When it comes to slow-burn TV romances, Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David from NCIS were a masterclass in unresolved tension. For years, fans were left hanging on every sideways glance, every veiled comment, every time one of them almost said what we all knew they felt.
And now, with the announcement of their upcoming Paramount+ spinoff, we’re finally (finally!) getting more of this iconic duo. But before we dive into their new adventures, let’s take a look back at every single time Tony and Ziva should have just gotten together already. Warning: This might stir up some long-buried emotions.
🔍 Why Tony & Ziva’s Relationship Was So Iconic
Let’s face it—NCIS isn’t a romance show. But Tony and Ziva? They brought the heat. Their chemistry wasn’t just good—it was electric. You couldn’t look away when they were in a scene together. The problem? They never fully crossed that line… until it was too late.
🔥 Season 3: Sparks Fly From The Start
– The Introduction of Ziva David
Ziva shows up after Kate’s death, and from the moment she appears, Tony is intrigued. She’s smart, mysterious, deadly—and absolutely not interested in his charm.
– The “Chemistry Test” That Turned Into A Masterclass
The writers didn’t need to force anything. Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo just clicked. It felt real, right from the jump. Remember that scene where Ziva calls Tony “Very Special Agent DiNozzo” with a teasing smile? Yeah, we do too.
💥 Season 4: Undercover & Over the Line
– “Under Covers”: The Game-Changer
They had to go undercover as a married couple. If you were watching and didn’t yell “Just kiss already!” at your screen, you might want to check your pulse.
– The Bed Scene That Broke The Internet
Tony and Ziva, rolling around in bed, flirting, whispering—pretending (but maybe not?) to be lovers. Even Gibbs looked like he was thinking, “These two need to get a room.”
😳 Season 5: The Jealousy Begins
– Enter Jeanne Benoit
Tony’s real relationship with Jeanne starts to mess with his dynamic with Ziva. You could see the jealousy in Ziva’s eyes. She played it cool, but she wasn’t fooling anyone.
– “You’re In Love With Her?” – A Dagger To The Heart
The moment Ziva confronts Tony about Jeanne was one of the most emotionally raw scenes they ever had. Ziva’s voice cracks. Tony looks crushed. They both knew what wasn’t being said.
🩸 Season 6: Betrayals & Breakdowns
– The Rivkin Saga
Ziva’s “friend” (and maybe more) from Mossad, Michael Rivkin, adds major tension. Tony’s not just jealous—he’s suspicious. And when Tony kills Rivkin? It rips them apart.
– “You Killed Him, Tony!”
Ziva’s heartbreak was more than grief—it was betrayal. But if you read between the lines, it was because she cared so deeply for Tony that this cut so deep.
💔 Season 7: Rebuilding Trust
– Somalia & “Aliyah” Aftermath
Ziva is captured and tortured. Tony goes to hell and back to bring her home. And when she comes back to the team? She thanks him—not Gibbs—for saving her.
– “You Had My Back”
That simple line carried a mountain of emotion. Ziva finally let her guard down. She was safe, not just at NCIS, but with Tony.
💞 Season 8-9: Teasing, Flirting & Dancing Around It
– The Elevator Scene
In “A Desperate Man,” they’re stuck in an elevator during a power outage. The sexual tension? Palpable. If you told me this scene was filmed on the surface of the sun, I’d believe you.
– Tony’s Heart-to-Heart
Tony tells Ziva she deserves to be loved—really loved. His voice breaks, and you know he’s talking about himself.
🇮🇱 Season 10: Ziva’s Family, Tony’s Loyalty
– Ziva’s Father Dies
When Ziva loses her father, Tony doesn’t leave her side. Not once. He even travels to Israel to support her.
– “I Just Need To Go Home”
Ziva says it, and Tony knows she doesn’t mean Tel Aviv—she means him. But she leaves, and he lets her go. Ouch.
😢 Season 11: Ziva’s Departure
– The Farewell Scene
Tony flies all the way to Israel. He tells her he wants her. They kiss. And then… she stays behind. The fans? Left screaming into the void.
– “You Are So Loved”
Tony’s last words to Ziva? A whispered reminder that she’s loved. That he loves her. If that didn’t hit you like a truck, you weren’t paying attention.
👶 Season 13: Surprise! They Have A Daughter
– Meet Tali DiNozzo
Ziva is presumed dead. But she left behind a daughter—Tony’s daughter. That revelation? Earth-shattering. All those years of “will-they-won’t-they”? They did—and we just didn’t get to see it.
🔁 Season 17: Ziva’s Back… But Not With Tony
– “We’ll Be Together Again”
Ziva returns from the dead (well, kind of). But she’s not with Tony. They talk over the phone. It’s bittersweet. You can feelthe love. But it’s still not what we wanted.
📺 Now: The Paramount+ Spinoff Is Our Last Shot
– What We Know About The Spinoff
Titled NCIS: Tony & Ziva, the show will follow them on the run across Europe with their daughter. And finally—finally—we’ll get to see them as a couple.
– Will They Finally Get Their Happy Ending?
If CBS and Paramount+ know what’s good for them? Yes. The fans have waited too long. This isn’t just about fan service—it’s about giving two beloved characters the closure they’ve earned.
🧠 Why We Were So Invested In The First Place
Tony and Ziva were never perfect. They were messy, stubborn, emotional. But that’s why we loved them. Their relationship felt real—like two people trying to figure it out in a complicated world.
They didn’t need candlelight dinners or cheesy declarations. Just a look across the bullpen said more than words ever could.
❤️ The Bottom Line: They Were Endgame All Along
Every season was filled with moments that screamed “just get together already!” But maybe it was the wait—the slow burn—that made their story unforgettable.
Now, with the spinoff, we get a chance to watch them finally be together. And honestly? It’s about time.
Conclusion
Tony and Ziva weren’t just another “will-they-won’t-they” couple. They were a beautifully crafted love story, told in whispers, glances, and sacrifices. Over a decade of missed chances and almosts. But even though it took years, even though it drove fans wild, there’s something satisfying about knowing that they always found their way back to each other.
The upcoming Paramount+ spinoff is more than a continuation—it’s a second chance. Not just for Tony and Ziva, but for all of us who watched their journey unfold and whispered, “Just kiss already.”
FAQs
1. What is the new Tony and Ziva spinoff called?
It’s tentatively titled NCIS: Tony & Ziva, and it’ll premiere on Paramount+. It follows them and their daughter on a new adventure across Europe.
2. Did Tony and Ziva ever officially date on NCIS?
While they never had an on-screen relationship, it’s confirmed that they were romantically involved off-screen before Ziva’s disappearance and that they had a child together.
