Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo have welcomed back their NCIS characters in the first footage from their upcoming spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva. After being introduced in the procedural franchise’s original series, the familiar couple are back for a new adventure, this time racing across Europe as they’re pursued by an unknown threat. The story of NCIS: Tony & Ziva starts with the latter’s company being targeted, soon morphing into a sprawling mystery as the core duo try and figure out what’s going on while protecting their daughter, Tali (Isla Gie).
In a new video from NCISverse on Instagram, Weatherly and de Pablo introduce NCIS: Tony & Ziva, speaking about the show as first footage of the series arrives. They express excitement about returning as their characters, who banter about what to do in their current situation. This includes Ziva feeling like they’re back with the team, her and Tony bantering about calling McGee (Sean Murray) to handle the situation for them. The teaser ends by confirming the full trailer for the spinoff will air during the NCIS season 22 finale.
What Tony & Ziva’s First Footage Says About The Show
It Retains A Similar Tone To The Original Series
The fall premiere for NCIS: Tony & Ziva will see the show airing at the same time as NCIS season 23 and NCIS: Origins season 2. It also means a few more months until the extent of their adventure is revealed. However, the first footage indicates they’ll be wearing disguises as they traverse Europe, investigating a case that feels like one from when they were on the main team. Their mention of McGee further cements the show as connected to its predecessor, even though it’s unclear if any other familiar faces are going to pop up.
One of the more standout elements of the footage is that it retains similar humor to NCIS, meaning it’ll feel very familiar to the long-running series. While the characters in NCIS: Tony & Ziva outside the titular couple are likely going to be newcomers to the franchise, the show having the same tone as the original helps it feel more like a direct offshoot. It helps that their banter seemingly hasn’t changed since they were on the main series, no doubt leading to memorable exchanges as their investigation unfolds.
Our Take On NCIS: Tony & Ziva’s First Footage
A Fitting First Impression Before The Full Trailer
Although the footage didn’t reveal too much about the upcoming story, this first impression of NCIS: Tony & Ziva is a strong tease ahead of the first trailer. By keeping its tone familiar to the original while hinting at a new, high-octane mission for the pair, the series is already providing good groundwork for its 10-episode story. As the mystery unfolds and more is revealed, there’s likely to be even stronger moments between the duo as the show develops.
NCIS: Tony & Ziva arrives in fall 2025 on Paramount+.