The news of Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo’s possible return to NCIS as Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David has sent waves through the fan community. While the iconic duo’s potential reunion initially sparked excitement among long-time viewers, a significant segment of the fanbase has voiced concerns — and the response has been far from universally positive.
Rather than celebrating unconditionally, many fans have taken to social media platforms such as Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook Groups to express skepticism about whether revisiting Tony and Ziva’s story is the right move for the series.
Background: Tony and Ziva’s Legacy on NCIS
Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David were central to NCIS’s success during the show’s earlier seasons. Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo brought depth and chemistry to their roles, creating a compelling dynamic that helped propel the series to record ratings. According to TV Insider, episodes featuring their developing relationship remain among the most-watched in the franchise’s 20-year history.
Ziva’s last major arc concluded in Season 17 after she was revealed to be alive, having faked her death to protect her family. Tony had previously left the team in Season 13 to raise their daughter, Tali. Their off-screen reunion and parenting journey were implied but not shown, offering fans a hopeful and open-ended resolution.
Mixed Fan Reactions: Nostalgia Meets Narrative Concerns
When CBS recently hinted at the return of Tony and Ziva in an upcoming NCIS spin-off or reunion storyline, many viewers expressed excitement at seeing their favorite characters on screen again. However, not all reactions have been positive.
On forums such as Reddit’s r/NCIS, several users voiced the opinion that their return might compromise the emotional payoff of their original departures.
“Their exit was handled beautifully,” wrote one commenter. “Bringing them back risks undermining that closure.”
Fans argue that NCIS has evolved significantly since their departure, with newer characters such as Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) and Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) now anchoring the show’s emotional core. Reintroducing legacy characters could overshadow these newer figures and disrupt the balance of the current cast.
“It’s not that we don’t love Tony and Ziva,” another fan wrote on X, “but NCIS has changed. This isn’t just their story anymore.”
Sources:
- Reddit – NCIS Fan Discussions
- Twitter/X – Trending Reactions
- CBS – NCIS Press Statements
Storytelling Challenges: When Reboots Risk Repetition
From a storytelling perspective, revisiting legacy arcs always carries risk. According to Variety, television reboots and spin-offs succeed best when they balance fan service with original content. Overreliance on past characters can lead to repetitive plots or diminished emotional stakes.
NCIS executive producer Steven D. Binder has previously emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of character arcs. In a 2023 interview with Deadline, Binder stated:
“We always try to honor where the characters have been. If Tony and Ziva were to return, it would need to be authentic, grounded, and move their story forward—not just bring them back for nostalgia.”
This highlights a central concern shared by many viewers: while reunions can be emotionally gratifying, they must also serve the narrative in meaningful ways.
The Power of Finality: Why Some Arcs Should Remain Closed
Part of what made Tony and Ziva’s respective departures memorable was the emotional closure they offered. Ziva’s unexpected survival and reunion with Tony and their daughter Tali provided fans with hope and peace, even if it occurred off-screen.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, fan reviews from Season 17 reflected high satisfaction with how Ziva’s storyline concluded. Her final episode received a strong approval rating, with many viewers praising the show’s restraint in not over-exposing her character after such a dramatic absence.
In narrative terms, not all stories need to continue. Sometimes, a character’s absence and implied resolution are more powerful than an on-screen return.
The Bigger Picture: TV Trends and Franchise Expansion
The broader context also reveals strategic reasoning behind the potential return. As television networks compete for streaming viewership, character-driven spin-offs are increasingly popular. CBS has successfully expanded the NCIS brand with series like NCIS: Hawaiʻi and NCIS: Sydney, indicating that demand for familiar faces remains strong.
However, franchises that lean too heavily on past success risk alienating viewers who have grown attached to newer casts. According to The Hollywood Reporter, audience fatigue can set in when legacy characters dominate narratives meant to evolve.
A successful return for Tony and Ziva would need to strike a delicate balance—offering nostalgia without compromising character development or current continuity.
What Producers and Cast Members Have Said
As of May 2025, neither Michael Weatherly nor Cote de Pablo has confirmed a formal return to the NCIS main series. However, Weatherly has previously teased fans on social media, hinting at future projects involving Tony DiNozzo. In 2023, both actors appeared at the NCIS 20th Anniversary Fan Panel, where they expressed interest in revisiting their roles under the right circumstances.
“It would have to be meaningful,” de Pablo said during the panel. “We wouldn’t want to come back unless it moved the story forward.”
This aligns with CBS’s approach to spin-offs that aim to complement—not compete with—the original series.
Source:
- The Hollywood Reporter – NCIS Franchise Updates
- NCIS 20th Anniversary Panel – Fan Convention Coverage
Conclusion: A Fanbase That Cares Deeply
The strong reactions—both for and against a Tony and Ziva return—demonstrate one thing clearly: fans still care deeply about the NCIS universe. Whether viewers are nostalgic for the past or protective of the current storyline, their passion reflects the show’s enduring appeal after two decades on air.
For CBS and the show’s writers, the challenge lies in honoring both legacies—those of beloved characters like Tony and Ziva, and those of new team members who represent the next chapter.
Should Tony and Ziva return, it will need to be with narrative intention, emotional depth, and respect for the storytelling foundation that made their arcs so beloved in the first place.
Sources
- TV Insider – NCIS Cast History
- Variety – Television Reboot Strategies
- Deadline – NCIS Executive Interviews
- CBS – Official NCIS Page
- Reddit – r/NCIS
- Rotten Tomatoes – NCIS Viewer Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter – Franchise Strategy