The long-anticipated reunion of Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo has finally arrived with NCIS: Tony & Ziva, and early reactions suggest it’s exactly what fans have been craving. After more than 10 years away from the mothership series, the beloved duo is back—and critics are calling their spinoff a surprisingly strong addition to the franchise.
For longtime NCIS viewers, the exits of Ziva David (Season 11) and Tony DiNozzo (Season 13) left a void the series never fully recovered from. Their onscreen chemistry and complicated romance turned “Tiva” into one of TV’s most talked-about partnerships. So when Paramount+ announced they’d be headlining their own series, expectations skyrocketed.
So far, the response has been glowing. Collider’s Jasneet Singh called it “the perfect way to tell Tony and Ziva’s story,” acknowledging that while the European setting is a shift from the NCIS norm, it feels “promising.” Fangirlish critic Lissete Lanuza Sáenz agreed, writing: “If you felt like NCIS stopped being your NCIS after Tony and Ziva left, then this is 100% the show for you.” Awards Buzz’s Abe Friedtanzer went even further, praising it as a show that “succeeds wondrously in resurrecting two fan favorite characters and giving them a new playground.”
A Fresh Start Across Europe
Premiering September 4 with a three-episode drop, NCIS: Tony & Ziva follows the pair as they go on the run across Europe while co-parenting their daughter. The series opens with Tony and Ziva not romantically linked, but the sparks—and missed chances—are undeniably there. Between dodging their pursuers and navigating family dynamics, the show blends high-stakes action with the emotional push-and-pull fans have been waiting years to see play out.
The Franchise Boost NCIS Needed
While the NCIS brand remains a juggernaut, recent years have seen fan frustration over spinoff cancellations. The record-breaking trailer views for Tony & Ziva suggest this installment may inject fresh life into the franchise. If the early reviews and fan enthusiasm are any indication, Paramount+ may have just struck gold with the perfect balance of nostalgia, action, and character-driven storytelling.
