A younger version of a huge character will be making their debut in NCIS: Origins season 2. The first prequel in the NCIS franchise revolves around the younger years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, with Mark Harmon returning to narrate and executive produce, as Austin Stowell takes over the role on-camera. NCIS: Origins season 2 recently debuted, continuing to explore Gibbs’ journey in the early 1990s.
The prequel also features a younger version of Gibbs’ mentor, Mike Franks, who is played by Kyle Schmid. The coming episodes will likewise welcome back Adam Campbell, reprising his NCIS role as Young Ducky for a special episode that will serve as a tribute to the late actor David McCallum.
Speaking with Matt’s Inside Line, co-showrunner and executive producer David J. North revealed that there will be “one huge character” introduced in season 2 that “everyone will be excited about.” North, who serves as showrunner with Gina Lucita Monreal, cautioned that the team behind the series is still adjusting things depending on whether or not the prequel is renewed: “We’re still playing with what stories we want to tell and anticipating, if we were to get a season 3, holding things.”
With an NCIS: Origins cast that includes Mariel Molino, Tyla Abercrumbie, Diany Rodriguez, and Caleb Foote, the spinoff has been largely content to surround Gibbs’ with new characters that were not mentioned in the original series. Lala (played by Molino), for instance, is positioned as a potential love interest for Gibbs. A big mystery relates to why her character is never brought up in the main show.
For decades, NCIS has been a cornerstone of television crime dramas, captivating audiences with thrilling cases, heartfelt teamwork, and unforgettable characters. Now, in a move that’s sending shockwaves through the fandom, one of the original NCIS characters is officially making a spinoff debut this season — and fans can’t stop talking about it.
The Big Reveal: Who’s Returning to the NCIS Universe?
After years of speculation, CBS has finally confirmed it — Special Agent Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo, portrayed by Michael Weatherly, is making his long-awaited return to the NCIS universe. But this time, he’s not just visiting. He’s leading his very own spinoff series that promises a mix of nostalgia, action, and fresh intrigue.
Tony DiNozzo’s Return: What We Know So Far
Tony’s return marks one of the most anticipated moments in NCIS history. Ever since his emotional exit in Season 13, fans have been eager to see what became of DiNozzo and his daughter, Tali, after leaving to raise her in Paris.
Now, CBS is giving fans exactly what they’ve been waiting for — with a spinoff that will follow Tony’s life in Europe, balancing fatherhood, international crime-solving, and perhaps even reconnecting with his old team.
The Spinoff’s Official Synopsis
According to insider reports, the new NCIS spinoff will pick up several years after DiNozzo’s NCIS departure. Living a quiet life abroad, Tony is unexpectedly drawn back into the world of espionage when an old NCIS case resurfaces — one that threatens both his family and the international intelligence community.
The show promises high-stakes drama, emotional storytelling, and, of course, DiNozzo’s signature humor and charm.
Michael Weatherly’s Comeback: Why It Matters
Michael Weatherly’s return is more than just another TV comeback — it’s a full-circle moment for NCIS fans. His chemistry with the team, especially with Gibbs and Ziva, was the heart of the original series. Weatherly’s charismatic performance helped define NCIS’s golden era, and his comeback reignites that same spark.
For longtime fans, seeing DiNozzo back in action feels like a reunion with an old friend — the kind of character who made you laugh one second and tear up the next.
Connection to Ziva David: Will She Appear?
Of course, one burning question remains: Will Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) join Tony in this new series?
While CBS hasn’t officially confirmed her appearance, sources close to production suggest that Ziva will at least make cameo appearances — and potentially play a recurring role if the series is renewed.
Given their powerful on-screen chemistry and fan demand for closure, a “Tiva” reunion feels almost inevitable.
A New Direction for the NCIS Franchise
This spinoff marks a significant shift for the NCIS franchise, which has already expanded into multiple territories like NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawai’i, and the prequel NCIS: Origins.
Unlike its predecessors, however, this new series will explore international settings, with production rumored to film across Europe — from Paris to London and beyond. It’s NCIS like you’ve never seen it before: global, gritty, and deeply personal.
The Showrunner’s Vision: Blending Past and Present
Showrunner Steven D. Binder revealed that the goal is to bridge nostalgia with modern storytelling. “This isn’t just about bringing Tony back,” he explained. “It’s about showing how life, loss, and fatherhood have changed him — while keeping the spirit of NCIS alive.”
Expect the series to include Easter eggs, references to Gibbs, McGee, Abby, and others, giving fans a true sense of connection to the larger NCIS world.
What Makes This Spinoff Different
Unlike previous spinoffs, this series focuses on a character-driven narrative rather than a new team setup. It’s a personal story about resilience, legacy, and redemption — all through the lens of one of NCIS’s most beloved characters.
This bold direction ensures both new and longtime fans can jump in easily, making it one of the most accessible and emotionally rich NCIS projects to date.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Erupts
The moment the announcement dropped, social media went wild. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and TikTok with emotional reactions:
“Tony DiNozzo is BACK?! This is not a drill. I’ve waited a decade for this!”
“If Ziva shows up too, I’m done. This will be the best NCIS moment ever.”
The fandom’s excitement has been so intense that the announcement post on CBS’s official Instagram page broke engagement records within hours.
Will Gibbs Make a Cameo?
Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs remains a cornerstone of the NCIS legacy. While Harmon has stepped back from the main series, sources close to production hint that Gibbs might appear in flashbacks or a guest role.
Binder teased fans with a sly comment: “Let’s just say Tony still has a few old friends who keep in touch.”
How This Affects the NCIS Timeline
With NCIS: Origins focusing on a young Gibbs in the 1990s and the main NCIS series continuing its 22nd season, the Tony spinoff offers a parallel storyline, expanding the NCIS universe rather than replacing anything.
Fans can expect subtle timeline connections, crossovers, and references to ongoing cases — making it a fully integrated part of the NCIS canon.
A Look at the Cast and Crew
While Michael Weatherly headlines the show, rumors suggest a few familiar faces could join him. Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) and Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) are reportedly in talks for special appearances.
Behind the scenes, longtime NCIS veterans are returning to ensure continuity — including composers, writers, and producers who worked with Weatherly during his original run.
When and Where to Watch
The series is slated to premiere mid-season 2025 on Paramount+, with the first two episodes simulcast on CBS. Streaming exclusivity on Paramount+ means fans can binge-watch, replay, and catch behind-the-scenes extras immediately after launch.
The Legacy Continues
With more than two decades of storytelling, NCIS has proven that good characters never truly fade away. Tony DiNozzo’s spinoff symbolizes the perfect blend of legacy and reinvention, ensuring that the NCIS brand stays fresh, relevant, and emotionally engaging.
Final Thoughts
The return of Tony DiNozzo isn’t just another television event — it’s a love letter to longtime fans. By reuniting audiences with a familiar face while charting new emotional territory, the upcoming NCIS spinoff promises to be both nostalgic and groundbreaking.
As one fan perfectly put it, “We didn’t just miss Tony. We missed the heart he brought to NCIS. And now, that heart is back.”
