Michael Weatherly Breaks Silence on NCIS: Tony & Ziva Spin-Off — But Fans Are Growing Impatient
NCIS fans have been clamoring for years to see Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David back on screen together, and while that long-awaited reunion is officially on the way, it seems patience is still the name of the game.
Michael Weatherly, who plays the fan-favorite Special Agent DiNozzo, recently took to Instagram to drop a cryptic yet symbolic update. In a short video, Weatherly filmed a tortoise slowly crossing a garden path, adding the caption: “Sometimes TV takes a little bit of time.”
That was all it took to stir a mix of excitement, anxiety, and frustration from fans who’ve been holding their breath since Ziva’s shocking return to NCIS in 2019.
“I have literally been waiting 12 years for this reunion. Please tell us something… anything… release date, preview,” one follower pleaded in the comments.
Another vented: “Slowest production ever.”
A third begged: “Tell me it’s not long now.”
Still, some fans embraced the slow burn with optimism. “Taking turtle time, and that’s fine. As long as T&Z finally align!” wrote one commenter. Another echoed the sentiment, saying: “Everything great is worth waiting for in this world. It WILL happen. I have faith in the process.”
Tony & Ziva Are Officially Coming Back in 2025
While the teaser didn’t offer any new footage or a release date, it did confirm what we already know: NCIS: Tony & Ziva is happening, and it’s coming in 2025.
The 10-part Paramount+ limited series wrapped filming earlier this year after an eight-month shoot that spanned multiple European locations, including Budapest. Michael Weatherly and co-star Cote de Pablo, who portrays Ziva David, reunited for the project after last appearing together on-screen over a decade ago.
Their return marks one of the most highly anticipated revivals in the NCIS universe.
What We Know About the Plot So Far
Paramount+ has released an official synopsis, which offers a compelling glimpse into what’s ahead for the beloved characters:
“Tony left the NCIS team to raise his and Ziva’s daughter, Tali. Years later, Ziva was discovered alive and completed one final mission with NCIS before reuniting with Tony and Tali in Paris.
Since then, the couple has been living in relative peace—until Tony’s security company is attacked, forcing the family to go on the run. As they race across Europe to uncover who’s behind the assault, they must also confront their past, rebuild trust, and rediscover what it means to be a family.”
So far, no first-look photos or trailers have been released, keeping details tightly under wraps. But Weatherly and de Pablo have begun teasing what fans can expect from the action-packed series.
Weatherly & de Pablo Reflect on Their Return
The co-stars made a joint appearance last October at MIPCOM in Cannes, where they reflected on the significance of returning to such iconic roles.
“We do a lot of running,” Weatherly said with a laugh, describing the production as “highly physical.”
Cote de Pablo chimed in, calling it “a luxury” to revisit a character after so many years.
The chemistry between them—both on screen and off—was palpable, reminding fans why the Tony and Ziva dynamic continues to be one of the most beloved relationships in NCIS history.
Why the Wait?
Delays around the spin-off’s debut have been attributed to both the ambitious production schedule and Paramount’s 2025 streaming slate. With strikes, global travel, and intricate storytelling, it’s clear that Tony & Ziva is being treated as a prestige offering, not just a quick spin-off.
While that means a longer wait, it also raises expectations for something more cinematic and emotionally resonant than your typical weekly procedural.
The Bottom Line
For now, fans will have to embrace the tortoise pace. But one thing is certain: when NCIS: Tony & Ziva finally drops in 2025, it promises a reunion worth the wait.
