Emily Wickersham Joins NCIS: Origins to Help Gibbs Hunt Down Assassins

Key points

• Emily Wickersham will appear in multiple episodes of 'NCIS: Origins' beginning October 27, 2026.
• Her character, Bishop, is enlisted by Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) to help Gibbs track down his attackers.
• The October 27 episode, 'Shimmy Shimmy Ya,' includes a 1993 storyline involving a general's son and a former gang member.
• Showrunner David J. North stated that the reunions are story-driven, with Gibbs needing specific help from former team members.
• CBS released a sneak peek showing Gibbs and Bishop's reunion, where Gibbs tells her to 'gear up.'

Background

This development follows the October 20 reunion of Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly in 'NCIS: Origins,' marking their first on-screen appearance together in ten years. Gibbs, having been shot in Alaska, sought help from DiNozzo, who is now the NCIS director. Wickersham previously left the main 'NCIS' series in 2018 after eight seasons, with her character joining a top-secret undercover organization. She had a brief return in the previous season of 'NCIS: Origins' before disappearing again. Harmon has been a full cast member of 'Origins' Season 3, while Weatherly returned to the franchise in 2024 and co-starred in 'NCIS: Tony & Ziva' in 2025.

How outlets are covering it

TV Insider and TVLine both emphasize the narrative necessity of Bishop's return, noting that Gibbs is 'off the books' and needs her help. TVLine highlights the deadpan exchange in the sneak peek, where Bishop jokes about being missed. Yoursun focuses on the broader context of Harmon and Weatherly's reunion, noting they have not shared screen time in a decade. All sources agree that the reunions are driven by the plot, with showrunner David J. North confirming that the choices were made based on who Gibbs would creatively need to call for help.

Why it matters

The return of Emily Wickersham as Bishop adds a new layer to the 'NCIS: Origins' storyline, connecting the present-day investigation to the characters' past. It reinforces the theme of Gibbs relying on his former team to solve the mystery of his shooting. The episode also includes a 1993 flashback, providing additional context to the franchise's history. This move by CBS to bring back multiple former cast members suggests a strategy to engage long-time fans of the 'NCIS' universe while advancing the prequel's plot.

What to watch

Viewers can watch the October 27 episode of 'NCIS: Origins' on CBS and Paramount+. The episode, titled 'Shimmy Shimmy Ya,' will feature Bishop's debut in the prequel and a 1993 storyline. Showrunner David J. North has hinted at more reunions in the future, though he has not specified which other cast members will return. Fans can expect continued appearances by Mark Harmon in every episode of the season, with Gibbs continuing his quest to identify his attackers.