Adam Campbell returns as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard in the NCIS: Origins episode “Return of the Mack,” scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. CBS says the episode follows Ducky helping the team investigate a young Marine’s murder in 1992.
When does Adam Campbell appear as Young Ducky?
“Return of the Mack” is scheduled to air on CBS on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET/PT, according to CBS’s Sept. 28 announcement. The announcement describes Campbell as returning as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard; it does not establish that this is his first appearance as the younger version of the character.
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What is the NCIS: Origins Ducky episode about?
The 1992 investigation
In the episode’s 1992 storyline, Ducky assists the team with the murder of a young Marine found on a beach with suspicious markings on his body. That is the case detail CBS has released; the announcement does not explain what the markings mean or identify a suspect.
A present-day Gibbs story
The episode also includes a present-day storyline in which Gibbs reunites with “a familiar face from the past.” CBS has not identified that person in its announcement, so the identity remains unconfirmed.
#1 Best Overall
- Genre: TV Action & Adventure
- Number of Discs: 4
- Number of Tracks: 0
- Playback Duration: 630
- Number of Movies: 0
How can you watch “Return of the Mack”?
The viewing details in CBS’s announcement apply to the United States:
- CBS: The scheduled television broadcast is Oct. 20, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET/PT.
- Paramount+ Premium: Subscribers can watch live through their local CBS affiliate’s feed and stream the episode on demand.
- Paramount+ Essential: The episode is available on demand the day after the broadcast.
The CBS episode guide lists the show’s episodes, while the series page identifies season three as current and lists its Oct. 5, 2026 premiere, “Don’t You Forget About Me.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NCIS NAVAL CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE SERVICE: Dive into the thrilling world of one of television's most popular crime dramas.
- ACTION-PACKED STORYLINES: Follows a team of special agents solving crimes connected to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
- BELOVED CHARACTERS: Features an iconic ensemble cast delivering compelling performances across every episode.
- GRIPPING MYSTERIES: Each episode presents intense investigations filled with suspense, twists, and dramatic reveals.
- PERFECT FOR FANS: A must-have for followers of crime procedural dramas and military-themed television series.
Rank #4
- NCIS
- Season One
Rank #3
- SEASON 23: Includes all episodes from the twenty-third season of NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
- ACTION & DRAMA: Follow the elite team as they investigate high-stakes naval crimes and uncover complex mysteries.
- BELOVED CAST: Features the talented ensemble cast that has made NCIS one of television's longest-running dramas.
- PHYSICAL FORMAT: Comes as a physical disc set, perfect for collectors and fans of the long-running series.
- GREAT FOR FANS: An ideal addition to any NCIS collection, letting you relive every thrilling moment anytime.
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