When it comes to TV’s most iconic slow-burn romances, NCIS fans don’t hesitate to put Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David at the top of the list. Their will-they-won’t-they relationship lit up screens for years, creating a dynamic blend of tension, trust, and undeniable chemistry. But recently, Cote De Pablo — who brought the beloved Ziva to life — shared some candid thoughts that have stirred conversation in the industry.
In a media landscape where intimacy coordinators are becoming a norm, especially for emotional or physical scenes, Cote De Pablo says she never felt the need for one during her time on NCIS. Her reasons are rooted in trust, experience, and a desire to preserve the organic energy that made Tony and Ziva’s relationship so magnetic.
Let’s break it down.
Who Is Cote De Pablo? A Quick Recap
Before we dive into her take on intimacy coordination, here’s a quick refresher. Cote De Pablo joined NCIS in 2005 as Ziva David, a former Mossad operative turned NCIS agent. Her sharp wit, no-nonsense demeanor, and evolving relationship with Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo made her a fan favorite.
After leaving the series in 2013 and making a surprise return in 2019, her presence continues to be celebrated as one of the show’s high points.
What Is an Intimacy Coordinator?
An intimacy coordinator is a trained professional who works on film and TV sets to guide and choreograph scenes involving physical intimacy. Their job is to ensure actors feel safe, respected, and clear on boundaries. It’s a relatively new addition in Hollywood, becoming more widespread post-#MeToo.
For many productions, having an intimacy coordinator is now standard — especially for scenes involving kissing, nudity, or emotionally vulnerable moments.
Cote De Pablo’s Surprising Stance
In a recent interview, Cote De Pablo was asked about the use of intimacy coordinators on NCIS, particularly regarding the romantic tension between Tony and Ziva. Her response? Refreshingly direct.
“We don’t want to be micromanaged,” she said. “Michael [Weatherly] and I had a natural trust and rhythm. We didn’t need someone to choreograph what came naturally.”
Why She Believes They Weren’t Necessary
According to De Pablo, the relationship between her and Weatherly — both personally and professionally — was strong enough to navigate any scene involving physical closeness. She emphasized trust, mutual respect, and years of collaboration as the foundation.
1. Trust Between Co-Stars
De Pablo and Weatherly spent years developing the Tony/Ziva relationship. That kind of chemistry isn’t something you can fake — and certainly not something you can overly control without risking stiffness or awkwardness.
2. Experience and Comfort
Having portrayed their characters for several seasons, the duo had a deep understanding of their roles and boundaries. That level of experience often negates the need for added supervision.
3. Organic Chemistry Over Choreography
Cote argued that choreographing emotionally intimate scenes can make them feel forced. For Tony and Ziva, spontaneity was key. Fans loved the unscripted glances, the subtle touches — things that can get lost when over-directed.
Michael Weatherly’s Perspective
Though Weatherly hasn’t spoken as directly on the issue, he’s long praised the “magic” between Tony and Ziva. He’s hinted in interviews that their scenes were a product of “mutual energy,” which often needed very little outside direction.
Does That Mean Intimacy Coordinators Aren’t Needed?
Not exactly. De Pablo made it clear she wasn’t against intimacy coordinators in general — just that, in her specific case, they weren’t necessary. Every actor and every project is different.
In more complex or vulnerable situations, or when actors are unfamiliar with each other, intimacy coordinators can be vital. They’re a safeguard against discomfort, miscommunication, or even exploitation.
“We Don’t Want To Be Micromanaged” – What She Meant
This quote struck a chord. In her words, De Pablo was advocating for creative freedom, especially when working with a trusted co-star. She believes that over-management can strip away the authenticity of a performance.
Think of it like dancing with a partner you’ve been training with for years — do you really need a coach every time, or can you just feel the rhythm?
How Fans Reacted
Fans were largely supportive of De Pablo’s comments. On social media, many praised the genuine connection between Tony and Ziva and agreed that it never felt forced or awkward. Some even said that the lack of over-direction made their romance feel more real.
Behind the Scenes: Tony & Ziva’s Chemistry
Their relationship wasn’t just about what was written in the script. It was the body language, the tone, the way they looked at each other. That magic, De Pablo suggests, would have been hard to choreograph.
It was lightning in a bottle — and sometimes, you just don’t mess with that.
How the Industry Is Evolving
Today, intimacy coordinators are becoming a standard — and rightfully so. They’re essential for setting healthy boundaries, especially on sets where power dynamics or sensitive subject matter are involved.
But De Pablo’s comments highlight that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about context, collaboration, and mutual respect.
The Power of Communication Between Co-Stars
Ultimately, what made intimacy coordination unnecessary for De Pablo was communication. She and Weatherly discussed scenes, made decisions together, and respected each other’s comfort zones.
That’s the gold standard — whether there’s a coordinator on set or not.
Lessons from Tony & Ziva’s On-Screen Romance
-
Chemistry is built, not manufactured.
-
Trust between co-stars is priceless.
-
Sometimes, less is more when it comes to direction.
-
Audiences can feel when something is authentic.
Conclusion
Cote De Pablo’s recent comments about not needing an intimacy coordinator on NCIS offer a unique perspective in a time when Hollywood is rethinking how it handles vulnerability on screen. Her words remind us that every acting partnership is different — and that sometimes, the most powerful moments come from actors being trusted to do what they do best.
Her connection with Michael Weatherly brought Tony and Ziva to life in a way that didn’t need micromanagement — just chemistry, communication, and a whole lot of trust.
FAQs
Q1: Did Cote De Pablo criticize the use of intimacy coordinators in general?
No. She clarified that in her specific case with Michael Weatherly, one wasn’t needed due to their trust and comfort with each other.
Q2: Are intimacy coordinators still used in current NCIS productions?
While not confirmed, many modern productions adopt them, especially for scenes with new actors or heightened vulnerability.
Q3: What made Tony and Ziva’s relationship so compelling?
The slow burn, unspoken tension, and real chemistry between the actors made their connection feel authentic.
Q4: Is Cote De Pablo returning to NCIS again?
While rumors occasionally circulate, no official announcements have been made as of now.
Q5: What’s Cote De Pablo doing now?
Cote remains active in the entertainment world and continues to make selective appearances while focusing on personal projects.
Thanks for reading! If you found this article insightful, feel free to share it and join the conversation about authenticity, creativity, and trust on set.
