NCIS: Origins: Emily Wickersham Returns as Bishop
Published on · Updated on
Emily Wickersham returns as Agent Ellie Bishop for a multi-episode arc in NCIS: Origins Season 3, reuniting with Mark Harmon's Gibbs starting October 27 on CBS.
CBS has officially confirmed that Emily Wickersham is returning to the NCIS franchise. The actress will reprise her fan-favorite role as Special Agent Eleanor "Ellie" Bishop for a multi-episode arc in Season 3 of NCIS: Origins, the police procedural prequel that launched in 2024 — setting up an emotional reunion with Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed once again on screen by Mark Harmon. Her return kicks off in the upcoming episode "Shimmy Shimmy Ya," airing Tuesday, October 27, at 10:00 PM (ET/PT) on CBS in the United States.
Wickersham marks the second original franchise star to share the screen with contemporary adult Gibbs this season, following Michael Weatherly's reprise of Tony DiNozzo in episode 3, "Return of the Mack." However, while Weatherly's guest appearance was limited to a single installment, Deadline confirms that Wickersham's storyline spans across several episodes of the tight 10-episode season order.
Bishop and Gibbs: a reunion five years in the making
Wickersham portrayed Bishop across eight seasons of the mothership series before departing in 2021, when her character left NCIS headquarters behind to embark on perilous deep-cover international operations. Her last joint scenes with Harmon aired during the Season 18 finale in 2021 — shortly before Harmon himself stepped back from full-time series lead duties, concluding an iconic 19-season run.
The two characters have not shared the screen since. While Wickersham made a brief guest appearance on the flagship series in March, NCIS: Origins provides the genuine narrative continuation, marking Bishop's very first appearance on the prequel series.
The plot: Gibbs under threat and DiNozzo in command
In the present-day narrative timeline running parallel to 1990s flashbacks, Gibbs returns to a familiar sanctuary only to discover assassins attempting on his life. Facing an elusive threat, Gibbs must lean on trusted former colleagues — and that is where Bishop re-enters the field.
According to Deadline, newly minted NCIS Director Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) recruits Bishop back into active duty to help Gibbs track down the mastermind behind the assassination attempts. Co-showrunner and executive producer David J. North teased the pivotal storyline: "Gibbs knows he needs help from someone with elite access, and DiNozzo, as the newly installed NCIS Director, is the man for the job. It forms the emotional backbone of Gibbs' contemporary arc this season."
A season engineered around legacy reunions
Developed by Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North, NCIS: Origins follows young Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell) navigating the Camp Pendleton office in the 1990s, guided by Harmon's introspective narration. Season 3 expanded this structure by including Harmon on screen in modern-day sequences in every single episode.
"We are having so much fun with what we have in store this season. Seeing Mike Franks in a whole new light, Randy bringing warmth, and Mary Jo full of surprises. Big things ahead that longtime fans will not want to miss."
Emily Wickersham on returning to the fold
Speaking to TV Insider, Wickersham reflected on revisiting her defining television role:
"They called me back and it was wonderful because it's such familiar territory for me. When Bishop left the show, there were so many unanswered questions left hanging. I think it's going to be a truly rewarding reunion for the fans."
How and when to tune in
| Return Episode | Season 3, Episode 4 — "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" |
| Air Date | Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 10:00 PM (ET/PT) |
| Broadcast / Streaming | CBS (USA) & Paramount+ (next day) |
| Returning Character | Special Agent Eleanor "Ellie" Bishop |
| Arc Length | Multi-episode arc across Season 3 |
In the US, new episodes air Tuesdays on CBS and stream the following day on Paramount+. Check out the official Season 3 trailer on YouTube.
Stay tuned to our series and TV category for ongoing television developments. Sources verified via Deadline and TV Insider.
Suggested and related articles
Domingo Corral hails HBO Max TV deal: ‘I’ve found a home’
The Terminal List Season 2 is now on Prime Video
The Dark Tower: Mike Flanagan Details Prime Video Plan
Pluribus: Season 2 Filming Begins October 31 in NM
Ransom Canyon: Josh Duhamel reacts to Netflix cancellation
