Fans are still undecided about their preferences, but the NCIS universe is undergoing a major transformation for the upcoming TV season. The franchise is launching two new spinoffs, moving away from the traditional location-based series format.
In addition to NCIS Season 22 and NCIS: Origins, which takes viewers back to the early days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ career, CBS will revive Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David’s storyline. This storyline was left unresolved when both characters exited the original series. While fans have high hopes for the new show, it also serves as a reminder that this beloved story would never have reached the screen without the significant sacrifice of another major character.
Although it now seems like Cote de Pablo’s Ziva David has always been a part of NCIS, she only joined in Season 3, replacing Caitlin Todd in the Major Case Response Team. Caitlin, an original character, quickly became a fan favorite but was killed off in the Season 2 finale. Her death remains one of the show’s most heartbreaking moments, even two decades later. However, Ziva managed to earn the trust and admiration of fans, much like Caitlin had.
It’s clear to most fans that NCIS: Tony & Ziva owes its existence to Caitlin Todd, particularly Sasha Alexander, who played Caitlin. Although Sasha was not originally meant to leave the show so soon, she chose to due to a demanding schedule, paving the way for Ziva’s introduction.
NCIS: Tony & Ziva is set to premiere on CBS this fall.