It’s been eight years since Michael Weatherly left NCIS as a series regular, but he made a brief return earlier this year in the David McCallum tribute episode, “The Stories We Leave Behind.” While some may know him from his role on Bull, many fans still associate Weatherly with his time as Tony DiNozzo on NCIS, which is about to kick off its 22nd season.
In a recent episode of the podcast Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch, Weatherly discussed what sets NCIS apart from other procedurals like FBI and Law & Order. During a chat with NCIS director Dennis Smith, Weatherly explained that while the show checks the boxes of a crime procedural, it’s more than that. He described it as a blend of genres—part workplace comedy, part romantic thriller, and even sometimes a horror movie. This mix, according to Weatherly, is what keeps NCIS unique compared to other shows in its genre.
Whether or not you agree with Weatherly’s take, it’s clear NCIS has found a winning formula, airing for over two decades and spawning a franchise with six shows and two more on the way. One of the upcoming series is NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which will follow the beloved characters on the run in Europe. Unlike traditional procedurals, this Paramount+ exclusive will have a more serialized narrative.
NCIS: Tony & Ziva is currently filming in Budapest and is expected to debut on Paramount+ in 2025. Meanwhile, NCIS Season 22 and the new Gibbs-centric prequel NCIS: Origins are both set to premiere on Monday, October 14.
