The undeniable chemistry between Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo has captivated NCIS fans for over twenty years, and their recent reunion at New York Comic Con proved it’s as strong as ever. For those who have followed the rollercoaster romance of Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David, their story has been filled with love, loss, secrets, and hope — yet their happily-ever-after remains just out of reach. But beyond the screen, Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo share a genuine friendship, and this was crystal clear during their October 9, 2025, panel at NYCC where they discussed the highly anticipated Paramount+ spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
This new series serves as a sequel to the beloved CBS show, focusing on the lives of Tony and Ziva as they navigate raising their teenage daughter in Paris. However, life as former agents is never straightforward, and soon the couple find themselves fleeing across Europe, accused of bribing Interpol out of hundreds of millions of dollars — a premise full of suspense and intrigue.
It’s been six years since viewers last saw these two together on the NCIS screen; Cote departed in 2013 during season 11, and Michael followed two years later in season 13. At that time, audiences learned that Ziva had moved to Israel and was presumed dead after an attack on her farmhouse, with her daughter’s existence kept a secret from Tony. Tony then left the NCIS to raise their child alone, until a 2019 episode arc revealed Ziva was alive, reuniting the pair off-screen in Paris.
At the panel, expertly hosted by Damien Holbrook, Michael and Cote’s enduring friendship was on full display. From Michael’s courteous gestures—letting Cote take the stage first both at the beginning and end—to playful banter and heartfelt compliments, their connection extends far beyond their characters.
In one touching moment, HELLO! noticed the pair holding hands as they reminisced about their favorite moments together, both on set and off. Cote shared a memory about filming a key chase scene, joking, “I think I was running, and you were running behind me.” Michael wittily responded, “I was protecting you,” explaining why he appeared slower.
Their passion for their characters is palpable. Michael reflected, “The big challenge for Ziva is living without Tony,” which drew a spirited reaction from Cote. He elaborated, “She carries so much deep trauma and pain beneath the surface — a kind of haunting suffering. Meanwhile, Tony might seem carefree on the outside, but he too hides struggles he refuses to confront.” This nuanced understanding of their characters introduces layers many fans might not have fully appreciated.
Cote also praised the new cast members joining the spinoff. She revealed that both she and Michael hoped to nurture a special bond within the team, describing it as an organic, almost magical development that grows with shared laughter and moments. "It's a beautiful process that just happens naturally," she said.
Adding a playful note about their off-screen relationship, Cote quipped, “Michael is an interesting guy. Sometimes he’ll go totally silent—quiet as a mouse—but you’d never guess it at first.”
Perhaps most striking was their shared realization over dinner that returning to NCIS had a deeply healing effect on them both. Michael and Cote explained that after many years, they finally had the chance to explore storylines and emotions that were left unfinished during their original runs. Thanks to the fans’ enthusiasm and the opportunity to revisit these characters, they found the experience both rewarding and restorative.
But here’s where it gets controversial — what does this say about long-running TV relationships and their impact on actors and audiences alike? Some might argue that extending characters’ stories risks diluting their original arcs, while others see it as a chance for growth and closure. What do you think? Does the revival of Tony and Ziva’s saga add meaningful depth or unnecessarily retread old ground? Share your thoughts below!
