Not everyone is thrilled about the upcoming NCIS spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva. The Paramount+ series, which brings back Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo as fan-favorite characters Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David, began filming in Budapest earlier this summer. While the actors have shared their excitement and some former NCIS co-stars have expressed interest in making guest appearances, not everyone in the franchise is on board.
According to an insider who spoke with Life & Style, some NCIS stars reportedly have concerns about the spinoff’s impact. “Ratings for the main show have dropped this year, and some of the stars are afraid bringing back Michael in a new format will make their show obsolete,” the source revealed.
Weatherly was a core part of NCIS for 13 seasons before departing, and speculation about his return never fully died down. He made a brief comeback for the emotional Ducky tribute episode in February, which delighted longtime fans. Soon after, CBS announced the Tony & Ziva spinoff. Meanwhile, de Pablo played Ziva from Seasons 3 through 11, later returning for a special arc in Seasons 16 and 17.
NCIS: Tony & Ziva will follow the duo on the run across Europe with their tween daughter, Tali, after Tony’s security company is attacked. This marks the franchise’s second international spinoff after NCIS: Sydney. “They were both tremendously popular characters, and producers hope bringing them back in a new, exotic setting will revitalize the franchise,” the insider added. “It’s clear the network is concerned the show is sagging, and having Michael and Cote in a new format makes longtime cast members worried about job security.”
Since NCIS airs on CBS and NCIS: Tony & Ziva will stream exclusively on Paramount+, there isn’t a direct competition between the two. However, viewership for NCIS has declined over the years, which isn’t surprising for a show that’s been on for more than two decades. Tony & Ziva offers an opportunity to introduce a fresh format, potentially setting the stage for the franchise’s future.
On the plus side, there have long been rumors of tension between Michael Weatherly and Mark Harmon. Now, with his own series, Weatherly is reportedly embracing the chance to lead without Harmon’s presence. “Michael doesn’t want people to lose their jobs,” the insider claimed, “but he likes the idea of proving he doesn’t need Mark.”
Fans will have to wait and see how NCIS: Tony & Ziva fares when it premieres on Paramount+ in the near future.
