Michael Weatherly Returns to 'NCIS' Universe a Decade After Initial Exit

Actor Michael Weatherly has stepped back into the world of "NCIS" in a semi-regular capacity during the broadcast network's 24th season, marking a major milestone a full decade after walking away from his signature role as Tony DiNozzo. His return to CBS's primetime lineup reestablishes one of the franchise's original foundational characters and follows multiple guest appearances and spinoff ventures across the long-running procedural universe.

Weatherly originally concluded his initial 13-season tenure on "NCIS" in May 2016. His impending exit was announced in January of that year, leading the actor to address fans directly on social media. At the time, Weatherly wrote on X that DiNozzo was a "wonderful, quixotic character" and shared that he could not have had more fun portraying him, adding: "I will miss the amazing crew & cast, who are like family to me, & to the fans all over the world – THANK YOU, it's been a fantastic ride!"

The choice to step away from the hit procedural came after years of grueling television production schedules. Speaking to reporters a few months later at the Television Critics Association press tour in 2016, Weatherly cited fatigue as the central reason for his departure. "I was burnt out by NCIS, and I was ready for a new challenge," he explained, noting at the time that "sometimes change is as good as a rest."

That career shift arrived almost immediately with the legal drama "Bull," which premiered on CBS's fall schedule in September 2016 alongside "NCIS." Weatherly took on the lead role of Dr. Jason Bull, the head of a trial consulting firm that used psychology and high-tech tools to guide clients through court proceedings. The series concluded its run in 2022, paving the way for Weatherly's eventual reemergence in the television universe that first launched him into widespread prominence.

The groundwork for his franchise comeback began taking shape in 2024, when Weatherly made an appearance during an episode of "NCIS" Season 21. That cameo served as a springboard for the 2025 spinoff "NCIS: Tony & Ziva," a 10-episode, European-set adventure that reunited Weatherly with longtime co-star Cote de Pablo. The single-season project marked his first sustained franchise screen time since stepping away in 2016.

Weatherly's recent creative footprint in the franchise also includes a reunion with original "NCIS" lead Mark Harmon, who departed the mothership series during its 19th season in 2021. The two former co-stars reunited on screen for CBS's other spinoff, "NCIS: Origins," bridging the early era of the property with its contemporary television expansions.

Now in 2026, Weatherly's presence on the current 24th season of "NCIS" fits into a busy procedural ecosystem for CBS, which airs "NCIS" on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern followed by "NCIS: Origins" at 10 p.m. Eastern. The network's broader franchise roster also features "NCIS: New York" and the international spinoff "NCIS: Sydney," proving that Weatherly's initial farewell to DiNozzo was far from permanent.