Mike Franks Actor on NCIS: Complete Guide and Facts You Need to Know

The military police procedural drama, NCIS, is back for its 22nd season on CBS, having debuted on October 18, 2024. This marks a significant milestone, celebrating over two decades on air since its inception in 2003.

Throughout its history, NCIS has spawned several spin-off series, the latest being NCIS: Origins.

About the NCIS Series

NCIS, which stands for Naval Criminal Investigative Service, centers around a specialized team of agents addressing crimes and security threats linked to the Navy and Marine Corps. The series was thoughtfully created by Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill.

Mike Franks: A Key Figure in NCIS

Mike Franks, portrayed by Muse Watson, is a notable recurring character in the NCIS series. He initially served as the head of the NCIS Major Case Response Team, mentoring Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon. In NCIS: Origins, Kyle Schmid takes on the role of a younger Franks, who significantly influences Gibbs’ early experiences in NCIS.

Mike Franks’s Contribution to the Series

When Gibbs joined NCIS, Franks was the leader of the Camp Pendleton Field Office. Over the course of the series, Franks appeared until Season 8, where his character met a tragic end at the hands of the ‘Port-to-Port Killer.’

Muse Watson, the actor behind Franks, boasts an extensive career in film and television with notable roles in productions such as I Know What You Did Last Summer and Prison Break. His character is well-loved for his tough exterior and dynamic interactions with Gibbs, which resonated strongly with fans.

Exploring Mike Franks’s Backstory in NCIS: Origins

Kyle Schmid as Young Mike Franks (Image via Instagram/ncisverse)

NCIS: Origins debuted on October 14, 2024, serving as a prequel that delves into the life of Special Agent Gibbs during the formative years of his career. In this series, Mike Franks plays a pivotal role, influencing Gibbs’ journey significantly.

Set in 1991, NCIS: Origins follows a young Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell, as he works at the NCIS office in Camp Pendleton. The central episode, titled ‘Last Rites,’ focuses on Franks as he strives to fulfill a promise made to a victim’s sister.

In this latest series, Kyle Schmid brings Franks to life. Schmid expressed in a recent interview with US Weekly that viewers will witness Franks’ determination to make amends and seek closure, emphasizing the character’s deep emotional investment in his actions.