The upcoming premiere of “NCIS: Tony & Ziva” is generating excitement among fans, particularly with the return of beloved characters Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo and Cote de Pablo’s Ziva David. The duo recently appeared at Comic-Con to discuss the new show, which is set to debut on September 4, 2025, on Paramount+. However, there are growing concerns among fans about the absence of Mark Harmon’s Gibbs and the rest of the Major Crimes Response Team (MCRT) from the original “NCIS” series.
Throughout their history on the original show, Gibbs and the MCRT team were pivotal in shaping Tony and Ziva’s relationship, supporting them through various challenges and reunions. Notably, Gibbs played a crucial role in comforting Tony when Ziva was presumed dead and later assisted in bringing Ziva back from danger. This deep connection hints that excluding the original cast from the upcoming spinoff may overlook the foundations of Tony and Ziva’s story.
During the Comic-Con panel, Weatherly and de Pablo shared fond memories of their time working with Harmon and expressed that while the new series may have a different focus, they still hold the original cast in high regard. They even demonstrated a special hand gesture that they learned from Harmon, which symbolizes their bond with him.
Additionally, Brian Dietzen, who portrayed Jimmy Palmer, was present at the panel, further emphasizing that the connections between the characters would be acknowledged. This interaction suggests that while the new show may not heavily feature Gibbs or the MCRT team, the show’s creators are mindful of their legacy.
In summary, while the absence of Gibbs and the original team in the spin-off has sparked disappointment among fans, Weatherly and de Pablo’s strong references to their past relationships and interactions hope to bridge the gap. The anticipation for how Tony and Ziva will navigate their story without their original support group adds an intriguing layer to this new chapter in the “NCIS” franchise. Fans can look forward to seeing how the show honors the original series while carving its own path.