Tony DiNozzo will return to NCIS for all of season 24

Ten years after his departure, Michael Weatherly returns to the cult series. And his return could well upset the balance of the team.

This is an announcement that will delight NCIS fans: Michael Weatherly will reprise his role as Tony DiNozzo in season 24, where he will appear throughout 2026-2027 in a major story arc.

The actor himself confirmed the news in a video posted on the series’ official Instagram account, saying with a smile: “See you in the fall.”

Present since the launch of NCIS in 2003, Michael Weatherly played Agent Tony DiNozzo for thirteen seasons. He left the series in 2016, when his character decided to resign to raise his daughter Tali, born from his relationship with Ziva David (Cote de Pablo).

Since then, he has only returned once, for an episode of season 21 devoted to the funeral of Doctor Donald “Ducky” Mallard, played by the late David McCallum.

Last year, Weatherly and Cote de Pablo found themselves in the spin-off NCIS: Tony & Ziva, broadcast on M6 in France, which followed the famous duo based in Paris. Despite a warm reception from fans, the series was ultimately canceled after just one season.

His return to NCIS now raises a question: will DiNozzo become the new director of the agency?

Spoiler alert!

Season 23 ended with the death of Leon Vance, ending Rocky Carroll’s 18-year presence in the series. The director’s position has since been vacant and producers have hinted that a well-known face could take over the reins.

Last April, Brian Dietzen, the interpreter of Jimmy Palmer, confided: “I would like to see a familiar face occupy this position. After the disappearance of director Vance, it would be reassuring for everyone…” Showrunner Steven D. Binder had also confirmed that several avenues were being studied.

The arrival of Tony DiNozzo for an entire season therefore clearly suggests that he could be called upon to play a much more important role than that of a simple guest…

The question remains: where will Ziva be during this time?