Farewell, Mark Harmon: The “soul” of the NCIS series passes away at age 45 md20

Thanks to CBS’ new announcement, it just paved the way for Tony & Ziva to return in NCIS season 23. As the summer hiatus period winds down, network shows are now starting to restart their productions in preparation for the upcoming TV cycle.

After the cancelation of its beloved spinoffs, the NCIS franchise is looking at a major year thanks to its first foray into streaming. Unlike other offshoots, NCIS: Tony & Ziva will be on Paramount+ instead of CBS. The much-anticipated comeback project for Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo will reunite the fan-favorite couple separate from the MCRT.

NCIS Season 23’s Schedule Perfectly Lines Up For A Tony & Ziva Return To The Flasghip

It’s The Perfect Ending For Tony & Ziva’s Spinoff

As production for NCIS season 23 kicks off, CBS confirms when exactly the long-running police procedural will return with new episodes. In line with the previous decision to move it from Monday to Tuesday nights, NCIS season 23 is now set to premiere on October 14 at 8 pm ET. Somehow, the release date is a little later than usual.

Understandably, there’s disappointment that the wait to learn what’s next after the NCIS season 22 finale is a bit longer. That said, pushing the show’s return to mid-October sets up the perfect narrative opportunity for it to crossover with NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which would already have been at the tail end of its season 1 run by then.

Saving the crossover with NCIS, or at least Tony & Ziva’s return to Navy Yard at the end of the spinoff’s run allows it to establish its own identity first before tapping into the advantages of being a part of a bigger universe. The schedule offers a two-episode overlap, which is enough time to craft the perfect story for a nostalgic reunion.

Why NCIS Needs A Crossover Episode With Tony & Ziva’s Spinoff

It’s Beneficial For Both Show

Any kind of crossover between NCIS season 23 and NCIS: Tony & Ziva is a win for those who miss its golden years. However, it also has its benefits for both shows. For Tony and Ziva’s spinoff, it’s a chance to bring in more viewers who may not know that they have a reunion project simply because it’s on streaming.

On the flip side, NCIS season 23 can use some nostalgia to revive the enthusiasm for the show. Unfortunately, NCIS season 22 was plagued with narrative issues, primarily the lack of any stakes. The finale set up a darker future with the murder of Parker’s dad, but it wouldn’t hurt to tap into its long history to rejuvenate its base.

Ideally, Tony and Ziva should return to the bullpen in NCIS season 23. While both of them have come back to Navy Yard, they haven’t done it together. Seeing them standing in the very same room where they spent years getting to know each other, and with Tali with them, would be the perfect cap-off to their return to the small screen.