Not everyone is thrilled about the upcoming NCIS spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva. The Paramount+ series, which brings back Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo as the beloved characters Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David, began filming in Budapest this summer. While the actors are excited and some former NCIS co-stars have shown interest in appearing, there are reports of concerns among the current cast.
According to an insider from Life & Style, some NCIS stars are worried that the new spinoff could overshadow the original show. “Ratings for the main show have dropped this year, and some of the stars are afraid bringing back Michael in a new format will make their show obsolete,” the insider shared. Weatherly, who starred in the original NCIS for 13 seasons, returned earlier this year for a special tribute episode, sparking excitement among fans. Shortly after, the Tony & Ziva spinoff was announced. De Pablo, who played Ziva from Season 3 to 11 and later returned for a brief arc, is also reprising her role.
Tony & Ziva will follow the duo on the run across Europe with their daughter, Tali, after Tony’s security company is attacked. As the franchise’s second international spinoff, following NCIS: Sydney, producers hope the new setting will breathe fresh life into the NCIS universe. However, this new direction has left some of the original show’s cast worried about job security.
Although NCIS airs on CBS and Tony & Ziva will stream on Paramount+, meaning there shouldn’t be direct competition, the original show’s ratings have been declining. If Tony & Ziva succeeds, it could set the stage for a new era of NCIS content, potentially shifting the franchise’s focus.
On the bright side, there were past rumors of tension between Weatherly and Mark Harmon, and with his own show, Weatherly is reportedly looking forward to proving his success outside Harmon’s shadow. “Michael doesn’t want people to lose their jobs,” the insider claimed. “But he likes the idea of proving he doesn’t need Mark.” Fans will have to wait and see how NCIS: Tony & Ziva fares when it premieres on Paramount+.
