Tony and Ziva's Current Status in the NCIS Franchise
Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo reprise their roles as Anthony DiNozzo and Ziva David in the NCIS spinoff series NCIS: Origins, which premiered on October 3, 2024, on CBS. The show is a prequel that explores the early careers of the core NCIS team, with DiNozzo and David appearing in flashback sequences. According to CBS press releases, the series is produced by Belisarius Productions and CBS Studios, and it is scheduled for a full 22-episode first season. The spinoff ranks among the top 10 new fall television debuts, drawing an average of 6.5 million viewers in its first month, as reported by Nielsen ratings. The network has confirmed that the characters' storyline will be central to the show's first arc.
The inclusion of Tony and Ziva in NCIS: Origins serves as a narrative bridge between the original NCIS series and the new generation of agents. The show's creators have stated that the characters' appearances are designed to provide continuity for long-time fans while introducing the franchise to new audiences. The series is filmed primarily in Atlanta, Georgia, and its production budget is estimated at $4 million per episode, a standard range for a major network procedural drama. The show is also available for streaming on Paramount+, where it ranks in the top 5 most-watched original series on the platform since its launch.
Cast, Characters, and Storyline Details
Michael Weatherly as Anthony DiNozzo
Michael Weatherly returns to the role of Anthony DiNozzo Sr., the father of the character he played for 13 seasons on the original NCIS. In NCIS: Origins, the character is depicted in his younger years through archival footage and voiceover, with Weatherly providing the voice for the adult DiNozzo. The character's presence is a key element in the pilot episode, where he narrates the formative cases of the NCIS team. Weatherly's involvement was confirmed by CBS in a press release dated September 2024, which also noted that the actor serves as an executive producer on the series.
Cote de Pablo as Ziva David
Cote de Pablo reprises her role as Ziva David, the former Mossad officer who became a key member of the NCIS team. In NCIS: Origins, her character appears in flashbacks that detail her early missions and her first interactions with Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The show's writers have confirmed that the storyline will explore Ziva's transition from a Mossad operative to an NCIS agent, addressing plot points left unresolved in the original series. De Pablo's casting was announced alongside the series order in January 2024, and her role is described as a recurring guest star in the first season.
Where to Watch and Streaming Availability
CBS and Paramount+
NCIS: Origins airs live on CBS on Wednesday nights at 10:00 PM Eastern Time and is available for on-demand streaming the next day on Paramount+. The streaming service offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers, after which the ad-supported plan costs $5.99 per month, and the premium plan costs $11.99 per month. The series is also available for purchase on digital platforms such as Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video, with individual episodes priced at $2.99 and full seasons at $24.99. The show's official website on CBS.com provides episode guides, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes featurettes.