Category: NCIS

Tony & Ziva’s Return Could Spark the Biggest NCIS Crossover in Franchise History

For years, NCIS fans have hoped for the day Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David would reunite on-screen—and that long-awaited moment is finally here. But this isn’t just a nostalgic cameo. Their return could be the launchpad for something far bigger: a franchise-wide crossover that brings the entire NCIS universe together like never before.

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Where We Last Saw Tony & Ziva

Ziva’s Shocking Comeback – Season 17
After being presumed dead, Ziva made a dramatic return, revealing she’d been undercover—separated from her daughter, Tali—to keep her safe.

Tony’s Off-Screen Reunion
Though fans never witnessed it, the show confirmed Tony and Ziva eventually reunited in Paris and have been living quietly as a family with Tali.

…Until Now.

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Why Their Return Matters

Tony and Ziva’s reappearance isn’t just emotional fan service—it’s a strategic move that could:

• Reunite old fan-favorite characters
• Introduce new, high-stakes threats
• Set the stage for a massive NCIS crossover
• Expand the franchise with interconnected storylines

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All Signs Point to a Massive Crossover

1. The Timing Is Spot-On

• NCIS just celebrated its 1,000th episode
• New spinoffs like NCIS: Origins and the upcoming Tony & Ziva European series are in the works
• Unified storytelling is dominating TV—CBS has the perfect opportunity to follow suit

2. The Universe Is Already Intertwined

Characters regularly move between:

• NCIS (D.C.)
• NCIS: Hawai’i
• NCIS: Sydney
• NCIS: LA (before cancellation)

A multi-show storyline is the logical next step.

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The Tiva Spinoff: The Catalyst

The upcoming Paramount+ series starring Tony and Ziva—set in Europe—will show them raising Tali while solving international crimes. But this new show might do more than just tell their story.

What if the threat they’re facing is too big for just the two of them?

Imagine this:

• NCIS D.C.: Parker’s team uncovers an arms deal linked to Europe
• Tony & Ziva: Discover the heart of a global syndicate
• NCIS: Sydney: Tracks dangerous tech crossing the Pacific
• Former NCIS: LA agents: Come out of retirement to join the fight

One mission. Multiple teams. One epic storyline—spanning several episodes or a major TV event.

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Who Could Return?

Highly Likely:

• Gibbs: A powerful cameo or mentor moment
• McGee, Torres, Knight: Still active and central at HQ
• Sam Hanna: Already bridging NCIS series—perfect for a return
• Dr. Mallard (Ducky): A tribute or archival appearance if the event turns emotional

Long Shots (But Worth Dreaming):

• Abby Sciuto: A brief tech-support cameo or breakthrough moment
• Tony, Ziva & Abby on-screen together: The holy grail of NCIS reunions

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When Could It Happen?

Fall 2025 or Spring 2026
With the Tiva spinoff in development, a late 2025 event aligns perfectly. CBS and Paramount+ could build anticipation across each series with subtle setup episodes, eventually culminating in one explosive event.

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Cast & Creator Hints

Michael Weatherly (Tony) and Cote de Pablo (Ziva) have both teased that this is bigger than just them.

“It’s not just about the two of us,” Weatherly said.
“We’re part of something bigger,” de Pablo added.

Combine that with behind-the-scenes chatter, and it’s clear: something major is in the works.

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What Could Pull the Teams Together?

1. A Threat to Tali
A kidnapping or targeted attack could force Tony and Ziva to reach out for help—reuniting the team under urgent, emotional stakes.

2. A Global Crime Syndicate
Think NCIS meets Mission: Impossible—a shadowy organization with tendrils in every country, requiring global cooperation to take down.

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The Bottom Line:

Tony and Ziva’s return is just the beginning. If the stars align, the NCIS universe could be headed for its most ambitious and emotional storyline yet—one that unites beloved characters across continents, pays tribute to the past, and sets the stage for the franchise’s future.

NCIS Star Wilmer Valderrama Opens Up About Sleep Training, Parenting, and Strengthening His Relationship

NCIS actor Wilmer Valderrama is getting real about the challenges and rewards of parenting. In a candid interview with Parents.com, the 41-year-old opened up about his journey with sleep training his daughter, Nakano, and how it impacted both his fatherhood and relationship with fiancée Amanda Pacheco.

Valderrama admitted he initially struggled with the idea of teaching a newborn to self-soothe. “It was tough,” he shared. “You feel guilty not rushing to comfort them.” But over time, his perspective shifted. He now calls sleep training an “empowering” step—one that not only helped Nakano rest better but allowed him and Amanda to reconnect as a couple. “It lets you focus on your partner and stay connected,” he explained. “That’s so important in parenthood.”

The couple welcomed Nakano in February 2021. Amanda chose to breastfeed, and Valderrama made sure to be hands-on in every way—handling diaper changes, tracking feedings, and ensuring Amanda stayed hydrated and supported. “There’s always something you can do,” he said, stressing the importance of being a present, helpful partner.

Wilmer and Amanda’s love story began three years ago through mutual friends while she was considering a move to Miami—Valderrama’s hometown after immigrating from Venezuela as a child. A life-changing trip to Japan brought them even closer, and on January 1, 2020, just nine months after they started dating, he proposed. Though the pandemic delayed their wedding plans, the arrival of baby Nakano on February 15, 2021, marked a beautiful new chapter.

From actor to father, Valderrama’s journey is a powerful reminder that parenting is about teamwork, communication, and growth—both as individuals and as a couple.

NCIS Hit With Streaming Blow as Another Show Surges Ahead on Paramount+

Paramount+ just dropped its latest streaming rankings — and for fans of NCIS, it’s not great news. The long-running military procedural has been bumped down to the No. 3 spot on the streamer’s Top 10 TV Shows list in the U.S., marking the second time in a week it’s lost its usual place.

According to data from FlixPatrol, NCIS slipped behind The Chi, which made an impressive five-spot leap to claim the No. 2 position. NCIS previously held that rank steadily, with SpongeBob SquarePants traditionally close behind at No. 3. But now, both NCIS and SpongeBob have been pushed down a peg as The Chi surges in popularity — raising the question: could The Chi soon challenge Criminal Minds, the current No. 1?

First debuting in 2003 after a backdoor pilot on JAG, NCIS has built a massive following over its 22-season run. The series originally starred Mark Harmon as the iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs, who led the Washington-based NCIS unit until his departure early in Season 19. Gary Cole stepped in as Alden Parker, leading a refreshed team that now includes Wilmer Valderrama, Katrina Law, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover, Sean Murray, and Rocky Carroll.

Despite the dip in ranking, the NCIS franchise continues to expand. The original series, along with NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney, have all been renewed for the 2025-26 season. NCIS and Origins will return this fall, airing back-to-back on Thursdays, while Sydney awaits an official premiere date.

Meanwhile, fan excitement is growing for NCIS: Tony & Ziva, the spinoff reuniting Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo. Their long-awaited return as DiNozzo and Ziva is set for September 4 on Paramount+.

So while NCIS may have stumbled in the rankings this week, the franchise itself is far from slowing down.

NCIS Season 23 Promises a More Character-Driven Approach — Inspired by NCIS: Origins

Good news for fans who watch NCIS as much for the characters as for the crime-solving: Season 23 is shaping up to be one of the most personal yet.

Traditionally, NCIS has led with action, often placing character development in the background. But after more than two decades on air, the showrunners are shifting focus. Inspired in part by the emotional depth of its recent spin-off NCIS: Origins, the upcoming season will put its beloved characters front and center.

Speaking with TVLine, longtime showrunner Steven D. Binder teased what’s ahead:

“We really want to get to everybody in a big way. I know people always say, ‘I watch the show for the characters’ — that was always our thing — and I really want to make this a character-forward show in a way we haven’t seen before. So if you’re invested in these people, this is going to be the season for you.”

The franchise has already ventured deeper into character storytelling with NCIS: Origins, which premiered last year and explores the early years of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Played by Austin Stowell, this younger Gibbs offers fans a glimpse into the formative moments that helped shape the legendary agent made famous by Mark Harmon.

Though Origins has plenty of action and tension, its true focus is on relationships, identity, and the personal cost of duty—elements that clearly influenced the direction of NCIS Season 23.

Stowell recently opened up to Deadline about the challenge of portraying a character with such an iconic legacy.

“I was scared for so many reasons. First time doing a network show, first time playing a character already portrayed, and first time being number one on the call sheet,” he admitted.
“I like pressure. I want the ball in my hands at the bottom of the ninth. But at the end of the day, Gibbs will always be Mark Harmon’s character. I don’t think I’ll ever get fully comfortable with that.”

Though Harmon doesn’t appear on screen in Origins, he plays a vital role as both narrator and executive producer, maintaining the connection between the prequel and the flagship series.

NCIS: Origins is currently gearing up for its second season, while NCIS Season 23 is set to premiere this fall on CBS — and this time, expect more heart, more backstory, and more of what fans love most: the people behind the badges.

Liverpool & Portugal Mourn Tragic Loss of Diogo Jota, 28, and Brother André After Fatal Crash

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died at 28 following a car crash in Cernadilla, Zamora, Spain. The accident, at about 12:30 a.m. local time, also claimed the life of his younger brother, André Silva (25), who played for Portuguese second‑division club Penafiel.

Spanish authorities say a burst tire during an overtaking maneuver caused the Lamborghini to leave the road and catch fire. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed the news on Thursday morning.

Jota had married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, just two weeks ago. The couple shared three young children.

“Apart from being a fantastic player with nearly 50 caps, Diogo was an extraordinary person whose joy was contagious,” the FPF said.

A Celebrated Career

• Portugal: 49 caps, UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025
• Liverpool (joined 2020): Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup champion; six goals and four assists in last season’s title‑winning campaign
• Club Journey: Paços de Ferreira → Atlético Madrid → Porto → Wolverhampton Wanderers → Liverpool

Liverpool FC said it was “devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota” and asked for privacy for the family.

Tributes From the Football World

• Cristiano Ronaldo: “It does not make sense… Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”
• Darwin Núñez: “There are no words of comfort for so much pain… I will always remember your smile.”
• Steven Gerrard: “RIP Diogo 💔 Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.”

The entire football community is united in grief at this unimaginable loss.

Inside the Real-Life Families of Your Favorite NCIS Stars

NCIS has been a fan-favorite for over 20 years, with its gripping storylines, unforgettable characters, and multiple spin-offs, including NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawai’i. While Mark Harmon once described the cast and crew as “one big family,” many fans are curious about the real families behind the actors who bring these characters to life.

Here’s a closer look at the partners, children, and off-screen lives of the stars from the NCIS universe:

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Vanessa Lachey (Jane Tennant, NCIS: Hawai’i)

Vanessa has led NCIS: Hawai’i since 2021. Off-screen, she’s married to singer Nick Lachey. The couple tied the knot in 2011 and have three children: Camden (10), Brooklyn (8), and Phoenix (6).

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Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs)

A Hollywood legacy, Harmon is the son of football star Tom Harmon and actress Elyse Knox. He’s been married to Mork & Mindy star Pam Dawber since 1987. They share two sons, Sean and Ty. Sean has even portrayed a young Gibbs in NCIS flashback episodes.

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Katrina Law (Jessica Knight)

Katrina joined NCIS in Season 18 and became a regular in Season 19. She’s married to actor Keith Andreen, whom she met in 2010 on the set of The Resistance. They welcomed their daughter, Kinley, in 2018.

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Brian Dietzen (Dr. Jimmy Palmer)

Brian is known for keeping his personal life private. He and his wife Kelly have two children. In a rare 2022 post, Brian revealed their names: Clover and Satchel—engraved on his personalized golf wedges.

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Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo)

Michael left NCIS in 2016 to focus on family. He’s married to Bojana Jankovic, with whom he shares two children: Olivia (10) and Liam (9). He also has a son, August (27), from a previous marriage to actress Amelia Heinle.

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Sean Murray (Timothy McGee)

Sean has two children, Caitlyn and River, with his wife Carrie. Fun fact: Pretty Little Liars actress Troian Bellisario is his real-life stepsister—and played his sister on NCIS.

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Wilmer Valderrama (Nicholas Torres)

Wilmer got engaged to model Amanda Pacheco in 2020. The couple welcomed daughter Nakano Oceana in 2021. Her name honors both a meaningful trip to Japan and legendary female samurai Takeko Nakano.

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Emily Wickersham (Ellie Bishop)

Emily left NCIS in Season 18, but soon stepped into a new role—motherhood. She and partner James Badge Dale welcomed their son Cassius on December 30, 2021.

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Maria Bello (Jack Sloane)

Maria shares a 21-year-old son, Jackson, with ex Dan McDermott. She came out as gay in 2013 and is currently engaged to French chef Dominique Crenn. The couple went public in 2020 and got engaged in Paris.

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LL Cool J (Sam Hanna, NCIS: Los Angeles)

LL has been married to Simone I. Smith since 1995. They have four adult children: Najee (33), Italia (32), Samaria (27), and Nina (22). Nina is following in her dad’s footsteps with a budding music career.

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Daniela Ruah (Kensi Blye, NCIS: Los Angeles)

Daniela met husband David Olsen on the NCIS: LA set—he’s the stunt double (and real-life brother) of Eric Christian Olsen. The couple has two kids: River and Sierra.

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Chris O’Donnell (G. Callen, NCIS: Los Angeles)

Chris has been married to Caroline Fentress since 1997, and they have five children: Lily (23), Christopher (22), Charles (19), Finley (16), and Maeve (15). Several family members, including Maeve, have made cameos on NCIS: LA.

NCIS: Origins’—How Mark Harmon’s Advice Is Shaping the Prequel’s Young Stars

NCIS is one of television’s longest‑running franchises, and its newest offshoot, NCIS: Origins, rewinds to the 1990s to chart the rise of future legend Leroy Jethro Gibbs. While Mark Harmon narrates and executive‑produces, the younger Gibbs is played by Austin Stowell—joined by an unlikely partner, Special Agent Bernard “Randy” Randolf, portrayed by Caleb Foote.

The “Godfather” Speaks

Foote told Entertainment Tonight that Harmon—whom he calls “the godfather of NCIS”—pulled him aside with one simple directive:

“Trust who you are.”

That authenticity, Foote says, has informed every scene he shoots as Randy, a character meant to guide Gibbs yet destined to forge a far different mentor‑rookie dynamic than fans might expect.

Building the Gibbs We Know

Showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal insist Season 2 will continue Gibbs’s slow transformation from earnest rookie to the steely leader introduced in 2003:

“We’re inching our way there… Season 1 showed his gut was already churning. Those are all stepping stones toward becoming the Gibbs fans first met.”

What’s Next

Renewed in February while Season 1 was still airing, NCIS: Origins left viewers with a cliff‑hanger: Gibbs’s confidante Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino) bleeding in an overturned car. Season 2—arriving on CBS this fall—promises answers and a more assertive Gibbs.

Catch up: Stream NCIS: Origins Season 1 on Paramount+ now, and stay tuned for more updates as production on Season 2 gets underway.

Gary Cole: From Cult Horror Star to NCIS Lead – Revisiting the Underrated ‘American Gothic’

With a diverse and celebrated career spanning over four decades, Gary Cole has firmly established himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and enduring actors. From acclaimed TV series like The West Wing, The Good Wife, and Veep to cult-favorite films such as Office Space and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Cole’s captivating performances have left an indelible mark on both small and big screens.

Since 2021, Cole has taken on the role of NCIS Supervisory Agent Alden Parker in the long-running military police procedural NCIS, stepping into the leadership position following Mark Harmon’s iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs. But before becoming a key player in this beloved franchise, Cole starred in the 1995 cult supernatural horror series American Gothic—a show that deserves a fresh look for its unique blend of mystery and darkness.

Gary Cole Leads the Sinister ‘American Gothic’

Set in the eerie town of Trinity, South Carolina, American Gothic features Gary Cole as Lucas Buck, the corrupt and murderous sheriff wielding supernatural powers to manipulate the townspeople and maintain his grip on the community. Buck’s malevolent influence centers on young Caleb Temple (Lucas Black), an orphan battling the legacy of his troubled past and the shadow of Buck’s evil.

Caleb, revealed to be Buck’s biological son—conceived through an assault that drove his mother to suicide—struggles against Buck’s corrupting hold. His cousin, reporter Gail Emory (Paige Turco), arrives in Trinity to support him, while the ghostly spirit of his late sister Merlyn (Sarah Paulson) appears to guide and protect him. Over 22 episodes, the series explores Caleb’s battle between light and darkness as he unravels his family’s dark secrets and fights to end Buck’s reign of terror.

A Cult Classic Ahead of Its Time

Created by singer-actor Shaun Cassidy and executive produced by Sam Raimi, American Gothic broke new ground in the mid-’90s with its morally complex villain, Lucas Buck. At a time when television rarely embraced antiheroes, Cole’s chilling portrayal helped pave the way for future iconic characters like Tony Soprano and Walter White.

Though American Gothic premiered to critical praise on September 22, 1995, and ran for a full 22-episode season, it struggled to match the popularity of contemporaries like Twin Peaks and The X-Files—ultimately leading to its cancellation after one season. Still, the show became a cult favorite over the years, spotlighting Cole, Paulson, and Black, all of whom have gone on to impressive careers.

Paulson, a Golden Globe winner, embraced the horror genre with acclaimed roles in American Horror Story and Ratched. Black found success with roles in NCIS: New Orleans and the Fast & Furious franchise.

Cole’s Continued Success

After American Gothic, Gary Cole continued to showcase his talent across film and television. His film credits include beloved comedies like Office Space, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and Pineapple Express, while his TV appearances span Family Guy, The West Wing, The Good Wife, and Veep. Now a central figure in NCIS, renewed through Season 23, Cole proves his remarkable staying power in Hollywood.

Where to Watch ‘American Gothic’

For fans of supernatural thrillers and underrated ’90s shows, all 22 episodes of American Gothic are available to purchase or stream on Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Fandango. If you enjoy series like Twin Peaks, American Horror Story, or The X-Files, this dark gem starring Gary Cole is a must-watch.

NCIS: Origins Season 2 Could Bring Back a Fan‑Favorite—And Finally Explain His Bond with Gibbs

NCIS: Origins has stayed loyal to franchise canon, and all signs point to one long‑time favorite stepping into a bigger spotlight next season: Tobias Fornell. The younger version of the future FBI stalwart made a brief cameo in season 1, episode 6, munching tacos while working a case with Noah Oakley, Wheeler, and Mike Franks. According to co‑showrunner David J. North, that taste was only the appetizer: “We’d love to see young Fornell come back—sooner rather than later.”

A larger role for Fornell makes perfect sense. In the early ’90s timeline he’s still a mid‑level FBI agent, exactly the rank that would have him crossing paths with Naval Investigative Service cases. More importantly, Origins still hasn’t shown the moment Gibbs and Fornell first meet—an omission that grows more glaring each episode, given how inseparable the two become in NCIS. Season 2 is the ideal time to establish their first team‑up and lay the groundwork for the hard‑won friendship fans know so well.

The personal stakes are just as juicy: the season‑1 finale introduced Gibbs’ future second wife, Diane Sterling, who will one day divorce Gibbs and marry Fornell. That tangled history—complete with messy break‑ups and, eventually, the birth of Fornell’s daughter Emily—needs room to breathe. Giving young Fornell a meatier arc in season 2 would deepen Gibbs’ backstory, honor NCIS lore, and deliver the kind of character‑driven drama that keeps viewers coming back.

NCIS: Origins star Caleb Foote recently opened up about the valuable advice he received from franchise icon Mark Harmon. As the narrator and executive producer of the NCIS prequel, Harmon remains deeply involved in the story, which follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) in the early 1990s as he builds his career at NCIS.

Foote plays Special Agent Bernard “Randy” Randolf — a character often labeled the “golden boy,” but one who’s far from perfect. While capable and confident, Randy is still growing into his role and finding his place in the team. As NCIS: Origins heads into season 2, the focus will continue to explore not just Gibbs’ journey, but also the key individuals who shaped him along the way.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Foote shared that Harmon offered one simple but powerful piece of advice:

“He’s done it all. He’s the godfather of NCIS. Some really big advice that Mark Harmon had was just like, ‘Trust who you are.’”

That encouragement has clearly stuck with Foote, especially as his character navigates complex dynamics with Gibbs. Although Randy is brought in to guide and assist Gibbs, their relationship doesn’t follow the typical rookie-mentor path. In one memorable moment, Randy awkwardly tries to set Gibbs up on a date — a misstep that highlights his own learning curve and the show’s fresh take on familiar roles.