For die-hard fans of the NCIS franchise, 2025 has been a long, suspenseful wait. The highly anticipated Tony & Zivaspinoff—featuring Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo reprising their iconic roles—was announced with a wave of excitement. But as time ticks on with no confirmed premiere date, fans are asking: What’s the holdup?
And more intriguingly… what if a JAG revival swoops in first?
Let’s break down what we know about the Tony & Ziva project, why it’s taking so long, and how the JAG reboot rumors are suddenly heating up again.
Tony & Ziva: The Spinoff That Broke the Internet
When CBS and Paramount+ confirmed that Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David would return in a standalone series, fans of the longtime will-they-won’t-they couple rejoiced. After years of speculation, teases, and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it references on NCIS, the dream was finally becoming a reality.
The Premise (So Far)
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Set in Europe
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Tony and Ziva are on the run after their security firm is compromised
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They’re trying to protect their daughter, Tali, while navigating danger, betrayal, and—of course—each other
That’s all we’ve been told. No title. No teaser. No premiere date.
So, what’s the delay?
Why the Spinoff Is Taking Longer Than Expected
1. Production Logistics
Shooting in Europe means navigating international film regulations, locations, and scheduling around the stars’ availability.
2. High Expectations
The Tony-Ziva relationship isn’t just beloved—it’s legendary. Writers and producers know they have to get it right.
3. Network Strategy
Paramount+ may be timing its release strategically to avoid franchise fatigue and space it out with other NCIS content.
Still… fans are antsy.
Enter: JAG Revival Rumors
While we wait for Tony and Ziva to return, another corner of the NCIS universe is stirring.
Yes, we’re talking about JAG—the courtroom-military drama that started it all in 1995 and introduced us to the world of Navy investigations before NCIS even existed.
The Buzz Around a Revival
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David James Elliott (Harmon Rabb Jr.) has said he’s open to returning
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Catherine Bell (Sarah “Mac” MacKenzie) also made a comeback in NCIS: Los Angeles
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CBS hasn’t confirmed anything officially—but fans and industry insiders are watching closely
Could JAG Return Before Tony & Ziva?
It sounds wild—but it’s not impossible.
If the Tony & Ziva spinoff faces continued delays, CBS and Paramount+ might pivot and fast-track a different project in the same universe. And a JAG revival offers nostalgia, courtroom drama, and two actors (Elliott and Bell) who’ve already expressed interest.
Why a JAG Revival Makes Sense in 2025
1. Timely Themes
With global military tensions, AI in warfare, and shifting international law, a JAG revival could feel shockingly current.
2. A Legacy Worth Revisiting
The original show ran 10 seasons and created the template for NCIS. There’s unfinished business—especially after the infamous coin toss cliffhanger in the series finale.
3. Built-in Fan Base
The same viewers who grew up on JAG are now binging NCIS. The crossover potential is enormous.
Comparing the Projects: Tony & Ziva vs. JAG Revival
| Feature | Tony & Ziva Spinoff | JAG Revival |
|---|---|---|
| Leads | Michael Weatherly & Cote de Pablo | David James Elliott & Catherine Bell |
| Setting | Europe (on the run) | U.S. & Global military courts |
| Tone | Spy thriller, romance | Legal drama, military ethics |
| Status | Confirmed, no release date | Rumored, not confirmed |
| Fan Hype | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
Both are beloved. Both could work. But only one is officially in motion—for now.
Could They Coexist? Absolutely.
This isn’t a competition—it’s a universe. NCIS has proved time and again that multiple shows can run simultaneously. Think:
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NCIS: Los Angeles
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NCIS: New Orleans
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NCIS: Sydney
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NCIS: Hawai’i
There’s room for more—especially when the tone and format are different. Tony & Ziva offers a globe-trotting thriller. JAG offers courtroom drama with a military twist. Different flavors. Same fandom.
How a JAG Revival Could Tie into Tony & Ziva’s Story
Here’s a fun thought: What if the revived JAG featured a cameo or crossover with Tony and Ziva?
Maybe the couple seeks legal help from Harm and Mac. Or maybe their fugitive story crosses into a case involving military jurisdiction. The possibilities are endless—and fans would eat it up.
What Do the Fans Think?
Across Reddit, Twitter (X), and fan forums, the consensus is:
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Everyone’s excited for Tony & Ziva
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Most would welcome JAG back with open arms
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A crossover or connected universe is the ultimate dream
Some even say they’d prefer JAG back first—to tide them over until Tiva returns.
The Bottom Line: It’s All Connected
Whether Tony and Ziva hit the screen next or JAG stages a triumphant return, one thing’s clear: The NCIS universe is far from over.
Both projects offer legacy, emotional weight, and a loyal audience. And with streaming platforms hungry for familiar IP with built-in fan bases, it’s a no-brainer to expand both stories.
Conclusion
We’re still waiting for Tony and Ziva’s spinoff to finally premiere—but while we wait, a JAG revival could step into the spotlight. Both shows represent different but equally important pieces of the NCIS legacy, and both have the potential to re-ignite fan passion and breathe new life into the franchise.
Whether you’re Team Tiva or a JAG loyalist, one thing’s for sure: This universe isn’t done surprising us.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Tony & Ziva spinoff canceled?
Nope—it’s still in development. Production is underway, but no release date has been set.
Q2: Has a JAG revival been confirmed?
Not yet. But the original stars are open to it, and fan interest is growing rapidly.
Q3: Can Tony & Ziva and JAG exist at the same time?
Absolutely. They could run concurrently and even cross over within the NCIS universe.
Q4: Why hasn’t Tony & Ziva premiered yet?
The delay likely stems from complex production logistics, especially since the show is set in Europe.
Q5: Where can I watch the original JAG and NCIS episodes?
You can stream most of them on Paramount+ or other platforms that host CBS content.
Stay tuned, NCIS fam. Whether it’s Tiva on the run or Harm and Mac back in the courtroom, the next chapter in the NCIS universe is just around the corner.
