couldn’t have imagined launching this show with anyone else, and even though Gina won’t be working with us on a daily basis next season, the characters and stories she helped create will live on.” — David J. North, Co-Showrunner
- “To have had this opportunity to work again with the incomparable Mark Harmon, Sean Harmon, our writers, and the best cast and crew in the business — how lucky am I?” — Gina Lucita Monreal, Co-Showrunner
The departure of Gina Lucita Monreal from NCIS: Origins represents a significant shift in the series' leadership, with implications for its future direction and creative vision as it prepares for its third season.
