You want to see how Leroy Jethro Gibbs became, well, Gibbs. We all do. The mystery of the man in the basement building boats has spanned decades, and NCIS: Origins finally peels back the curtain on 1991. But finding exactly where the show lives can be a headache with all the different streaming tiers and broadcast schedules.
Basically, if you're looking for where to watch NCIS: Origins, you have a few main paths depending on whether you want to watch it live or on your own time.
The Best Way to Stream NCIS: Origins Right Now
If you've cut the cord, your primary destination is Paramount+. Because the show is a CBS production, it's baked directly into the Paramount ecosystem.
Now, there is a catch. The experience differs based on which plan you pay for. If you have the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan, you can actually watch the show live as it airs on your local CBS station. It's built right into the app. For those on the more affordable Paramount+ Essential plan, you won't get the live feed. You have to wait until the next day. Usually, new episodes drop around 3:00 AM ET / 12:00 AM PT the morning after they air on TV.
Honestly, the next-day wait isn't too bad if you can avoid spoilers on social media.
Watching Live on Broadcast TV
For the traditionalists who still have a cable box or a digital antenna, the answer is simple: CBS.
The show typically occupies the Monday night slot at 10:00 PM ET/PT, right after the flagship NCIS. It’s a heavy block of procedural drama. If you’re using an over-the-air antenna, you can catch it for free in high definition, provided you’re within range of a CBS affiliate tower.
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If you use a Live TV streaming service instead of traditional cable, you aren't left out. These services carry CBS live:
- YouTube TV: Includes local CBS stations and unlimited DVR space, which is great for hoarding episodes.
- Fubo: Aimed at sports fans but carries the full CBS lineup.
- Hulu + Live TV: You get the live CBS feed plus access to the Hulu library (though Origins itself doesn't live on regular Hulu).
- DirecTV Stream: Another solid option if you want a more traditional "channel surfing" interface.
Can You Watch It on Netflix or Hulu?
The short answer is no.
A lot of people get confused because the original NCIS had a long-standing residency on Netflix. However, Paramount has been very aggressive about clawing back their big franchises. They want you in their house. You won't find the young Gibbs on Netflix, and as of early 2026, there are no signs of it moving there.
Hulu is a similar story. While you might see some promotional clips or "Hulu + Live TV" mentions, the standard $7.99-a-month Hulu subscription does not include NCIS: Origins.
Buying Episodes vs. Subscription
Maybe you don't want another monthly bill. I get it. If you just want to own the season and not worry about which streaming service owns the rights this month, you can buy episodes or full seasons "a la carte."
You can find the show on:
- Amazon Prime Video: You can buy individual episodes or a "Season Pass."
- Apple TV: Usually matches Amazon's pricing; great if you're already in the Apple ecosystem.
- Google TV / Vudu: Good alternatives for Android users or those with smart TVs.
Purchasing a season pass is often cheaper than buying episodes one by one. Plus, the episodes usually show up in your library a few hours after the broadcast ends.
International Viewing: Where to Watch Outside the US
Watching from the UK, Canada, or Australia? It gets a bit murkier.
In the UK, the show has found a home on Paramount+ UK, though the release dates often lag a few weeks behind the US broadcast. Some viewers have reported seeing it on Sky, but the most reliable spot remains the dedicated Paramount app.
In Canada, Global TV usually handles the broadcast rights. You can often stream it on the Global TV app if you have a cable provider login, or through the STACKTV add-on via Amazon Prime Video.
Australia viewers typically head to Network 10 or Paramount+, as the brand has a strong presence there (especially with NCIS: Sydney being a thing now).
Why This Prequel is Different
It’s worth noting that NCIS: Origins isn't just another spin-off. It’s a period piece. Set in 1991, the vibe is grittier. Mark Harmon is back, but only as the narrator, while Austin Stowell takes on the heavy lifting of playing the younger, more raw version of Jethro.
Because it’s narrated by Harmon, it feels more like an "authorized biography" than a random procedural. This "inner monologue" style is something we haven't really seen in the franchise before, and it makes the show a "must-watch" for the hardcore fans who want to see the exact moment Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid) took Gibbs under his wing.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to dive into the 1990s world of Camp Pendleton, here is the most efficient way to get started:
- Check your current subs: If you already pay for Paramount+, search for "Origins" immediately. It’s likely already there waiting for you.
- Grab a trial: If you’re new to the service, Paramount+ frequently offers 7-day or even 30-day free trials. You can binge the first half of the season without spending a dime.
- Set the DVR: If you have YouTube TV or cable, search for the show and "Add to Library" so you never miss a Monday night drop.
- Verify your region: If you're traveling abroad, remember that your US Paramount+ login might not work due to geofencing unless you're using a roaming-friendly setup.