Gina Lucita Monreal’s final episode as NCIS: Origins co-showrunner was the Season 2 finale. David J. North will continue as the series’ sole showrunner in Season 3. Monreal said she wanted time with her family, but her comments do not establish that she has left the series or stopped writing.
What Gina Lucita Monreal’s departure means
TheWrap reported on May 5, 2026, that the Season 2 finale, “Hollywood Ending,” was Monreal’s last episode as co-showrunner. The change is to her leadership role: the available reporting does not confirm that she is leaving NCIS: Origins altogether or ending her writing career. TheWrap’s report described Season 3 as planned for 10 episodes.
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Why Monreal is stepping aside
Asked why the timing felt right, Monreal told TheWrap: “I want to take some much needed time to have quality time with my family. Then I’ll see where the writing takes me after that.” She left her future writing plans open rather than announcing a permanent departure from the profession.
Who will lead Season 3
Co-creator David J. North is continuing as sole showrunner. In a July 7, 2026 report, TV Insider also said Eric Christian Olsen had joined the executive producers and quoted Olsen describing efforts to build writers’ room support for North. That is reported production context; it does not, on its own, establish a particular change in the finished series. TV Insider’s report covers those details.
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- Genre: TV Action & Adventure
- Number of Discs: 4
- Number of Tracks: 0
- Playback Duration: 630
- Number of Movies: 0
When and where to watch Season 3
NCIS: Origins Season 3 is scheduled to premiere October 6, 2026, on CBS. Paramount’s official press information says it will also be available on Paramount+, depending on plan. The network describes Mark Harmon as returning as Gibbs in a present-day mystery that runs through the season. Check Paramount Press Express for official schedule and viewing details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Monreal’s background
Paramount’s July 2024 biography says Monreal began in Chicago theater, earned an MFA in USC’s Writing for Screen & Television Program, took part in writers’ programs and fellowships, and wrote for ten seasons on NCIS. The dated biography provides career context, not a complete current list of her credits. Read Paramount’s biography.
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