Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly reunite to raise Tali — and raise eyebrows — in the most surprising NCIS chapter yet
By Ahad Sanwari | Senior Writer | New York
Move over, NCIS — the franchise’s most beloved duo is back, and they’re not playing it safe. With the long-awaited NCIS: Tony & Ziva set to premiere on September 4 on Paramount+, fans can finally look forward to new adventures starring Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo as the iconic pair navigate love, espionage, and parenthood in Europe.
But this time, there’s a twist even die-hard “Tiva” fans didn’t see coming: the new spinoff has earned a TV-MA rating — a first in NCIS history.
A Family Affair… With a Gritty Edge
Set primarily in Paris, the series follows Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David as they try to raise their daughter Tali (played by Isla Gie) while staying ahead of dangerous forces from their past. The show promises to explore what creators are calling an “unconventional love story” — and it seems the tone will be just as unconventional.
While NCIS and its various spinoffs (LA, Hawai’i, Sydney) have stuck with PG-13 ratings, Tony & Ziva takes things further. The TV-MA tag has sparked speculation online — is it because of more violence? Intimacy? Language?
According to TVLine, fans can expect “more graphic language,” particularly from a more unfiltered Ziva. As they teased:
“You may not realize how much you needed to hear a ticked-off Ziva swear.”
Tali: The Ultimate Matchmaker?
At San Diego Comic-Con, Paramount+ pulled back the curtain on the show with a highly stylized photo op, filled with cheeky Easter eggs. One drawing referenced The Parent Trap, prompting fans to speculate that Tali herself may play a role in rekindling her parents’ long-lost romance.
A sign reading “We Were On a Break” — a clear Friends callback — sparked further hope. As one fan posted:
“If Ross and Rachel got their happy ending, Tony and Ziva will too.”
Inside the Return of TV’s Most Missed Couple
It’s been over a decade since fans saw Tony and Ziva together on-screen. Their return is already being hailed as a small-screen event. Weatherly and de Pablo, who also serve as executive producers, shared in a joint statement:
“Returning to these roles together on screen after more than a decade has been an unforgettable journey packed with lies, spies, danger, desire… and self-driving murder cars.”
“This is one wild ride you won’t want to miss. As they say in Paris: Accrochez-vous bien — hold on tight!”
The cast also includes Amita Suman, Maximilian Osinski, Lara Rossi, Nassima Benchicou, Terence Maynard, Julian Ovenden, and James D’Arcy.
Why This Spin-Off Is Different — And Why It Could Be the Best Yet
Beyond the grit and globe-trotting adventure, Tony & Ziva promises something deeper: closure. Romance. A second chance. And perhaps the most emotional evolution of any NCIS characters to date.
“This isn’t just fan service,” a source close to production shared. “It’s a story about love under pressure, healing from trauma, and building something lasting after years apart.”
With high-stakes action, a more grounded tone, and a fearless new format, Tony & Ziva could very well redefine what an NCIS spin-off looks like.
NCIS: Tony & Ziva premieres September 4 exclusively on Paramount+.
Pack your bags — and your heart — for Paris.
