The highly anticipated return of NCIS: Origins has finally arrived, and fans are buzzing with excitement—but not everyone is on the same page. Is this spin-off truly living up to the hype, or is it overshadowing the original series? The second season premiered this week, picking up months after the jaw-dropping cliffhanger that left Special Agent Lala Dominguez's life hanging in the balance. Viewers have been eagerly awaiting her fate, and the premiere didn't disappoint—though it did spark some heated debates. But here's where it gets controversial: while many are praising the show as one of the best in the franchise, others are boldly claiming it could surpass the original NCIS. Let's dive in.
NCIS: Origins, a prequel series set in the early '90s, follows the younger years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) as he begins his career as a special agent. With Mark Harmon narrating, the show offers a captivating glimpse into Gibbs' personal and professional life, earning an impressive 88% Rotten Tomatoes score since its debut in October 2024. The casting of Stowell and Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks has been a slam dunk, winning over fans with their on-screen chemistry and the show's well-crafted narrative.
Spoiler alert! The season 2 premiere confirmed Lala's survival, though not without significant injuries, and fans took to social media to share their thoughts. One viewer raved, 'The scene in the car with the four of them was the BEST of the episode! Welcome back, *NCIS: Origins! Terrific season premiere!'* Another boldly declared, 'This series is capable of eclipsing the original—between the talent and the writing, it’s pure dynamite.' But not everyone is sold. Some argue that while the show is strong, it’s still too early to crown it better than the classic NCIS. And this is the part most people miss: the new season delves deeper into the NCIS Camp Pendleton team, led by the legendary Mike Franks, exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and growth amidst new threats and higher stakes.
As the season unfolds, one thing is clear: this team always has each other's backs. But the question remains—can NCIS: Origins truly surpass its predecessor, or is it destined to remain in its shadow? What do you think? Is this spin-off on track to become the new fan favorite, or does the original NCIS still hold the crown? Let us know in the comments below!
NCIS: Origins season 2 is now streaming on CBS and Paramount+. For more on the NCIS universe, check out our previews of NCIS: Tony & Ziva and NCIS: Sydney season 3, or explore where to watch all NCIS shows, including cancelled spin-offs.
