Fans of CBS’s long-standing police procedural NCIS were thrilled with the announcement of a long-awaited spin-off. Years after their departure from the original series, Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are reuniting for an all-new adventure in NCIS: Tony & Ziva. This series will follow the iconic duo’s escapades across Europe, though details have been limited. However, recent revelations have unveiled a surprising twist: the show’s timeline will differ entirely from the original NCIS continuity.
According to Deadline, NCIS: Tony & Ziva will take viewers back in time, providing answers to unresolved storylines from years past. NCIS fans may recall when Ziva was thought to be dead, leaving Tony to care for their daughter—unaware of her existence until later. The new spin-off will explore this gap, showcasing the journey that led to Tony and Ziva’s reunion and the challenges they faced after.
Set nearly a decade ago, Tony & Ziva opens the door for fan-favorite characters to make surprise appearances. Could we see Gibbs (Mark Harmon) sharing scenes with his former protégés once more, or maybe even a cameo by Pauley Perrette as the beloved Abby Sciuto? While discussing the new series at MIPCOM, de Pablo shared her excitement about the timeline, explaining why it’s essential for telling Tony and Ziva’s story: “We haven’t seen these characters together since 2013, and I think fans have always wanted to know what happened between them. This season, they’ll finally get some answers.”
Following the recent cancellations of NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and NCIS: Hawai’i, the franchise is entering a renaissance. Beyond Tony & Ziva, NCIS is in its 22nd season, and a new origin series about a young Gibbs is currently on air. Though the franchise’s future seemed uncertain, this revitalized lineup has given it new life by diving into different timelines.
Weatherly also spoke about the decision to film in Europe, expressing excitement over the show’s international vibe, with settings like Budapest adding to the series’ global feel.