Michael Weatherly’s Journey: From NCIS Star to Courtroom Drama and Beyond
Michael Weatherly, beloved for his role as Anthony DiNozzo on NCIS, made a bold move when he left the iconic show after 13 seasons in 2016. He transitioned to a leading role in CBS’s legal drama Bull, earning an impressive $300,000 per episode. While the courtroom drama initially thrived, it ultimately wrapped after six seasons, leaving fans and Weatherly reflecting on what might have been.
From NCIS to Bull: A Risk That Paid Off—For a While
Weatherly’s time on NCIS established him as a household name, thanks to his charisma and unforgettable chemistry with co-star Cote de Pablo (Ziva David). However, he felt it was time to move on, explaining,
“[Tony and Ziva’s] great dynamic—the badinage, sparring, and flirting—was gone. I got to the point where I felt I’d stayed at the party too long.”
His leap to Bull wasn’t just creative; it was financial. Inspired by Dr. Phil McGraw’s real-life trial consultancy, the show started strong and secured Weatherly a hefty paycheck and producer credits, boosting his earnings even further. But as seasons passed, ratings declined, and by its sixth year, Bull ranked near the bottom of CBS’s lineup. The network canceled the show in 2022, though Weatherly promised fans a satisfying finale.
Weatherly’s Goodbye to Bull
Weatherly took to Twitter to announce his departure:
“It’s been my privilege to play Dr. Jason Bull, but after six seasons, I’ve decided it’s time to pursue new creative challenges. It’s been an honor to work with such a talented cast and crew. Stay tuned for a big series finish.”
Since then, the 56-year-old has taken a break from acting, reflecting on a career that spans decades and showcases his ability to evolve with every opportunity.
NCIS: From Shaky Start to Legacy
Reflecting on NCIS’s early days, Weatherly revealed that the show wasn’t always a sure hit:
“We weren’t bad enough to get canceled, but we weren’t good enough to get all the attention.”
It wasn’t until season three that the series hit its stride, solidifying its place as a fan favorite. Co-star Cote de Pablo even cited season three as her favorite, marking a turning point for the show’s success.
What’s Next for Weatherly?
Though he’s stepped away from the screen for now, Weatherly’s career proves he knows how to captivate audiences—and when to move on. Fans can relive his performances in NCIS and Bull, both available on Paramount+ and Apple TV.
