At the Monte Carlo TV Festival, per Deadline, Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo discussed the upcoming NCIS spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva. While exact plot details remain under wraps, the series will follow Tony and Ziva as they flee to Europe with their daughter, Tali, evading pursuers. Weatherly emphasized Tali’s pivotal role, suggesting the show should have included her name in the title: Tony, Ziva & Tali.
“Every decision Tony and Ziva make on this journey puts their child first,” Weatherly explained. “Having children changes everything; you have to prioritize their well-being while managing a tumultuous co-parenting relationship and, oh, saving the world.”
The spinoff builds on the Tony and Ziva storyline from NCIS. Following Ziva’s presumed death, Tony left to care for Tali but returned after discovering Ziva alive. The spinoff’s concept aims to place them in a fresh, international setting, confronting new challenges beyond those of NCIS.
“We wanted to take these characters out of their NCIS environment and explore a new, international world,” de Pablo elaborated. “Fans have always wondered about Tony and Ziva’s fate and whether they’d reunite. Now, we have the chance to answer those questions while exploring themes of trust, moving forward, and balancing parenting with adversity.”
Weatherly acknowledged that NCIS: Tony & Ziva departs from the traditional procedural format, presenting a unique narrative structure. He questioned whether the audience would embrace this change, especially under the guidance of showrunner John McNamara, who brings a fresh perspective outside the NCIS universe.
“It’s not your typical procedural; it’s something different,” Weatherly noted. “Introducing a new voice like John’s could be seen as a risk in the past, but now, with the rise of streaming platforms, it’s becoming an advantage.”
NCIS: Tony & Ziva is set to stream on Paramount+, although an official premiere date has yet to be announced.
