Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly are set to make a highly-anticipated return to the 'NCIS' franchise in a new 10-episode series for Paramount+. The duo will reprise their beloved roles as Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo, respectively, after a decade since their departure from the original CBS series.
The upcoming spinoff will be led by showrunner and executive producer John McNamara, known for his work on projects like 'Trumbo' and 'The Magicians.' Production for the new 'NCIS' is scheduled to commence later this year, with de Pablo and Weatherly also serving as executive producers alongside McNamara.
The storyline of the new series will pick up after Ziva's supposed death, which led Tony to leave the NCIS team to raise their daughter. However, when Ziva is discovered alive, the couple embarks on one final mission with NCIS before reuniting in Paris with their daughter, Tali. The show will follow Tony and Ziva as they navigate raising Tali together and face unexpected challenges when Tony's security company comes under attack, forcing them to go on the run across Europe.
Paramount+ has highlighted the enduring popularity of the 'NCIS' franchise on its streaming platform, consistently ranking among the top five most-watched franchises. Weatherly, who continued his career within the CBS family with the series 'Bull,' recently concluded its six-season run in 2022.
However, Weatherly's time on 'Bull' was marred by controversy, as reports emerged in 2018 of inappropriate behavior towards actress Eliza Dushku, who had a recurring role on the show. Dushku alleged that Weatherly made sexual remarks and jokes towards her, leading to her departure from the series. CBS ultimately settled with Dushku for $9.5 million.
Weatherly and de Pablo expressed their excitement for the new 'NCIS' series, promising fans an action-packed roller coaster filled with love, danger, tears, and laughter. The show aims to provide closure to the beloved characters of Tony and Ziva, as they strive for their unconventional happily ever after.