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"NCIS: Origins" Faces New Showrunner Departure

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 11:20 GMT by TVLine.com
      Locales: California, Virginia, North Carolina, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - January 30, 2026 - 'NCIS: Origins,' the highly anticipated prequel series exploring the early years of iconic NCIS agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, is facing further turbulence. Variety has confirmed that Mike Modderno, co-showrunner of the series, has exited the production, marking the second significant creative departure in a matter of months. The news comes as the series prepares to launch its 10-episode first season on Paramount+.

Modderno's exit follows that of Kevin Reynolds, the original showrunner who left the project last year. While CBS has remained tight-lipped, sources close to the production suggest Modderno's departure is part of a broader restructuring aimed at addressing concerns about the show's creative direction and overall production health. The lack of specific details fueling the exits is adding to industry speculation.

'NCIS: Origins' premiered on September 19th, 2025, generating considerable buzz due to its connection to the immensely popular flagship 'NCIS' series. The prequel stars Austin Stowell in the pivotal role of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, chronicling his formative years as a Marine and his initial recruitment into the nascent NCIS agency. The series aims to provide fans with an intimate look at the experiences that shaped Gibbs into the legendary agent they know and love.

However, the repeated changes in leadership raise questions about the stability of the production. Showrunner departures, particularly so close to a series launch, are rarely benign. They often indicate disagreements over creative vision, budgetary concerns, or challenging working conditions. The fact that both showrunners have left before the first season even airs is highly unusual and points to deeper issues within the production itself.

Industry analysts suggest several possible explanations for the ongoing shakeup. One theory centers around the challenges of successfully executing a prequel. While nostalgia can be a powerful draw for established fanbases, prequels often struggle to balance fan expectations with the need to create a compelling narrative that doesn't simply retread familiar ground. Establishing a unique identity while remaining true to the source material is a delicate act, and it's possible the creative team faced difficulties navigating this complex landscape.

Another factor could be budgetary constraints. Producing a period piece, even one set in the relatively recent past, requires significant investment in set design, costumes, and props to accurately recreate the time period. If the production encountered unexpected cost overruns or faced limitations in funding, it could have led to creative compromises and ultimately, personnel changes.

The timing of these departures is particularly concerning given the current streaming landscape. Paramount+, facing increased competition from other major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, is heavily invested in 'NCIS: Origins' as a key tentpole series. The franchise's established popularity offers a built-in audience, but a poorly executed prequel could damage the brand's reputation and alienate loyal fans.

CBS's silence regarding the situation only exacerbates the uncertainty. While studios often refrain from commenting on internal production matters, the lack of transparency is fueling speculation and raising concerns among industry observers. Addressing these concerns promptly and providing reassurance about the series' future is crucial to maintaining viewer confidence.

The future of 'NCIS: Origins' now hinges on who will step in to fill the leadership void. Finding a capable replacement who can quickly grasp the series' vision and stabilize the production will be paramount. The task ahead is not simply to complete the first season, but to rebuild trust within the creative team and ensure that 'NCIS: Origins' lives up to the expectations of its dedicated fanbase. The pressure is on to deliver a prequel that honors the legacy of 'NCIS' while forging its own unique identity, all while navigating a turbulent production environment.