After an incredible 22 seasons, NCIS has seemingly bid farewell to its last original cast members, marking the end of an era for the beloved CBS crime drama. Over the years, NCIS has adapted to numerous cast changes, introducing fresh faces to keep the story engaging for fans, even as founding characters have gradually exited. Following the passing of David McCallum last year, which led to Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard’s final departure, few original characters remain.
Currently, Sean Murray’s Timothy McGee stands as the longest-serving cast member, while Joe Spano’s Tobias Fornell, another character from the very first episode, has also been quietly phased out. Spano, a fan-favorite as Gibbs’ (Mark Harmon) FBI ally, hasn’t officially returned since his last appearance in NCIS’s 1000th episode, with Deputy Director Wayne Sweeney (Erik Passoja) now filling the FBI role alongside Special Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole).
But while NCIS has made major changes, there are even more exciting developments in the works for the franchise. A new spinoff, NCIS: Tony and Ziva, is currently in development, reuniting fan favorites Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) and Cote de Pablo (Ziva David). Fans remember their dynamic chemistry from the early seasons, and though they departed from the original series, the characters have since reunited off-screen in Paris. The upcoming series will bring them back together on-screen, with Weatherly and de Pablo reprising their iconic roles.
NCIS Season 22 continues on Mondays on CBS in the U.S. and is available to stream on Disney+ in the U.K.
