Few couples in TV history have had the slow-burn chemistry of Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David. From subtle flirtation to heart-wrenching goodbyes, their romance unfolded over seasons, and fans couldn’t get enough. Whether it was banter or deep emotional connection, “Tiva” kept viewers hooked. Let’s dive into their top 10 most romantic moments, ranked from sweet to absolutely unforgettable.
H2: 10. The Elevator Scene in “Truth or Consequences” (S7E1)
H3: Tony Rescues Ziva—And Their Eyes Say It All
After months apart, Tony risks everything to save Ziva from captivity. The moment the elevator doors open, there’s no dramatic music or grand speech—just raw emotion. The look they exchange is worth a thousand “I love yous.”
H2: 9. Their Banter in Paris (“Jet Lag,” S7E13)
H3: Sharing a Hotel Room—But No One Talks About It
This was the ultimate tease. The show never showed us what happened in that Paris hotel room, but the chemistry? Electric. From stolen glances to lingering touches, fans still debate what actually went down that night. Either way, Tivashippers were fed well.
H2: 8. Tony Telling Ziva She’s Not Alone (“Aliyah,” S6E25)
H3: Heartbreak Meets Loyalty
In one of the most emotionally charged episodes of the series, Tony and Ziva face impossible choices. After Ziva chooses to stay in Israel, Tony looks at her and says, “You’re not alone.” It’s a quiet, gentle declaration—but one that echoed in fans’ hearts.
H2: 7. “I Care Too Much About You” (“Shiva,” S10E12)
H3: Vulnerability at Its Finest
After Ziva’s father dies, she breaks down emotionally. Tony doesn’t try to fix it—he just shows up. Sitting in silence, he tells her he cares about her too much. That simple phrase shattered walls on both sides.
H2: 6. The Almost-Kiss in Berlin (“Berlin,” S10E21)
H3: Inches Apart, But Miles of Tension
In a hotel room in Berlin, Tony and Ziva dance closely. There’s an almost-kiss—intense, romantic, and painfully interrupted. It was the scene that had viewers screaming at their TVs: “JUST KISS ALREADY!”
H2: 5. Ziva Calls Tony Her “Constant” (“Past, Present, and Future,” S11E2)
H3: Ziva’s Emotional Goodbye
Ziva’s final scene (at least until her return) was bittersweet. She tells Tony he’s her “constant,” a term loaded with emotion. He kisses her forehead. Not quite the kiss fans wanted—but full of weight, warmth, and everything they meant to each other.
H2: 4. Tony Risking His Career to Find Ziva (“Past, Present, and Future,” S11)
H3: When Love Means Letting Go
Tony chases Ziva across continents, sacrificing his job and risking everything. In the end, he lets her go because he loves her enough to do what’s best for her. That’s real love—the kind that doesn’t control, but supports.
H2: 3. “You Had Me at ‘I’m OK’” (“Truth or Consequences”)
H3: Blink and You’ll Miss It, But It’s Love
During their reunion, Ziva whispers she’s okay. Tony’s soft smile says it all. He didn’t need a romantic confession. That moment, quiet and unassuming, is one of their most intimate ever.
H2: 2. Tony Finds Out About Their Daughter (“She,” S16E13)
H3: The Plot Twist That Broke the Internet
Years after Ziva was presumed dead, Tony learns she’s alive—and they have a daughter, Tali. The realization floods him with emotion. It’s not just romantic; it’s life-altering. Fans had waited for closure, and this moment delivered.
H2: 1. Tony and Ziva Reunite Off-Screen in Paris (“NCIS,” S17)
H3: The Tiva Endgame—Finally
Though we didn’t see the actual reunion, NCIS confirmed that Tony and Ziva were living in Paris, raising Tali. After years of heartbreak, close calls, and unspoken love, they finally got their happy ending—together. And for fans, that was enough.
H2: Honorable Mentions
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“You’re not just a partner” (S10)
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Tony’s jealousy over Ziva’s dates
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Their shared grief over Kate Todd
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Ziva wearing Tony’s shirt in Paris
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All the headslaps, jokes, and nicknames that meant “I love you”
Conclusion: Tiva’s Love Story Was a Masterclass in Slow Burn
Tony and Ziva never needed a dramatic wedding or grand gestures to prove their love. Their story was built on tension, trust, loyalty, and tiny moments that added up to something monumental. Whether they were sparring, smiling, or silently sitting next to each other, Tiva gave NCIS fans one of the richest, most nuanced love stories in TV history.
5 Unique FAQs About Tony & Ziva
Q1: Did Tony and Ziva ever actually kiss on screen?
Not a full-on romantic kiss on screen—but there were forehead kisses, almost-kisses, and off-screen confirmations of their romantic relationship.
Q2: Did Tony and Ziva get married?
The show hasn’t confirmed a wedding, but they live together in Paris and raise their daughter Tali, which many fans consider a happily-ever-after.
Q3: What episode does Ziva tell Tony she loves him?
She never says the actual words during the original run, but she calls him her “constant” in “Past, Present, and Future,” which is as close as it gets.
Q4: Will Tony and Ziva return to NCIS?
Yes! Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are reprising their roles in the upcoming NCIS: Tony & Ziva spinoff series.
Q5: Why did Ziva originally leave NCIS?
Ziva left to find peace after years of loss and conflict. Cote de Pablo also left due to creative reasons but later returned for a multi-episode arc.
