Cote de Pablo was a pivotal figure on NCIS, but she almost didn’t take on the role of Ziva David. She portrayed the character from seasons 3 to 11, extending her time on the show well beyond her initial six-year contract. Ziva quickly became one of the most beloved characters in NCIS history, leading to her return in the spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
The chemistry between Ziva and Anthony DiNozzo was so strong that it warranted a spinoff. Their dynamic developed over many seasons, and recent revelations from the podcast “Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch,” hosted by the stars themselves, shed light on pivotal moments outside the series that shaped their interactions.