At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, NCIS: Tony & Ziva star Cote de Pablo shared how deeply involved she and Michael Weatherly have been—not just onscreen, but as world-building executive producers. She emphasized that they fought for authenticity, deeply connected with their characters, and brought a real sense of purpose back to Ziva and Tony’s journey. That level of engagement is the kind of creative ownership fans dream of. The Sun+15moviestarhub.com+15Cinemablend+15
Why This Reveal Makes a Strong Case for the Show’s Success
Acting, Producing, Investing
De Pablo wasn’t just returning—she co-developed the series with Weatherly and showrunner John McNamara, ensuring the outcome reflected real Ziva energy, not just a nostalgia grab. TV Insider+1Reddit+1
Fans See Dual Commitment
Reddit fans say it best: knowing both actors advocated for the spinoff and are deeply bonded to their roles gives faith that NCIS: Tony & Ziva won’t be a hollow cash grab but a meaningful continuation. RedditReddit
✅ Clues That Point to a Bright Future
| Clue | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Demo footage and trailer broke franchise records | The trailer amassed over 93 million views, showing serious global interest.Reddit+15Screen Rant+15Screen Rant+15 |
| Acting stars as executive producers | Their real-world leadership suggests authenticity and confidence in the material. WikipediaNarrative Press |
| Showrunner focused on fan & newcomer balance | John McNamara confirmed the series includes a smart intro montage for both longtime fans and newcomers. CinemablendPopCulture.com |
What Fans Are Expecting (and Wanting)
On Reddit, fans expressed gratitude and tempered excitement:
“Gratitude is high and expectations are low… perfect combination”Reddit+12Reddit+12moviestarhub.com+12
“We just really want to see Tony and Ziva together—and I trust they’ll pull it off.” The Sun+15Reddit+15Screen Rant+15
Those comments mirror exactly how people feel about the behind-the-scenes reveal—relieved and hopeful.
How the Spin-Off Is Being Positioned for Success
Thoughtful Storytelling Driven by Experience
Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly are not only reprising their roles—they helped craft emotional stakes, resized to action, espionage, and parenting drama in Europe. Cinemablend+15Narrative Press+15The Sun+15
Strategic Franchise Shift
NCIS: Tony & Ziva is targeting Paramount+, with a 10-episode arc that hints at possible future seasons—but only if the reception is strong. Initial sales and record-breaking trailer numbers suggest that’s likely. CinemablendScreen Rant
Conclusion
That reveal from Cote de Pablo—about her creative investment, her partnership with Weatherly, and the respect they both hold for their characters and fans—is more than encouraging. It’s a signal: NCIS: Tony & Ziva aims to honor legacy andcarve something emotionally honest and fresh. When the actors care this much, the future looks promising.
🙋 FAQs
Q1: What reveal from Cote de Pablo fuels optimism?
She confirmed that she and Weatherly are executive producers deeply involved in the creative direction—insisting on authenticity over nostalgia. EW.com+7PopCulture.com+7ncistiva.com+7
Q2: Who wrote and produced the show?
Showrunner John McNamara leads a team that includes both Weatherly and de Pablo as executive producers, collaborating closely. Reddit+9Wikipedia+9TV Insider+9
Q3: How have fans responded?
Reddit feedback shows a grounded excitement, trusting those involved—from actors to showrunners—to deliver. The Sun+11Reddit+11Reddit+11
Q4: Is the spin-off designed to be accessible to new viewers?
Yes—episode 1 opens with a Tiva montage to bring newcomers up to speed while honoring long-time fans.Cinemablend+1Reddit+1
Q5: Doesn’t the trailer already underline success?
Absolutely—it shattered records as the most-viewed NCIS trailer ever on Paramount+, signaling strong demand and engagement.
