For nearly two decades, NCIS fans have lived and breathed the magnetic, maddening, and utterly unforgettable love story of Anthony DiNozzo and Ziva David. Their chemistry has launched ships, fueled fanfiction, and inspired one of the most passionate fandoms in television history. And now, as NCIS: Tony & Ziva closes out its first thrilling season on Paramount+, the question on everyone’s lips isn’t just about survival — it’s about home.
Could Tony and Ziva be heading back to Washington, D.C.? And could a certain silver-haired legend be waiting there to welcome them?
At New York Comic Con 2025, stars Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo — who also serve as executive producers on the hit spin-off — finally addressed the rumors. Their conversation was equal parts nostalgia, mischief, and heartfelt reflection, and it may have just set the stage for one of the biggest NCIS reunions yet.
From Paris to Pursuit: The Chase That Changed Everything
When Tony & Ziva premiered, it wasn’t just another procedural — it was an emotional rollercoaster. The show picked up years after the couple’s off-screen reunion in Paris, with Ziva trying to complete one final mission before returning to her family. But true to form, fate had other plans.
Their European life soon spirals into chaos, as Tony, Ziva, and their teenage daughter, Tali (played by Isla Gie), find themselves framed for bribing Interpol out of hundreds of millions of dollars. What follows is a high-stakes chase across Europe — part thriller, part family drama, and entirely Tiva.
Yet as the first season races toward its finale on October 23, fans are already looking ahead. Could the next chapter bring Tony and Ziva back to the place where it all began — NCIS headquarters in D.C.?
“You Never Know”: Cote de Pablo Opens the Door to a D.C. Return
Speaking with ScreenRant’s Liam Crowley at NYCC, de Pablo played coy but hopeful when asked if the couple could find themselves back in the States — and maybe even reunited with familiar faces.
“You never know,” she said thoughtfully. “Right now, obviously the show’s taking place in Europe because that’s where Tony and Ziva have made their life. But I have no idea where the story may take them. We’ve joked around — we could be in Asia. We could be exploring different continents. But if the story took us back to Washington… why not?”
The audience erupted with applause at the mention of D.C. — and for good reason. That’s where “Tiva” was born, where Gibbs delivered his iconic head slaps, and where the NCIS family first came together.
“My No. 1 Favorite Thing”: Michael Weatherly on a Gibbs Cameo
Of course, there’s one question every fan wants answered: Will Mark Harmon ever step back into Gibbs’ shoes?
Weatherly didn’t dodge the question — in fact, he leaned right into it with his trademark humor. “So here’s the deal with Mr. Gibbs,” he teased. “He’s got his little giblets out there — his gravy train fans. They wear silver hats, because of the hair, you know. That’s his fan club.”
Then, with a grin, he added, “Mark Harmon would be my No. 1 favorite thing if we could do season 2. If Gibbs just did a fly-by head slap? I’m in for a penny, in for a pound.”
Cue thunderous cheers.
Remembering Ducky: A Touching Tribute to David McCallum
The conversation turned somber — and deeply heartfelt — when Weatherly reflected on the late David McCallum, the beloved actor behind Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard.
When asked about Ducky’s name being left off Tony and Ziva’s wedding guest list, Weatherly smiled wistfully. “That was an error by the writers,” he said with a laugh. “An incomplete list, maybe. But I’ll blame the writers.”
He grew more reflective as he continued: “David McCallum… I loved that man. His is the only autograph I have framed in my office. He gave it to me, and I treasure it still.”
It was a poignant reminder that while the NCIS family continues to grow, it never forgets its roots.
Harmon’s Quiet Influence: The Gibbs Legacy Lives On
Even though Harmon hasn’t appeared on Tony & Ziva — yet — his presence lingers throughout the show. From subtle nods to Gibbs’ rules to whispered mentions of “the boss,” the spirit of Leroy Jethro Gibbs remains alive and well in the hearts of his protégés.
And beyond cameos, Harmon’s role within the franchise continues to expand. He currently narrates and executive produces NCIS: Origins, the hit prequel series that explores Gibbs’ early days in the 1990s. The series returns for season 2 on October 14 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, nestled between NCIS season 23 and NCIS: Sydney season 3.
That strategic scheduling has sparked new speculation — could Tony & Ziva and Origins eventually cross paths? A time-bending tribute? A flash-forward cameo? Stranger things have happened in the NCIS universe.
A Universe in Motion: The Road to Renewal
For now, all eyes are on the Tony & Ziva finale. The Paramount+ original has drawn impressive viewership numbers and a passionate fan response, making a season 2 renewal increasingly likely.
If the show returns, it could open the door for the reunion fans have dreamed about — Tony, Ziva, and Gibbs, back together again. And as Weatherly and de Pablo have made clear, they’re more than ready to welcome their old mentor back into the fold.
“Gibbs is always with us,” Cote said quietly. “In spirit, in legacy… and maybe, one day, in person.”
The Verdict: A Return Worth Waiting For
As the lights dimmed at NYCC, fans couldn’t help but wonder — is the NCIS circle finally closing? Could the prodigal agents return home to D.C., bringing with them a new generation of stories and a reunion years in the making?
If so, it won’t just be another crossover. It’ll be a full-circle moment — the past, present, and future of NCIS converging in one unforgettable homecoming.
Because for Tony and Ziva, home was never just a place.
It was a person.
And maybe, just maybe, that person is waiting in Washington.
