NCIS: Origins is a prequel series to the popular show NCIS. This new series takes us back to the early 1990s in California, where a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) starts his career at the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. After going through a personal tragedy, Gibbs is unsure of himself. However, he receives important advice from Mike Franks (played by Kyle Schmid) about how to handle military investigations. The show follows Gibbs as he explores different parts of California, like military bases, beaches, and city areas, all set in the 1990s. The series is directed by Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North and gives viewers a nostalgic view of California during that time.
Where is NCIS: Origins Filmed?
Filming for NCIS: Origins mainly takes place in and around Los Angeles, California. The main filming started in June 2024. The Camp Pendleton base, which is a key location in the show, was specially recreated by the production team. Actor Kyle Schmid, who plays Mike Franks, shared his appreciation for the hardworking team behind the show. In a social media post, he said, “Our crew is like the glue holding everything together. Without them, we wouldn’t have anything.”
Los Angeles, California
Most of the filming for NCIS: Origins happens in Los Angeles, particularly in the San Pedro neighborhood. This area is close to the coast and offers a perfect backdrop for the show. In the series, Camp Pendleton is recreated at Fort MacArthur, located on Meyler Road in San Pedro. This fort was once used as an army base for coastal defense but is now part of the Los Angeles Air Force Base.
To make it look like Camp Pendleton from the 1990s, the production team repainted the buildings in Fort MacArthur, changing their colors from yellow to green with burgundy trims. They also built Nissen huts, which are long, half-cylinder-shaped buildings, just like the ones that were actually used at Camp Pendleton in the past. Along with that, the team added military signboards, vintage cars, and even armored vehicles to make the set feel real. Interestingly, the people in charge of Fort MacArthur liked the new paint and even considered using it for other old buildings in the area.
Cabrillo Beach
Another important location for the show is Cabrillo Beach, which is also in San Pedro. This beach, with its lovely view of the Pacific Ocean, provides a beautiful background for scenes in NCIS: Origins. It is close to the military base set, making it a convenient spot for the crew to film seaside scenes. The peaceful beachside setting helps give a relaxing vibe to certain parts of the show.
In addition to military and beach locations, the show also features city scenes. Some of these were filmed at Weymouth Corner Shopping Center in San Pedro. The sunny streets and small shops in this area give the show a nice city atmosphere, making it look like the characters are moving through Oceanside. The production team added old-fashioned vehicles, such as Oceanside Police patrol cars and ambulances, to make the scenes feel like they were happening in the 1990s.
Creating the 1990s Vibe
The showrunners worked hard to make the 1990s setting feel authentic. They used vintage cars and old-fashioned police and news vans to transport viewers back in time. Director Pete Chatmon, who joined the series in September 2024, said that it was fun to recreate the 90s in each scene. San Pedro, with its versatile locations, was a great choice for making NCIS: Origins look and feel like California in the 1990s. The area has also been used for other big projects like American Crime Story, 24, and Sugar.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) – NCIS Origins
Q: Where was NCIS: Origins filmed?
A: NCIS: Origins was primarily filmed in and around Los Angeles, California. Key locations include Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, which was used to recreate the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, as well as Cabrillo Beach and Weymouth Corner Shopping Center, also located in San Pedro.
Q: When was NCIS: Origins filmed?
A: Filming for NCIS: Origins began in June 2024. The production team worked hard to recreate the 1990s atmosphere, with the set of Camp Pendleton being a major focus of their efforts.
Q: What is the release date of NCIS: Origins?
A: NCIS: Origins was released on October 14, 2024 on CBS.
Q: Who are the main cast members of NCIS: Origins?
A: The main cast of NCIS: Origins includes Austin Stowell as a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks. The series follows Gibbs as he starts his career with the Naval Investigative Service.
Q: What time period is NCIS: Origins set in?
A: NCIS: Origins is set in the early 1990s in California. The show depicts a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs navigating his early career and personal challenges at the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base.
