The biggest threat toNCIS: Tony & Ziva’s success is effectively squashed by showrunner John McNamara. After the launch ofNCIS: Origins, theNCISfranchisecontinues to expand with the launch of its latest offshoot. This time, it’s a reunion project between Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo as MCRT’s star-crossed lovers, Tony & Ziva.
It has been a decade since Weatherly left Navy Yard after learning about Ziva’s supposed death and Tali’s existence. Fast-forward to 2025, and the family of three is rebuilding their life in Paris. Unfortunately,Paramount+‘sNCIS: Tony & Zivawill have to rely on the characters’ history from the flagship, which could deter new viewers from checking it out.
DuringNCIS: Tony & Ziva’s San Diego Comic-Con panel, whichScreenRantattended, McNamara alleviated any concerns about whether everyone needs to watch the flagship first to understand the spinoff. Read his full quote below:
“I do. I do feel that we’ve tried to walk a balance between what institutional viewers who know it cold—I don’t think they’ll be bored. I think they’ll be nostalgic. And then new viewers will be like, ‘Oh they were a thing.'”
What This Means For NCIS: Tony & Ziva’s Chances Of Success
More People Can Enjoy The Spinoff
While Tony was part ofLeroy Jethro Gibbs’ original MCRT team inJAG, Ziva wasn’t introduced until a few seasons in as the new female lead. They were on the show together for almost a decade until De Pablo left. The flagship never really consistently tackled their relationship on its own. Instead, it was always incorporated into a much bigger narrative happening.
McNamara reassuring the public that they can startNCIS: Tony & Zivawithout prior knowledge of the pair’s history in the flagship should help the show appeal to a broader audience. It would be understandable if some would opt out of the show if they need to put extra work into revisitingNCISjust to understand what’s going on in the spinoff.
Otherwise, Paramount+ can also help new fans catch up on Tony & Ziva’s story by releasing a special collection that features all the big episodes for the couple. That way, those who want to have more knowledge of their background have the opportunity to do so without having to sift through multiple seasons ofNCIS.
Our Take On NCIS: Tony & Ziva Not Relying On The Flagship’s History
There Has To Be A Balance Of Past & Present
Ultimately,it’s a great marketing move to ensure thatNCIS: Tony & Zivacan stand on its own. That said, a big part of its appeal will be the inevitable callbacks and Easter eggs from the mothership. So some references that may not sound particularly interesting can be extremely important for those who know about the pair’s long history.
Hopefully, however,NCIS: Tony & Zivacan find the delicate balance between honoring the characters' past and offering something new. It sounds like this is a main priority for McNamara and everyone else involved, so that’s inspiring.
