NCIS: Reflecting on the Magic of Season 3 with Cote de Pablo and Sean Murray
As NCIS gears up for its 22nd season, it’s hard not to reminisce about the show’s evolution over the years. Since its debut as a spinoff of JAG, NCIS has become one of the most successful procedurals on television. Among the many faces that have graced the series, two standouts are Sean Murray, who remains a key member of the cast, and Cote de Pablo, who brought Ziva David to life from Season 3 through the beginning of Season 11. Recently, de Pablo and Murray reflected on why Season 3 holds a special place in their hearts, particularly for de Pablo, whose connection to the show runs deep.
Why Season 3 is So Special to Cote de Pablo
For Cote de Pablo, Season 3 will always be memorable, as it marked her debut as Ziva David. However, her fondness for that time goes beyond just her first appearance. Speaking on the Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch podcast with Sean Murray and Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo), de Pablo described the season as “magical,” sharing how much she cherished the experience of working with the cast and crew:
“Season 3 has a special place in my heart. Of course, it was my first season, but it was just a magical time for me. I used to say, ‘Don’t tell the CBS people, but I would have done this for free.’ I couldn’t believe I was getting paid. Everything just happened so organically, and watching these characters come to life was incredible.”
De Pablo’s journey on NCIS didn’t start smoothly, as she initially thought Michael Weatherly was trying to sabotage her audition. But once that misunderstanding was cleared, she quickly became an integral part of the team. While her exit from the show in Season 11 was bittersweet, she has since returned for special appearances, including a cameo in the Season 16 finale and a recurring role in Season 17. Now, fans can look forward to seeing her again in the upcoming spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which will stream exclusively on Paramount+.
Sean Murray’s Nostalgia for NCIS Season 3
Sean Murray, who has been with NCIS since its early days, also holds Season 3 in high regard. After debuting as Timothy McGee in Season 1 and returning for Season 2, Murray recalls Season 3 as the point when the show truly found its footing:
“Season 3 was special because it’s when we started figuring out our strengths. The characters became the focus, and the procedural aspect took a backseat. My character, McGee, grew with the show, and as Tony’s role evolved, it allowed McGee to step up.”
When de Pablo asked Murray if NCIS always felt like a family, he noted that this sense of camaraderie began in Season 3, particularly after her arrival:
“After you joined, it really started feeling like a family. I’m not just saying that because you’re here. I loved Sasha Alexander, but it was just where we were at that time.”
Murray’s comments reflect the pivotal changes that Season 3 brought to the show. With the departure of Sasha Alexander’s Caitlin Todd in the Season 2 finale, Season 3 ushered in new dynamics, including the introduction of Lauren Holly’s Jenny Shepard, who added complexity to Gibbs’ character. While Holly’s time on the show was brief, ending with her character’s death in Season 5, her presence helped solidify NCIS’s early success.
What’s Next for NCIS
As NCIS approaches its 22nd season, the series continues to evolve. The new season premieres on Monday, October 14, followed by the debut of the prequel series NCIS: Origins, which explores a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Additionally, fans can anticipate the release of NCIS: Tony & Ziva on Paramount+ and the return of NCIS: Sydney for its second season. With so much to look forward to, the legacy of NCIS remains as strong as ever.
