The Return of Tony DiNozzo
Michael Weatherly is set to return as Tony DiNozzo in NCIS season 24, and the first official look at his comeback has been released. The image, shared by Entertainment Weekly, shows Tony back in the bullpen at the Washington Navy Yard, the setting where he spent over a decade solving naval-related crimes under the command of Mark Harmon's Leroy Jethro Gibbs. This return comes ten years after Weatherly's departure from the series, following 13 seasons as one of the original five series regulars.
Weatherly's return has been anticipated since his surprise cameo in season 21's tribute episode to Ducky Mallard actor David McCallum. He then reunited with Cote de Pablo in the spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which was canceled after one season. Now, he is back for a recurring story arc that will span the entirety of season 24, as reported by Screen Rant.
Why Tony Is Back
Showrunner Steven D. Binder has provided details on what brings Tony back to his old stomping grounds. In an interview quoted by Screen Rant, Binder explained: "When we meet Tony this season, he's back in Washington expanding his private security company, Salus Mondiale, and finds himself drawn into a case that feels right at home in the NCIS universe."
Salus Mondiale is the security company that Tony and Ziva started in the spinoff series, as noted by CinemaBlend. The company has been established as a key element of Tony's life, and its expansion provides a natural reason for his return to Washington.
Binder also touched on Tony's personal growth, noting that he is "still the charismatic, quick-witted DiNozzo fans know and love, but now he's also a parent navigating life with a daughter, which has given him a little more perspective, maturity, and emotional depth." This evolution is a central theme of his return.
Meeting the New Team
One of the most anticipated aspects of Tony's return is his interactions with the newer members of the NCIS team. According to Screen Rant, Tony will meet Nick Torres, Jessica Knight, Alden Parker, and Kasie Hines for the first time. Binder commented on these encounters, saying, "watching the newer members of the team encounter the legend they've only heard stories about is exactly as fun as it sounds."
The bullpen setting is familiar, but the faces around him have changed significantly since his departure. Tony's old colleagues Timothy McGee and Jimmy Palmer will also be part of his story, as noted in the showrunner's remarks.
The Spinoff's Connection
Michael Weatherly has been vocal about ensuring that the spinoff Tony & Ziva is not forgotten in this return. At Comic-Con Midlands, he hinted at what's to come, emphasizing that the Paramount+ series won't be erased by his NCIS comeback. He has also stressed that the canceled series is still worth watching because it will tie into season 24.
CinemaBlend reports that there will be some crossover between the spinoff and the new season, a detail that adds depth to the storyline. For those who haven't watched the spinoff, it is still available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription.
Background and Context
Weatherly's history with NCIS is extensive. He debuted as Tony in the JAG episodes "Ice Queen" and "Meltdown," before the character became a central figure in NCIS. The original cast included Mark Harmon, David McCallum, Pauley Perrette, and Sasha Alexander, with Sean Murray's McGee added later. Over the years, the team evolved, with Ziva David succeeding Caitlin Todd and Emily Wickersham replacing de Pablo. Wickersham was present for Weatherly's final regular appearance.
After leaving NCIS, Weatherly starred in Bull for six seasons. His return to the franchise comes with a story arc that places him back in a main setting, ready to reengage with the world he left behind.
What's Ahead in Season 24
The season is set to premiere on CBS on October 6, and fans can expect to see a Tony DiNozzo who is familiar yet changed. Binder has expressed enthusiasm about seeing the character back in the flagship series, promising that the character they know and love will be present, but with a difference reflecting his personal growth.
Season 24 will also address the aftermath of season 23's cliffhanger, which ended with a gunshot involving Torres and McGee's son Mateo. Additionally, Gary Cole has teased that Alden Parker may not be done skirting the law, a storyline that some speculate could intersect with Tony's return, as noted by CinemaBlend's author who expressed interest in seeing Tony involved.
While it's likely Tony won't be working with the team nonstop this season, his presence is expected to be significant. The exact nature of his involvement and the crossover with the spinoff will unfold as the season progresses.