Michael Weatherly Reveals Why “NCIS” Stands Out From Other Procedurals
It’s been eight years since Michael Weatherly left “NCIS” as a series regular, though he made a memorable return for a cameo in the David McCallum tribute episode earlier this year. Fans who know Weatherly best from his six seasons on “Bull” are gearing up for “NCIS” Season 22, which premieres next month.
In a recent podcast episode of Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch, Weatherly, alongside former co-star Cote de Pablo, discussed with director Dennis Smith what makes “NCIS” unique. Weatherly highlighted that while “NCIS” is technically a procedural, it differs from other shows like FBI and Law & Order by blending multiple genres. “It’s not just a crime procedural,” he explained. “It’s a workplace comedy, a romantic thriller, and sometimes even a horror movie. It’s a mash-up of these things.”
Though “NCIS” fits the procedural mold with its case-of-the-week format, Weatherly believes its exploration of various tones and deep character development sets it apart. The show’s mix of dark moments and light-hearted character interactions has contributed to its enduring success, leading to a sprawling franchise.
Alongside the upcoming Season 22, fans can look forward to the new series NCIS: Tony & Ziva. Filming in Budapest, this Paramount+ exclusive will see the iconic characters on the run in Europe and promises a more serialized format compared to traditional procedurals. NCIS: Tony & Ziva is set to debut in 2025.
Don’t miss the premiere of NCIS Season 22 and the new prequel NCIS: Origins on Monday, October 14.
