Here’s the full story behind what Cote de Pablo said “no” to when returning to NCIS for the highly anticipated Tony & Ziva spin-off with Michael Weatherly — and why fans are praising her for it:
🎬 Cote de Pablo Turned Down an Intimacy Coordinator for the Tony & Ziva Spin-Off
In a recent interview, Cote de Pablo revealed that when she was asked whether she wanted an intimacy coordinator for scenes involving her character Ziva David and Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo, she gave a clear and confident response:
“I said, ‘I don’t need one. Thank you for offering.'”
— Cote de Pablo (Source: TV Insider / Entertainment Weekly)
🤝 Why She Said No: It All Comes Down to Trust
De Pablo explained that after working with Michael Weatherly for nearly a decade on NCIS, the two have built a deep professional trust and strong personal friendship. That level of connection gave her full confidence in approaching any intimate or emotional scenes with complete comfort and mutual respect.
“It’s Michael, and we have this bond that goes beyond performance.”
— Cote de Pablo
Weatherly backed her up 100%, saying simply:
“Whatever Cote wants.”
💡 What Is an Intimacy Coordinator and Why Does It Matter?
In recent years, especially post-#MeToo, intimacy coordinators have become a standard part of TV and film production to ensure actors feel safe during emotionally or physically intimate scenes. They’re trained professionals who help choreograph and communicate consent during filming.
But in this case, Cote and Michael chose to rely on their longstanding connection rather than bring a third party into the process.
🎥 Flashback to Early Tiva: They’ve Done This Before
This isn’t the first time Tony and Ziva shared intimate scenes. Fans still remember “Under Covers” from Season 3, where the characters pretended to be a couple—sparking instant chemistry that evolved into one of NCIS‘s most beloved slow-burn romances.
They handled those early moments with subtlety, nuance, and off-the-charts tension. So now, nearly 20 years later, they’re just picking up where they left off—with more maturity and emotional depth.
📺 What This Means for ‘Tony & Ziva’
This creative decision is also a signal: Tony & Ziva won’t be just a generic action spin-off. It’s going to dig deep into their relationship—past pain, unresolved tension, and yes, romance. And that romance will be handled with authenticity, not choreographed formality.
🗓 Quick Recap: What We Know About the Spin-Off
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Title: NCIS: Tony & Ziva
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Release Date: September 4, 2025 on Paramount+
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Premise: Tony and Ziva reunite in Paris to co-parent their daughter Tali and go on the run after Tony’s security firm is attacked.
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Episodes: First three episodes drop on premiere day, with weekly releases after.
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Tone: A mix of spy thriller, romance, and emotional character drama.
✅ Final Thoughts
Cote de Pablo’s decision to decline an intimacy coordinator highlights her confidence, her bond with Michael Weatherly, and her deep understanding of the characters. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the strongest on-screen connections are built on years of real trust.
Fans have waited a long time to see Tony and Ziva together again. And by the sound of it, they’re coming back stronger, more honest, and more emotionally raw than ever.
