Full Breakdown
Michael Weatherly Returns as Tony DiNozzo for NCIS Season 24
7/2/2026, 2:32:49 AM
Tony DiNozzo Returns for Season 24
CBS announced that Michael Weatherly will reprise his role as Special Agent Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo for a season-long arc in NCIS’s 24th season. The season is scheduled for Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT this fall and will stream on Paramount+.
Recent Franchise Context
NCIS launched in 2003 as a *JAG* backdoor pilot and became CBS’s longest-running primetime drama, reaching its 500th episode in 2024. Weatherly left after 13 seasons (over 300 episodes) in 2016, cameoed in a 2024 tribute episode, and headlined the Paramount+ spinoff *NCIS: Tony & Ziva* (canceled after one season). Mark Harmon will star in *NCIS: Origins* season 3, and *NCIS: New York* will debut later this year.
Key Personnel
Returning cast includes Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) and current leads Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover, Katrina Law, and Gary Cole. Cote de Pablo (Ziva David) has not been confirmed to return. Mark Harmon returns as Gibbs in *Origins*. CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach oversees the franchise, produced by CBS Studios and executive-produced by Steven D. Binder, Chas Floyd Johnson, Mark Harmon, Scott Williams, Christopher J. Waild, Mark R. Schilz, José Clemente Hernandez, Avery C. Drewe, Marco Schnabel, and Donald P. Bellisario.
Timeline of Tony DiNozzo
- 2003: Introduced in *JAG* pilot.
- 2003-2016: Main cast for 13 seasons, >300 episodes.
- 2016: Departed for *Bull*.
- 2024: Cameo in tribute episode for David McCallum.
- July 2026: CBS announced Season 24 return.
Core Numbers
Season 24 occupies the 8 p.m. Tuesday slot. The NCIS franchise now comprises eight series, including the upcoming *NCIS: New York*.
Official Network Statements
CBS described Weatherly’s return as a “season-long” arc but gave no plot details. The network declined comment on Ziva’s possible return or any retcon of the *Tony & Ziva* storyline. Reisenbach said the network aims to revive legacy characters such as Sam Hanna.
Criticism & Opposition
During his tenure on *Bull*, Weatherly was accused of sexual harassment by actress Eliza Dushku.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Ziva’s status remains unconfirmed.
- The storyline is labeled “classified.”
- An exact premiere date for Season 24 has not been released.
Impact
Weatherly’s return adds a legacy character to the lineup as the franchise continues to expand with new series such as *NCIS: New York* and *NCIS: Origins*.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We've missed this one... welcome back, old friend!” — NCIS-verse Instagram.
- “I'll see you in the fall,” — Michael Weatherly.
- “We all realized that DiNozzo was the perfect character for that last scene,” — Brian Dietzen.
- “We really wanted to bring the Sam Hanna character back.” — Amy Reisenbach.
- “When [Michael] left NCIS , he said to me, 'I am never going to do network television again.” — Steven D. Binder.
Upcoming Schedule
Season 24 premieres in fall 2026, followed by *NCIS: New York* and the continuation of *NCIS: Origins* season 3, creating a Tuesday night block of three NCIS series.
