The latest episode of NCIS New Orleans, titled “Feelin’ Alright?”, aired on March 17, 2026, at 9 PM ET on CBS. This episode features a pivotal meeting between young Dwayne Pride and young Gibbs, revealing the contentious origins of their relationship.
In this episode, viewers learn that Gibbs and Pride first met in 1981, setting the stage for their future partnership. The episode also marks the official formation of the Fed Five, which includes Pride, Gibbs, Felix Betts, and Michael Franks. The dynamic between Gibbs and his father, Jackson, is explored, adding depth to the narrative.
According to producer David J. North, “We know that the NCIS fans know how close Gibbs and Pride are and how much respect they have for each other, so we thought it’d be fun and interesting to see how the relationship began.” This sentiment is echoed by actor Shea Buckner, who plays young Dwayne Pride, stating, “It wasn’t lost on me how important Pride is in the NCIS universe and to fans.”
The episode also includes Easter eggs referencing both NCIS and NCIS: New Orleans, enhancing the connection for long-time viewers. Notably, Gibbs adopts the undercover identity of Leland Spears during the episode.
The storyline illustrates how necessity becomes the mother of Gibbs and Pride’s partnership, with North commenting, “The pressure of a high-stakes mission, combined with their personal resentment, forces both agents to discover what made them eventually respect each other so deeply.”
As the episode unfolds, it showcases the evolution of their relationship from initial animosity to mutual respect, a theme that resonates with the audience.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding future episodes and how they will further develop the characters’ backstories. However, fans are eager to see how the narrative will continue to intertwine the lives of these iconic characters.