For over two decades, NCIS fans have watched as Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David fell in and out of love, welcomed a child, said goodbye to each other, and then reunited – and they still have yet to find their happily ever after. But off-screen actors Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are best of friends, and nowhere was that chemistry more clear than at New York Comic Con on October 9, 2025 when they spoke to fans about the return of Tony and Ziva in the hit Paramount+ series NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
A sequel spin-off to CBS’ long-running series, it follows Tony and former partner Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) as they live their lives raising their teen daughter in Paris, France. Of course, things are never that easy for former agents on TV, and the two quickly find themselves being chased across Europe as they stand accused of bribing Interpol out of hundreds of millions of dollars.
It sees the pair reunite for the first time in six years; Cote left NCIS in 2013 in season 11, and Michael followed in 2015 during season 13; viewers learned at that time that Ziva, who had moved to Israel, was presumed dead after an attack on her farmhouse – and that she had kept her daughter with Tony a secret. Tony then left the NCIS organization to raise the young girl, but in 2019 both returned to NCIS for an episode arc that revealed Ziva was alive, and they reunited off-screen in Paris.
At the panel, hosted by Damien Holbrook, it was clear these two have remained friends throughout the years; from Michael’s gentlemanly behavior towards Cote, their playfighting, the sweet words they have for each other, and even their jokes, it’s proof that chemistry is not just on camera.
You remember Tony and Ziva, right? Those two had a magnetism that didn’t just exist on screen — it crackled in public appearances too, especially during NCIS panels. If you ever doubted that Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo shared something beyond scripted lines, these six must-read moments will erase your doubts. Let’s dive into the sparks, the smiles, and the subtle signs they couldn’t hide.
Why Their Panel Interactions Matter to Fans
Beyond the Screen — real-life rapport
When actors interact off the set, fans get a peek behind the curtain. Weatherly and de Pablo’s public banter confirms what many suspected: their on-screen love translated into a genuine connection.
Building nostalgia and fan loyalty
Every time they exchanged a witty glance at a convention or panel, it reignited the Tony × Ziva fandom. Those moments weren’t just cute — they fueled a lifelong passion.
Moment #1 — The “I Can’t Let That Go” Exchange
Setup — a question about their characters’ dynamic
In one panel, a fan asked whether Tony ever “let Ziva go” emotionally. The question was straightforward, but the response was electric.
How it played out on stage
Michael interrupted the moderator, “No, I can’t let that go,” with a grin. Cote leaned in, teasing, “Stop trying to answer for me.” The air shifted. Everyone laughed — but the underlying tension was unmistakable.
Why this moment resonates
This wasn’t just playful banter. It showed they could push each other’s buttons, provoke a reaction, and still laugh together. That’s chemistry.
Moment #2 — The Mirrored Glance When Asked about Future Projects
The question — any chance of a Tony × Ziva reunion?
At a later panel, someone asked if they’d ever return to a joint project. The room grew quiet.
Their instantaneous reaction
They turned to one another — same split-second glance. Eyes locked. Michael’s lips quirked up; Cote’s brow rose. They didn’t answer immediately; they just looked at each other like the moment was bigger than the question.
What that glance conveyed
In that silence, fans read pages of longing, mutual respect, and unspoken potential. A glance that says more than words ever could.
Moment #3 — Teasing Each Other About Embarrassing Scenes
The moderator’s bait — recalling awkward moments
During a “behind the scenes” round, someone brought up a flubbed line or goofy shot.
Their mutual jabs
Cote teased Michael about messing up his line in one episode. He shot back, “Well, you weren’t perfect either.” They turned to the audience and laughed, mouths full, eyes crinkled. No defensiveness — just connection.
Why it demonstrates chemistry
They could rib each other openly, show vulnerability, and maintain closeness. That kind of ease = real bond.
Moment #4 — The Reveal of Shared Memories
A fan asks for the most memorable moment
When asked their fondest memory together, you’d expect generic answers. But their reply was coordinated.
Their dual recollection
They named the same day — a location shoot in Morocco. Michael started, “I remember…” Cote followed, “Exactly that day…” They recalled details in sync: the weather, the crackling radio, the small mishap with equipment. They bounced off each other’s words.
Why that memory matters
It shows shared history — they lived through moments, not just lines. That deep shared context is a hallmark of real chemistry.
Moment #5 — The Protective Gesture
A tough question on criticism or conflict
When asked if either ever felt overshadowed or criticized, tension rose.
The gesture speaks louder
Cote answered thoughtfully. As she finished, Michael placed a hand on hers — a brief but firm protective gesture. Their eyes met, the moment passed, but the energy remained charged.
Why gestures matter
Words can be rehearsed. Body language cannot. That protective instinct, publicly displayed, says “I’ve got your back.”
Moment #6 — The Farewell Signoff
Closing the panel — final thoughts
At the end of a long Q&A, they were asked to share one message with fans.
What they said (and how they said it)
Michael leaned forward, “Thank you — no, really thank you all for keeping us alive with your love.” Cote added, “We’re grateful — always.” They turned to each other — Michael giving her a soft look, Cote smiling back. Then Michael clasped both of her hands and gave a little squeeze. The crowd erupted.
Why endings matter
Final moments linger in memory more than anything. That unified signoff — tactile, shared — left fans swooning.
What All These Moments Reveal About Their Chemistry
The layering of voice, look, and touch
It wasn’t just one type of interaction — they used words, glances, gestures. That multidimensional connection is rare.
Mutual respect and playful challenge
They weren’t sycophantic with each other. They teased. They challenged. That equals balance and equality — and deep affinity.
Shared history as emotional glue
They collected memories. Those shared diaries of experience strengthen bonds in ways that mere scripts can’t.
Why Fans Still Care Today
Tony and Ziva as a gold standard in fandom
Their relationship became iconic in the fandom world — complex, flawed, resonant.
The hunger for closure and reconnection
Years later, these panel moments still galvanize fans hoping for reunion specials, one-off crossovers, or even just new interviews.
Social media echoes every glance
Every panel clip is dissected on TikTok, Twitter, forums. Each glance becomes a meme. Each handshake, a scene.
How to Watch for Subtle Chemistry in Panels (Your Fan Radar Guide)
Eyes that linger a moment too long
When someone holds a gaze fractionally longer than a social norm — that’s a red flag (in a good way) for potential chemistry.
Off-script interjections
When one jumps in to finish or correct the other — it shows closeness beyond formal roles.
Touch that isn’t forced
Light brushes of hands, proactive gestures of care — not staged but spontaneous — those matter.
Shared jokes or callbacks
Inside jokes or references to mutual past events show they’ve built a language together.
Silence that speaks volumes
A well-timed pause between them is just as telling as a long speech.
Bonus: Other Panels You Should Rewatch
Comic-Con 2013 (San Diego)
That was one of their most electric appearances — the laughs, the glances, the interplay.
PaleyFest 2015
When questions dug into emotional arcs, their exchange got rawer and more revealing.
Virtual Panel During Reunion Speculation (2020s)
In a digital setting, even minimal cues — facial expressions, eye contact — magnified their chemistry.
Final Thoughts — The Chemistry Transcends Script
Watching these six moments, it becomes clear: the magic between Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo wasn’t just acting. It was real. Their banter, hesitation, laughter, touches — they all live beyond the character personas. For fans, those panel moments reaffirm what the show gave us: a connection that felt lived-in, authentic, and unforgettable.
