Michael Weatherly is a well-known actor who gained widespread recognition for his role as Tony DiNozzo on the hit crime procedural NCIS. However, after 13 seasons, Weatherly made the surprising decision to leave the show in 2016. This departure left fans and viewers wondering about the reasons behind his exit and what it meant for the future of the beloved character.
There were several factors that contributed to Weatherly’s departure from NCIS. One of the main reasons was his desire to explore new opportunities and pursue other acting projects. After spending over a decade playing the same character, Weatherly felt it was time for a change and wanted to challenge himself creatively.
In an interview with TVLine, Weatherly explained, “I felt like I had achieved everything I wanted to achieve on that show. I’d had a great run, learned so much, and made some lifelong friends. But I was ready for something different.”
Another factor that played a role in his decision was the desire to spend more time with his family. Weatherly has a wife and children, and the demanding schedule of filming a long-running television series like NCIS can often take a toll on personal life. By leaving the show, he hoped to have more flexibility and be able to prioritize his family.
It’s worth noting that Weatherly’s departure from NCIS was not acrimonious. He expressed his gratitude to the show’s producers, cast, and crew for the incredible experience and support throughout his tenure on the series. He also spoke highly of his fellow cast members, calling them his “TV family” and expressing his love and admiration for them.
Following his departure from NCIS, Weatherly wasted no time in finding his next big project. He landed the lead role in the legal drama Bull, which premiered in 2016. The show, inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw, showcased Weatherly’s acting range and allowed him to explore a different type of character.
Despite leaving NCIS, Weatherly has not completely closed the door on a potential return in the future. In fact, there have been rumors and speculations about a possible reunion with his former co-star Cote de Pablo, who played Ziva David on the show. However, as of now, there are no concrete plans for Weatherly to make a comeback.
Michael Weatherly’s decision to leave NCIS was driven by a desire for new challenges and opportunities, as well as a need to focus on his personal life. Although his departure left a void in the show, Weatherly has since found success in his lead role on Bull. While fans may hope for a reunion in the future, only time will tell if Tony DiNozzo will make a triumphant return to the world of NCIS.
Is Ziva Coming Back To NCIS?
As of now, there are no concrete plans for Ziva to return to NCIS. The decision to bring a character back depends on the development of a compelling storyline. The show has already explored various aspects of Ziva’s character, so they have exhausted all the possibilities for the time being.
However, the door is not completely closed on Ziva’s return. The show’s producers have expressed their openness to the idea if a suitable story arises. They believe that bringing a character back should be driven by the narrative rather than just for the sake of it. So, while there are no immediate plans, the possibility of Ziva returning in the future is not ruled out.
Why Did Mark Harmon Leave NCIS For Good?
Mark Harmon left NCIS for good primarily due to his desire to retire from the show. After Season 18, Harmon was ready to hang up the cap of his character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. However, he learned that if he were to leave the show completely, CBS might not renew NCIS for another season. To accommodate this situation, Harmon agreed to return for Season 19 but in a limited capacity.
Despite his initial agreement to return, Harmon ultimately decided to leave the show after appearing in only four episodes of Season 19. The exact reasons for his departure are not publicly known, as Harmon has not provided a detailed explanation. However, it is speculated that his decision to leave may be influenced by a combination of factors, including his desire for retirement, potential creative differences, and possibly pursuing other projects or interests.
It is worth noting that Mark Harmon’s departure from NCIS does not seem to be related to any conflicts or controversies within the show. Harmon has been an integral part of NCIS since its inception in 2003, and his character has been beloved by fans worldwide. It is likely that his decision to leave was a personal one, driven by his own career aspirations and the desire to explore new opportunities.
Mark Harmon left NCIS for good because he initially wanted to retire from the show after Season 18. However, to ensure the show’s renewal, he agreed to return for Season 19 in a limited capacity. Eventually, Harmon decided to leave the show completely after appearing in only four episodes of the nineteenth season. The exact reasons for his departure remain undisclosed, but it is speculated to be a combination of retirement plans, potential creative differences, and the pursuit of other projects or interests.
Will Tony DiNozzo Return To NCIS?
As of now, there is no official confirmation or announcement regarding Tony DiNozzo’s return to NCIS. However, rumors have been circulating about actor Michael Weatherly, who portrayed DiNozzo, potentially making a comeback to the popular crime drama series.
While these rumors have sparked excitement among fans, it is important to note that they are currently just speculations. Michael Weatherly himself has fueled these rumors by not denying the possibility of his return and even expressing his interest in reprising the role of Tony DiNozzo.
It is worth mentioning that NCIS has a history of bringing back beloved characters for guest appearances or special storylines. Given the upcoming three-way crossover event in January 2023, fans are hoping to see some familiar faces, including Tony DiNozzo. However, until there is an official announcement from CBS or the show’s producers, it remains uncertain whether Tony DiNozzo will indeed make a return.
When Did Mark Harmon Leave NCIS?
Mark Harmon left NCIS during the 19th season of the show. Specifically, he departed four episodes into the season, which aired last fall. After his departure, Harmon’s character, Gibbs, was no longer present in the series. Despite this, Harmon continued to be featured in the opening credits for the remainder of the season.
Conclusion
Michael Weatherly’s return to NCIS is highly anticipated by fans of the long-running crime procedural. Rumors and speculation have been swirling about the possibility of his character, Tony DiNozzo, making a comeback, and Weatherly has certainly not discouraged those rumors. With his recent comments and actions, it seems that he is open to reprising his role.
Weatherly’s portrayal of Tony DiNozzo was a fan favorite for many years, and his departure from the show in 2016 left a void that has yet to be fully filled. His chemistry with the other characters, particularly with Ziva David (played by Cote de Pablo), was a highlight of the series, and fans have been longing for their reunion.
While there is no official confirmation of Weatherly’s return at this time, his willingness to feed into the rumors and his previous statement about being open to reprising the role suggest that it may be a possibility in the future. It will ultimately depend on the creative direction of the show and whether the writers can come up with a compelling story that justifies bringing Tony DiNozzo back into the fold.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to the upcoming three-way crossover event in the NCIS universe, which will surely provide plenty of excitement and intrigue. Whether or not Weatherly makes a return, his impact on the show and the fandom will not be forgotten, and his potential comeback would undoubtedly be met with great enthusiasm.
