For devoted viewers of the acclaimed CBS procedural NCIS, Michael Weatherly’s departure in season 13 was a significant blow. Since the show’s inception, Weatherly’s portrayal of Tony DiNozzo had been integral to NCIS‘s success. As a senior agent under Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), DiNozzo, while sometimes abrasive, was a highly skilled member of the Major Case Response Team, evolving significantly throughout his tenure. His relationship with fellow agent Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) was a cornerstone of the show, captivating fans with their complex dynamic that blurred professional and personal lines. However, in 2015, Weatherly’s journey with NCIS concluded at the end of season 13, leaving fans questioning, Why Did Tony Leave Ncis?
While Tony DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly, was a central figure in NCIS, cast changes are inevitable in long-running series. By the time Michael Weatherly decided to leave NCIS after season 13, Ziva, DiNozzo’s primary love interest, had already exited, dissolving a pairing cherished by many viewers. A significant factor in Weatherly’s decision to have DiNozzo depart was the absence of the dynamic he shared with Ziva. The on-screen chemistry between Tony and Ziva, and his working relationship with Cote de Pablo, was something Weatherly deeply valued. Beyond this, after dedicating 13 years to the role, Weatherly expressed a desire to explore new acting opportunities, feeling it was time to move on to different projects. In an interview with TV Insider, Weatherly described his feelings about leaving as akin to overstaying at a party, indicating a readiness for a change.
Michael Weatherly’s Transition to “Bull”
When Michael Weatherly chose to leave NCIS, the writers crafted a departure that resonated with fans. Tony DiNozzo’s exit was prompted by the revelation that he and Ziva had a daughter, Tali. This compelling reason allowed Tony to leave NCIS to embrace fatherhood and care for his newly discovered child. Michael Weatherly has remained active in television since his NCIS exit, quickly taking on the lead role in CBS’s legal drama Bull. While some NCIS enthusiasts might view his departure with disappointment, it’s understandable that after such a long tenure on a successful show, an actor might seek new challenges, much like Mark Harmon’s own evolution with NCIS leading up to season 19.
It’s not uncommon for actors to seek fresh experiences after playing the same character for an extended period. Weatherly’s prompt move to Bull, which enjoyed a six-season run, underscored his eagerness for new roles. With Bull now concluded, speculation is rife about Weatherly’s future plans. Many NCIS fans harbor hopes for Tony DiNozzo to reappear, even for a guest spot. Canonically, the door is open for a return, as “Tiva” are still depicted as a couple, raising their daughter in Paris. Ziva’s own return to NCIS in season 17 further fuels this possibility. However, considering Weatherly’s demanding schedule as the lead in Bull, he might prioritize a period of rest before considering a return to the NCIS universe.
Showrunner Steven D. Binder Welcomes a Tony DiNozzo Comeback
With Bull finished, the anticipation for Michael Weatherly to potentially return to NCIS is building among fans. NCIS showrunner Steven D. Binder has openly expressed his enthusiasm for a DiNozzo comeback. While Michael Weatherly himself hasn’t publicly commented on a potential return, Binder’s remarks suggest that the show is definitely open to the idea. In an interview with TVLine, Binder spoke positively about Weatherly, suggesting that after the intensity of Bull, the actor might be enjoying a well-deserved break. When questioned about the possibility of Michael Weatherly returning to NCIS, Binder responded optimistically,
“Wouldn’t that be great? When [Michael] left NCIS, he said to me, ‘I am never going to do network television again.’ He had just had some kids, and the hours are so long… but then this Bull thing landed in his lap, and again he was working like a fiend. So I suspect — forgetting Tony DiNozzo for a minute — that Michael Weatherly is on vacation.”
This statement, while not a confirmation, does indicate a hopeful sentiment from the NCIS showrunner regarding Weatherly’s return. A Tony DiNozzo return would require agreement from both the actor and CBS. Binder’s comments reassure fans that CBS, at least from the showrunner’s perspective, is keen on the prospect.
Michael Weatherly’s Career Before NCIS
Before becoming synonymous with Tony DiNozzo on NCIS, Michael Weatherly began his professional acting career in 1991. He gained experience through various roles, from single-episode sitcom appearances to recurring parts in soap operas and dramas, before NCIS propelled him to widespread recognition. Interestingly, his earliest television credit is an uncredited role in a now-controversial family sitcom, The Cosby Show.
Michael Weatherly appeared in The Cosby Show episode “Theo’s Final Final” as a roommate of Theo Huxtable (Malcolm-Jamal Warner). In the episode, Weatherly is seen helping Theo and his friends prepare for a party. At the time, this role was unremarkable, and the controversy surrounding The Cosby Show emerged much later due to the numerous sexual assault allegations against Bill Cosby. Despite the subsequent controversy linked to Bill Cosby, Weatherly’s brief appearance remains a footnote in his early career journey, long before he became the beloved Tony DiNozzo.
In conclusion, Tony DiNozzo’s departure from NCIS was driven by a combination of factors: the exit of Cote de Pablo and the cherished “Tiva” dynamic, and Michael Weatherly’s personal desire for new professional challenges after 13 seasons. While fans initially mourned his exit, the door remains open for a potential return, a prospect that showrunner Steven D. Binder and many viewers eagerly anticipate.
