For over two decades, fans of NCIS have been captivated by the tumultuous relationship between Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David—a rollercoaster of falling in and out of love, welcoming a child, heartbreaking goodbyes, and long-awaited reunions. Yet, their story still lacks the happily ever after we all crave. But here’s where it gets intriguing: while their on-screen romance keeps us guessing, the off-screen friendship between actors Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo is nothing short of magical. This chemistry was on full display at the New York Comic Con on October 9, 2025, where the duo discussed their return in the Paramount+ series NCIS: Tony & Ziva—a sequel spin-off that has fans buzzing with excitement.
Set in the picturesque streets of Paris, France, the series follows Tony and Ziva as they navigate life as parents to their teenage daughter. But, as with any former agents, peace is short-lived. The pair soon find themselves on the run across Europe, accused of a staggering Interpol bribery scandal involving hundreds of millions of dollars. And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t just a reunion of characters—it’s a reunion of two actors who left NCIS years apart (Cote in 2013 and Michael in 2015) but whose bond has only strengthened over time.
Their journey is as complex as their characters’. After Ziva’s presumed death in an attack on her farmhouse in Israel—and the revelation that she’d kept their daughter a secret—Tony left NCIS to raise their child. Fast forward to 2019, and Ziva’s return in an episode arc reignited hope for fans. Now, in NCIS: Tony & Ziva, they’re back together, but with a twist: their lives are far from ordinary, and their pasts continue to haunt them.
At the NYCC panel, hosted by Damien Holbrook, their real-life friendship stole the show. Michael’s chivalrous gestures—like letting Cote walk out on stage first—their playful banter, and the genuine warmth they share were undeniable. But here’s the controversial part: while fans adore their on-screen chemistry, some argue that their off-screen dynamic overshadows the characters’ story. Is their friendship enhancing the show, or are we focusing too much on the actors themselves? Let’s discuss in the comments!
During the panel, HELLO! captured moments that spoke volumes: the way they held hands while reminiscing about their favorite memories, both on and off-set. Cote’s anecdote about filming a key scene—where she joked about Michael ‘protecting’ her by running slower—highlighted their effortless rapport. It’s clear they’re not just colleagues; they’re family.
Their love for Tony and Ziva is palpable. Michael reflected on Ziva’s trauma, describing it as a ‘haunting kind of pain,’ while Cote playfully countered his remarks. Meanwhile, Michael hinted at Tony’s own unresolved struggles, adding depth to their characters’ journeys. But here’s the question: Are Tony and Ziva’s individual pains too overwhelming for their relationship, or will they finally find their happily ever after? Share your thoughts below!
Cote also praised the new cast members, revealing that she and Michael had longed to create something special post-NCIS. ‘It’s this really beautiful thing that just very naturally and organically happens,’ she said, emphasizing their shared vision. However, she couldn’t resist teasing Michael about his occasional ‘radio silence’ moments, adding a layer of humor to their dynamic.
Perhaps the most heartfelt revelation came when they admitted that returning to the NCIS world had been ‘healing.’ Over dinner, they reflected on how the spin-off allowed them to explore storylines they’d never had the chance to before. ‘It was really great to do this with you all,’ they shared, crediting the fans’ unwavering support.
So, as we dive into NCIS: Tony & Ziva, one thing is certain: their chemistry—both on and off-screen—is the heart of this show. But what do you think? Is their friendship a bonus or a distraction? And will Tony and Ziva finally get the ending they deserve? Let the debate begin!
