Cote de Pablo, known for her portrayal of Special Agent Ziva David on the long-running CBS drama NCIS, made headlines when she departed the series in 2013 after eight seasons. Her exit left both fans and colleagues shocked, sparking widespread speculation about the reasons behind her departure. In subsequent interviews, de Pablo clarified that her decision to leave was personal, primarily revolving around concerns with her character’s direction. As she explained, “I didn’t really have an option; they wanted to send [Ziva] back to Israel and make her an unhappy, miserable woman. I didn’t think it was fair.” De Pablo emphasized her affection for the role and the cast, but felt strongly about maintaining integrity for Ziva’s storyline. The absence of Ziva David was deeply felt by the fanbase and the NCIS cast, particularly Michael Weatherly, who played Tony DiNozzo, Ziva’s love interest on the show. The chemistry between their characters was a central element of the series, and her departure left a noticeable gap. Six years later, in 2019, de Pablo stunned audiences by making a surprise return at the end of Season 16, and her role was later expanded in Season 17. When asked about her return, de Pablo cited the strength and authenticity of the creative storyline as a major factor. Executive producers had pitched a story arc that allowed Ziva’s character to return in a way that aligned with her legacy and honored her journey. “They were able to justify a very, very strong reason for Ziva to be alive,” de Pablo explained in interviews, referencing the show’s carefully crafted explanation that Ziva had faked her death to protect her family.
Fans reacted with enthusiasm to de Pablo’s brief yet impactful return, with many expressing appreciation for the opportunity to see closure—and new beginnings—for one of NCIS’s most compelling characters. Her reappearance allowed for emotional reunions with original characters and addressed lingering storylines, reinforcing Ziva’s enduring impact on the series. Cote de Pablo’s journey with NCIS is a reflection of both creative integrity and a deep connection with her character, demonstrating the power of storytelling and fan devotion in shaping the course of a beloved television series.
