For years, the fervent wish of every NCIS fan was a simple one: to see Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David together again. Their complex, captivating, and often heartbreaking relationship—dubbed “Tiva” by a dedicated fanbase—became the emotional core of the series, turning a procedural crime show into a global phenomenon. After seasons of unspoken tension, dramatic departures, and a heartbreaking reunion, their story reached a powerful conclusion that left the door ajar for more.
Now, the wait is over. The highly anticipated spinoff, titled NCIS: Tony & Ziva, is officially heading to Paramount+. The new show will follow the iconic duo as they go on the run across Europe with their daughter, Tali, after a threat to Tony’s security company forces them into hiding. To fully appreciate this new chapter, it’s essential to look back at the journey that brought them here. This definitive guide will walk you through the most crucial episodes you need to watch to understand every look, every line, and every emotional beat of their epic story.
Phase 1: The Foundation — Ziva’s Arrival and Early Chemistry
To understand Tiva, you must first understand the foundation of their relationship: their initial dynamic as reluctant partners. Ziva David’s introduction was anything but simple, and her first interactions with Tony were steeped in mistrust and grief.
- Season 3, Episodes 1 & 2: “Kill Ari” Parts 1 & 2 This two-part premiere is non-negotiable. It introduces Ziva as a Mossad Liaison Officer, tasked with hunting down her half-brother, Ari Haswari—the very man who murdered NCIS Special Agent Kate Todd. This arc not only establishes Ziva’s formidable skills and complex past but also sets the stage for her dynamic with Tony. Tony’s initial resentment and skepticism toward Ziva slowly give way to a grudging respect, laying the groundwork for everything that follows.
- Season 3, Episode 8: “Under Covers” This episode is a fan-favorite for a reason. Forced to go undercover as a pair of married assassins, Tony and Ziva’s simmering chemistry boils over. The episode is a masterclass in tension, as they navigate their cover while simultaneously exploring the deep, unspoken attraction between them. Their playful banter and surprisingly intimate moments give viewers a first glimpse of the “what if” that would define their relationship for years.
- Season 3, Episode 12: “Boxed In” Trapped in a shipping container by a dangerous criminal, Tony and Ziva are forced to talk, and in doing so, they tear down some of their walls. The episode reveals their vulnerabilities and shared fears, creating a powerful sense of trust and partnership. This is the moment their bond truly solidifies beyond professional respect, establishing a connection that would serve as the bedrock for their future.
Phase 2: The Rising Tension — The Rivkin Arc
As their relationship deepened, so did the complications. The introduction of Ziva’s boyfriend, Mossad agent Michael Rivkin, created a massive rift between the two and led to some of the most dramatic moments in their history.
- Season 6, Episode 24: “Semper Fidelis” This episode marks the beginning of the end of this painful arc. Tony’s suspicion of Rivkin’s actions comes to a head, leading to a confrontation that ends in Rivkin’s death. The subsequent fallout with Ziva is devastating, leaving their relationship in ruins and leading to Ziva’s return to Mossad. It is a crucial episode for understanding the deep-seated trust issues and emotional baggage they carried.
- Season 7, Episode 1: “Truth or Consequences” After Ziva is presumed dead following a mission in Somalia, Tony leads a daring rescue to find her. This powerful season premiere is a testament to how far Tony would go for Ziva. The episode features some of the most intense and raw “Tiva” moments, with Tony revealing the extent of his concern and dedication to Ziva in a way he never had before. It is a necessary watch for understanding the depth of their love.
- Season 10, Episode 21: “Berlin” Following Ziva’s devastating ordeal, the two go on a mission to Berlin, and the episode becomes a quiet, powerful exploration of their relationship. The memorable dance scene and their conversations on the train offer a rare moment of peace and intimacy between them, confirming that despite all the pain and complications, their bond is as strong as ever.
Phase 3: The Farewell and The Revelation
After years of longing, their paths diverged once more. Ziva’s departure and Tony’s ultimate discovery of their shared past changed the course of both their lives forever.
- Season 11, Episode 2: “Past, Present, and Future” This episode is Ziva’s farewell. After facing her demons, Ziva makes the difficult decision to leave NCIS. Her final scene with Tony is a heart-wrenching, bittersweet conclusion to their on-screen romance. The airport tarmac goodbye, filled with unspoken promises and a lingering kiss, is a moment that defined their relationship for years and left fans with a sense of hopeful possibility.
- Season 13, Episode 24: “Family First” The season finale reveals a secret that changes everything. Tony learns that he and Ziva have a daughter, Tali, whom Ziva had been raising in secret. The episode sees Tony choose fatherhood over his career, leaving NCIS to raise their child in Paris. This episode is crucial, as it provides the context for the new spinoff, explaining how Tony and Tali came to be living in the city that will serve as the backdrop for their new adventure.
Phase 4: The Family Reunion
Years after her departure, Ziva made a surprise return, and in doing so, finally gave the show’s most famous love story a sense of closure, setting the stage for the new series.
- Season 16, Episode 13: “She” This episode, which focuses on Bishop uncovering a cold case, lays the groundwork for Ziva’s return. The shocking final moments reveal that Ziva is, in fact, alive, and has been in hiding all these years to protect her family. This is the first step in the reunion and is a must-watch for understanding the reasons for her years-long absence.
- Season 17, Episodes 1, 2, 10, & 11 Ziva’s return arc is a crucial part of her story. These episodes see her working with Gibbs to take down the threat that forced her into hiding. Her final farewell to Gibbs in “In the Wind” is a powerful, emotional scene that allows her character to finally find peace and a path forward to reunite with her family. Watching these episodes confirms that the Tiva family is together and provides the perfect lead-in to the new show.
Conclusion
Watching these essential episodes will give you the full scope of Tony and Ziva’s journey—from their early rivalry to their deep love and eventual family. Every look, every shared mission, and every painful farewell has led them to this new chapter. Get ready to go on the run with them, because their story is far from over.
