Summary (tl;dr)

Michael Weatherly is confirmed to return to the long-running CBS series NCIS for its 24th season, reprising his fan-favorite role as Special Agent Tony DiNozzo in a season-long arc, sparking significant fan excitement.

Essential Background

Michael Weatherly starred as "Very" Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo for 13 seasons on NCIS, from its inception in 2003 until his departure in 2016. His character left the Naval Criminal Investigative Service to care for his daughter, Tali, after the presumed death of Ziva David, his former partner and mother of his child. Weatherly later reprised the role for a brief cameo in Season 21's tribute episode to David McCallum (who played Ducky Mallard) and, more recently, co-starred with Cote de Pablo in the Paramount+ spin-off NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which was canceled after one season.

The Full Story

Fans are buzzing as Michael Weatherly is officially set to return to NCIS for its 24th season in a season-long story arc. The new season is slated to premiere on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, on CBS and will be available for streaming on Paramount+. Weatherly's character, Tony DiNozzo, will be back in Washington, D.C., expanding his private security company, Salus Mondiale, and will become involved in a case that brings him back into the NCIS universe. Early behind-the-scenes glimpses have shown Weatherly on set, further fueling anticipation, and the showrunners have indicated his storyline will acknowledge the events of the Tony & Ziva spin-off, ensuring continuity for fans.

Why It Matters

Michael Weatherly's return as Tony DiNozzo is a significant event for NCIS fans, as he was an original and beloved cast member whose departure in 2016 left a void. His character's wit, charm, and long-standing "will-they-won't-they" dynamic with Ziva David were central to the show's early success. The season-long arc suggests a substantial storyline, not just a cameo, allowing for deeper exploration of his character's evolution and interactions with both returning and new team members. This comeback is expected to boost viewership and reignite interest among long-time fans, especially following the cancellation of the Tony & Ziva spin-off, providing a new chapter for one of the franchise's most iconic characters.

Geographic Location

• Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (primary setting for the NCIS Major Case Response Team and where Tony DiNozzo returns to work)
• Virtual/Online (broadcast of NCIS Season 24 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+)