NCIS Origins Reunites Gibbs and DiNozzo in Season 3 Episode 3

Two investigations spanning different eras of the NCIS story converge in Season 3, Episode 3 of NCIS: Origins, titled “Return of the Mack,” airing Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. The episode reunites Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs with Michael Weatherly as NCIS Director Tony DiNozzo, while Adam Campbell returns as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard.

According to Seat42F's episode preview, the present-day storyline follows Gibbs as he seeks help identifying the person who shot him. In the 1992 storyline, the team investigates the murder of a young Marine whose body is discovered on a beach bearing suspicious markings.

Weatherly's appearance as DiNozzo brings the character back into Gibbs' story in a new leadership role. According to Paramount+'s official reunion preview, Harmon and Weatherly appear together onscreen for the first time in 10 years.

Their reunion advances the investigation into Gibbs' shooting, with DiNozzo assisting his longtime colleague. The episode's published synopsis does not identify the shooter or explain the significance of the markings found on the Marine's body.

Campbell returns as Ducky in the 1992 investigation, joining the earlier timeline as the team examines the Marine's death. The episode connects this case with the present-day effort to determine who shot Gibbs.

The series stars Austin Stowell as the younger Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Mariel Molino as Lala Dominguez, and Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks. The ensemble also includes Tyla Abercrumbie as Mary Jo Hayes, Diany Rodriguez as Vera Strickland, and Caleb Foote as Bernard “Randy” Randolf.

Nichole Millard wrote “Return of the Mack,” and James Whitmore, Jr. directed the episode. CBS scheduled the installment for Tuesday, October 20, from 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET/PT.

According to the episode's release information, the installment is available for live viewing through Paramount+ Premium, with on-demand streaming scheduled to begin Wednesday, October 21, on all Paramount+ plans.