Imagine a love story that spans over two decades on screen, filled with romance, heartbreak, a surprise child, farewells, and unexpected reunions—yet the couple still hasn't reached their fairy-tale ending. That's the captivating saga of Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David from the beloved TV series NCIS, and it's enough to keep fans hooked for more. But here's where it gets intriguing: off-screen, the actors who bring these characters to life, Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo, share a genuine friendship that's as warm and real as it gets. This was on full display during their New York Comic Con panel on October 9, 2025, where they chatted about the revival of Tony and Ziva in the Paramount+ hit, NCIS: Tony & Ziva. And this is the part most people miss—their on-stage banter revealed a chemistry that's not just scripted, but deeply rooted in real-life camaraderie.
For those new to the NCIS universe, it's a long-running crime procedural show on CBS that follows the Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents as they solve cases involving the U.S. Navy and Marines. NCIS: Tony & Ziva is a thrilling sequel spin-off that picks up where the original left off, focusing on Tony (played by Michael Weatherly) and his former partner Ziva (portrayed by Cote de Pablo) as they navigate life in Paris, France, raising their teenage daughter. Of course, life for ex-agents in TV dramas is rarely peaceful—think high-stakes action and suspense—and here, the duo finds themselves on the run across Europe, falsely accused of bribing Interpol for hundreds of millions of dollars. It's a plot twist that echoes the show's signature blend of personal drama and international intrigue.
To give you some context, this reunion marks their first on-screen collaboration in six years. Cote de Pablo departed NCIS in 2013 during season 11, and Michael Weatherly followed in 2015 during season 13. Fans were shocked when Ziva, who had relocated to Israel, was believed to have perished in a farmhouse attack, only for it to be revealed later that she'd kept her daughter with Tony a secret. Tony then stepped away from NCIS to care for the girl, but in 2019, both returned for a special episode arc that confirmed Ziva was alive, leading to their off-screen reunion in Paris. It's a rollercoaster of emotions that mirrors the characters' complex backstories, making their story even more compelling for viewers who love layered narratives.
Hosted by Damien Holbrook, the NYCC panel showcased how Michael and Cote have stayed close friends all these years. From Michael's polite gestures toward Cote to their playful banter, affectionate remarks, and shared laughs, it was evident that their connection extends far beyond the camera. For instance, as they stepped onto the stage, Michael thoughtfully paused to let Cote go first, and he repeated this courteous act at the end, allowing her to exit before him. These small, gentlemanly actions speak volumes about respect and friendship, setting a positive example for how real-life relationships can influence on-screen dynamics.
During the discussion, they were spotted holding hands while reminiscing about cherished memories from both on-set and off-set adventures. It was a tender moment that highlighted their bond, reminding us that sometimes, the best chemistry comes from genuine affection. And this is where things get even more fascinating: at one point, Cote recounted a pivotal scene from NCIS: Tony & Ziva where she described running ahead, with Michael trailing behind. 'I was protecting you,' Michael joked in response, explaining his slower pace. This lighthearted exchange not only showcased their playful rapport but also tied into the show's themes of partnership and protection, making it relatable for fans who appreciate humor amidst tension.
It's abundantly clear that both actors hold deep affection for their characters and are eager to explore more stories. Michael shared insights into the emotional depth of Ziva's struggles, noting, 'The big discussion was how hard it is for Ziva to be without Tony,' which prompted an indignant reaction from Cote. He elaborated, 'Because she comes from so much trauma, there's so much pain in her background, like a haunting kind of pain. A lot of it is not on the surface… and so that would come with its own world of hurt and pain, and I think that the flip side was DiNozzo looked like he just kind of was skipping through a field of posies, but it turns out he's got his own world of not looking at stuff.' This revelation adds layers to the characters, showing how trauma can be subtle yet profound, and it invites viewers to reflect on how personal histories shape relationships—something beginners might not fully grasp without such explanations.
Cote also expressed admiration for the new cast members joining the series, sharing how she and Michael have discussed rebuilding that special 'family' vibe post-NCIS. 'Little by little you start having moments that make you laugh, and then before you know it you become a little bit of a family… it's this really beautiful thing that just very naturally and organically happens,' she explained. 'But it's what Michael and I always talk about having, so I think there was this willingness to create something special.' She added, 'We knew that they had something that we wanted in our show and we knew that maybe those energies could grow together and something maybe magical could happen.' This emphasis on organic chemistry could spark debate: is it possible to recreate that 'magical' connection with new actors, or does it always rely on the original stars' history?
Not to mention, Cote had some fun teasing Michael, quipping, 'He's a very interesting person. He can have moments where he can go radio silent—you'd never know it, but it's true.' It's a humorous nod to his personality, adding a human touch that makes the actors feel approachable and endearing.
The panel also touched on a heartfelt dinner conversation where they realized returning to the NCIS world had been 'healing' for both. 'Michael and I… we finally had a chat about what that first season was for us and I said, 'Well, what was it like for you to do this?' and we both sort of simultaneously said it was very healing because we never got a chance to really play out most of the things that we thought we could on such a long run,' Cote recalled. 'And because of the fans and because of this energetic want to do this, all of that could be explored and in many ways it was really great to do this with you all.' This idea of closure through storytelling is powerful, but here's where it gets controversial: some might argue that reviving old characters for 'healing' purposes could dilute the original show's impact, or even question if actors should prioritize personal catharsis over audience expectations. Do you agree that fan-driven revivals are a form of therapy for performers, or do you think it risks overextending beloved franchises? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you believe their real-life friendship enhances the show's authenticity, or could it sometimes overshadow the plot? We'd love to hear your take!
