For over a decade, Michael Weatherly brought charm, wit, and heart to NCIS as Special Agent Tony DiNozzo. But when he said goodbye to the series in Season 13, it wasn’t just the end of a character arc — it was the end of a family.
Weatherly, one of the show’s original stars, had been with NCIS since its pilot in 2003. His dynamic with Mark Harmon’s Gibbs, his playful rivalry with McGee, and — of course — his unforgettable chemistry with Ziva David made him a fan favorite. But when the cameras stopped rolling on his final episode, Weatherly couldn’t hold back the tears.
“I wasn’t just saying goodbye to Tony,” he said in an interview. “I was saying goodbye to a family I grew up with.”
Behind the Scenes: One Final Hug
Photos from Weatherly’s last day on set show something rare in long-running TV: genuine love. Cast members, crew, and producers surrounded him with hugs and laughter — and more than a few tears. Among those there was Pauley Perrette, who played Abby Sciuto for 15 seasons and shared a close off-screen friendship with Weatherly.
“Losing Tony felt like losing a piece of NCIS’s heart,” Perrette shared.
The End of an Era
Tony DiNozzo’s exit marked the end of an era for NCIS — one defined by camaraderie, humor, and emotional storytelling. While Weatherly would go on to lead the CBS legal drama Bull, fans never stopped hoping for a reunion… especially with Ziva.
Years later, the love for DiNozzo hasn’t faded. With the announcement of a new Tony & Ziva spin-off series in the works, fans are finally getting what they’ve long wished for — a return to that beloved character, and the heart he brought to the show.
More Than Just a Show
For many viewers, NCIS was more than weekly crime-solving. It was comfort. It was connection. And Michael Weatherly’s departure — with tears, laughter, and long embraces — was a reminder that behind every great TV show is something real.
