Michael Weatherly Returns as Tony DiNozzo in NCIS Season 24

Actor Michael Weatherly is officially returning to the long-running CBS drama series NCIS during its fall television schedule. He will reprise his beloved role as Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo Jr. for a major season-long arc. Weatherly’s return to the flagship show follows his appearance in the Paramount+ spinoff series NCIS: Tony & Ziva alongside co-star Cote de Pablo.

According to CBS and showrunner Steven D. Binder, DiNozzo returns to the Washington, D.C. area for personal and professional reasons. His daughter, Tali, has moved to the United States to attend boarding school. This prompts DiNozzo to establish a local satellite office for his private security firm, Salus Mondiale. However, plans for a modern headquarters hit a snag, landing his business in a quirky 1970s WeWork holdover known as the Arnold T. Gustafson Commerce Suites.

What Pulls Tony DiNozzo Back to the MCRT?

DiNozzo is initially in the capital to remain close to his daughter and grow his private security operations. Soon, an internal crisis at his former agency pulls him back into the fold. The Major Case Response Team (MCRT) is compromised following a major security breach and internal leak last season. Hearing word of the breach, DiNozzo crosses paths with his former colleagues, leading to his integration into a multi-episode narrative arc.

Showrunner Steven D. Binder noted that DiNozzo’s involvement bridges his private security background with active investigations. Longtime fans are eager to see how DiNozzo reacts to major changes within the team, including Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) discovering he has an 18-year-old son named Mateo.

A Massive Era of Nostalgia for the NCISverse

Weatherly’s return marks a significant milestone for the NCIS franchise, which anchors CBS’s primetime lineup. Weatherly originally debuted as Tony DiNozzo in a two-episode backdoor pilot on JAG in 2003. He then anchored the main cast of NCIS for its first 13 seasons and over 300 episodes. He previously made a brief cameo in Season 21’s tribute episode to the late David McCallum, honoring Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard.

Season 24 features familiar faces alongside fresh adjustments. The core cast returning alongside Sean Murray includes Wilmer Valderrama, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover, Katrina Law, and Gary Cole. Meanwhile, the broader franchise continues to expand. Mark Harmon returns on-screen as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS: Origins Season 3, and LL Cool J transitions from NCIS: Los Angeles to join the upcoming NCIS: New York series.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Weatherly’s NCIS Return

When will Michael Weatherly return to NCIS?

Michael Weatherly returns as Tony DiNozzo during Season 24 of NCIS, which airs on Tuesdays on CBS.

How long will Tony DiNozzo be on NCIS Season 24?

CBS has confirmed that Weatherly is slated for a major, season-long arc, marking his first extended presence on the mothership series in over a decade.

Why is Tony DiNozzo back in Washington, D.C.?

DiNozzo returns to the U.S. to stay close to his daughter, Tali, who is attending boarding school. He establishes a local satellite office for his security firm, Salus Mondiale, before getting pulled into an active NCIS security investigation.

Will Cote de Pablo appear as Ziva David in NCIS Season 24?

As of the initial announcements, CBS has not confirmed whether Cote de Pablo will reprise her role as Ziva David alongside Weatherly in the flagship series following the events of their Paramount+ spinoff.

What happened to Tony and Ziva’s spinoff show?

NCIS: Tony & Ziva aired for one season on Paramount+ before being cancelled by the streaming platform, paving the way for Weatherly’s return to the original network television series.