When NCIS first premiered in 2003, no one could have predicted the cultural juggernaut it would become. Spanning more than two decades, multiple spin-offs, and a global fanbase, the show has seen countless agents come and go. Yet for many longtime viewers, the heart of NCIS will always be tied to its original cast—the early years where Gibbs’ team defined loyalty, friendship, and that signature blend of humor and grit.
Now, in a moment that sent the fandom buzzing, two of the last remaining actors from those early days—Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) and Joe Spano (Tobias Fornell)—have reunited in real life, giving fans a rare glimpse of the past colliding with the present.
The pair’s reunion wasn’t staged on set but at a meaningful occasion: show creator Don Bellisario’s 90th birthday celebration. Weatherly shared the candid moment on Instagram, a heartfelt reminder that while some of the original cast may no longer be with us, their legacy remains stronger than ever.
A Bittersweet Reminder of What’s Gone
With the passing of David McCallum in 2023, the absence of Mark Harmon’s Gibbs since Season 19, and the permanent exits of fan-favorites like Sasha Alexander (Kate Todd) and Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto), the chances of a true, on-screen reunion of the founding cast are slim to none. That’s why seeing Weatherly and Spano together feels more than just nostalgic—it feels historic.
Why This Duo Still Matters
Though they belonged to different professional circles within the show—Tony as Gibbs’ quick-witted senior field agent and Fornell as the no-nonsense FBI liaison—their interactions often brought levity and warmth. Spano’s Tobias Fornell wasn’t just an FBI counterpart; he was one of Gibbs’ closest friends, a role that often put him at odds—and occasionally in alliance—with Tony.
While the series has introduced new faces and dynamic partnerships, the DiNozzo-Fornell connection still resonates because it represents the playful yet poignant energy of NCIS’s early seasons.
Where They Are Now
-
Michael Weatherly stepped away from NCIS in Season 13 but has since returned to the franchise in a big way with the upcoming Paramount+ spin-off, NCIS: Tony & Ziva. His recent cameo in the flagship series during Ducky’s farewell episode marked the beginning of his full-circle return.
-
Joe Spano, meanwhile, has never been far from the action. His character continues to pop up in key arcs on the main series, most recently in the landmark 1000th episode that cleverly revisited the very first NCIS case.
Despite their current storylines being separated, their real-life reunion sparks a natural question: could the franchise find a way to bring DiNozzo and Fornell back together on-screen?
Could a Reunion Actually Happen On-Screen?
While no official plans have been announced, the idea isn’t as far-fetched as it seems. With Weatherly once again active in the NCIS universe and Spano’s recurring presence, fans are already dreaming of a crossover moment. A DiNozzo-Fornell reunion could serve as both a tribute to the show’s roots and a gift to fans who have stood by the franchise for over two decades.
Why Nostalgia Still Drives NCIS
At its core, NCIS is more than just a procedural. It’s a character-driven saga about family, trust, and enduring friendships forged in the unlikeliest of places. Seeing Weatherly and Spano together again doesn’t just remind fans of what once was—it underscores why NCIS continues to thrive: because of the bonds that transcend both the screen and real life.
As CBS and Paramount+ continue expanding the NCIS universe, this reunion is a poignant reminder of its foundations. For now, the dream of DiNozzo and Fornell sharing another mission remains just that—a dream. But as NCIS has proven time and again, never say never.
