Michael Weatherly is returning to CBS’s flagship NCIS for a season-long arc this fall as Tony DiNozzo. The announcement follows the cancellation of the Paramount+ spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva after its first season. This move signals a shift in the franchise’s strategy, bringing legacy characters back to the original series rather than continuing dedicated spinoffs.
Will Cote de Pablo join Michael Weatherly on the flagship NCIS?
CBS has not confirmed if Cote de Pablo, who played Ziva David, will also return to the main series. The network declined to comment on whether de Pablo will join Weatherly or if the show plans to retcon the events established in the Tony & Ziva spinoff.
While the spinoff concluded with Tony and Ziva reuniting with their daughter in Paris, the network remains silent on how those storylines will integrate into the mothership. CBS could potentially continue the narrative with or without de Pablo, but no official details have been released.
Why is CBS prioritizing new series like NCIS: New York?
The decision to launch NCIS: New York instead of a second season of Tony & Ziva reflects a broader trend of franchise expansion through new characters. When asked by Deadline why the network opted for a new spinoff rather than continuing the Tony and Ziva story, CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach provided a specific reason.
“We really wanted to bring the Sam Hanna character back,” Reisenbach said. Sam Hanna, played by LL Cool J, has appeared across three different NCIS shows, including the original series, NCIS: Los Angeles, and NCIS: Hawai’i. This strategy suggests the network is leaning into established character connections to anchor new entries in the universe.
How does Tony DiNozzo’s return connect to the franchise history?
Weatherly’s return marks a significant homecoming for the series. He served as a main cast member on NCIS from its inception until his departure in the Season 13 finale. His recent work in the Tony &
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