For more than two decades, few TV pairings have inspired as much passion, heartbreak, and unshakable loyalty as NCIS’s Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David. Their on-screen chemistry set the gold standard for slow-burn romance on network television — filled with flirtation, tension, and the kind of connection that transcends dialogue. And now, with the explosive success of NCIS: Tony & Ziva on Paramount+, the duo behind it all — Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo — are reminding fans why lightning only strikes twice when the right people are involved.
That energy was on full display during their October 9, 2025 New York Comic Con panel, where the two stars took the stage together for the first time since the series’ debut. Hosted by Damien Holbrook, the event quickly turned into more than just a Q&A — it was a reunion, a love letter, and a vivid reminder of how rare authentic chemistry really is.
Below, we break down six unforgettable moments that prove Weatherly and de Pablo’s off-screen friendship remains every bit as electric as Tony and Ziva’s on-screen love story.
1. A Gentleman’s Entrance — and Exit
Before a single word was spoken, fans noticed a quiet but telling gesture: Michael Weatherly paused, smiled, and motioned for Cote to walk out first. It wasn’t for show — it was instinctive, the mark of two people whose mutual respect runs deep. He repeated the gesture at the end of the panel, allowing her to exit first, earning a wave of “aww”s from the audience.
It was classic DiNozzo charm, but this time it wasn’t scripted.
2. The Hand-Holding Moment That Melted the Room
Midway through the panel, as they reminisced about their time on NCIS, fans spotted something subtle yet undeniable — the two holding hands under the table while speaking about their favorite memories. Whether it was comfort, nostalgia, or pure affection, the gesture spoke volumes.
When asked what it was like returning to the world of NCIS, Cote smiled and said, “It feels like coming home.” Michael added softly, “And this —” gesturing toward her — “is why.”
Cue the collective sigh from the crowd.
3. “I Was Protecting You” — Their Banter Lives On
Cote began telling a story about filming a chase scene for Tony & Ziva. “I think I was running, and you were running behind me,” she said. Without missing a beat, Michael shot back, “I was protecting you.”
The audience roared with laughter — a moment that could have come straight from an episode. Their playful energy, full of teasing and mutual admiration, felt like an extension of the characters fans know so well.
4. Unmasking the Pain Behind Tony & Ziva
Beyond the jokes and nostalgia, there were moments of real vulnerability. Michael reflected on what makes their characters’ story so powerful.
“The big discussion was how hard it is for Ziva to be without Tony,” he began. Cote raised an eyebrow, half-indignant, half-amused — but Michael continued. “She comes from trauma and pain. It’s like a haunting kind of weight she carries. And Tony… he hides behind jokes, but that’s his own pain too. They’re both survivors — that’s why they fit.”
The crowd went silent, hanging on every word. This was the heart of Tony & Ziva: two broken souls who found light in each other.
5. Creating a New “Family” On and Off Set
Both actors praised the new cast members joining the Tony & Ziva world, describing how the bond on set reminded them of the magic that made NCIS a hit.
“Little by little, you start having moments that make you laugh, and before you know it, you become a family,” Cote shared. “Michael and I talked about wanting to build something special again — something that just feels… real.”
She continued, “We saw that spark in others, that willingness to grow together, and we thought maybe — just maybe — something magical could happen again.”
That word — “magical” — lingered in the air.
6. Healing Old Wounds
Perhaps the most emotional moment of the panel came when the pair opened up about returning to the franchise after so many years.
“Michael and I finally had a long talk about what that first NCIS run meant,” Cote revealed. “And we both said, almost at the same time, that coming back felt… healing.”
Michael nodded in agreement. “There were things we never got to explore before — feelings, storylines, closure. Doing this again, with the fans, it’s like finishing a conversation we started years ago.”
The Legacy Continues
As they waved goodbye to the crowd, it was clear that what fans were witnessing wasn’t nostalgia — it was evolution. The chemistry between Weatherly and de Pablo isn’t about reliving the past; it’s about building something even richer, grounded in history and heart.
They may have left NCIS years ago, but the spark that made “Tiva” iconic still burns as brightly as ever — perhaps brighter.
And if this panel proved anything, it’s that Tony & Ziva isn’t just a spin-off. It’s a love story that refuses to fade — both on-screen and off.
