Michael Weatherly is back as Tony DiNozzo in NCIS Season 24 — and his character has a shiny new title: NCIS director. One of NCIS’ beloved original characters, DiNozzo has gone from Gibbs’ wisecracking senior field agent to a father, private security professional, and now the new NCIS leader.
DiNozzo’s story spans more than two decades, from his relationship with Ziva David and his NCIS Season 13 departure to subsequent appearances across the NCISverse. His latest chapter brings him back to his familiar stomping grounds in NCIS Season 24 and reunites Weatherly onscreen with Mark Harmon in NCIS: Origins Season 3. Here’s a guide to DiNozzo’s character arc, including the turning points that shaped him and how his latest chapter connects to his past.
SPOILER ALERT: Major developments from NCIS through the Season 24 premiere, as well as other shows within the NCISverse, are discussed below.
Key facts
- Full name: Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo Jr.
- Played by: Michael Weatherly
- First NCIS appearance: “Yankee White” (Season 1, Episode 1)
- Original NCIS departure: “Family First” (Season 13, Episode 24)
- Family: Partner Ziva David and their daughter, Tali
- Spinoff: NCIS: Tony & Ziva
- Current role: NCIS director as of NCIS Season 24
- Where to watch: Paramount+
The NCIS Collection
Watch NowWhat happened to Tony DiNozzo on NCIS?
Tony DiNozzo spent his early years on NCIS as the movie-quoting, smooth-talking, prank-loving senior field agent, but his relationship with Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) — a fellow NCIS officer who later became a special agent — ultimately changed his trajectory. At the end of Season 13, Tony learned that he and Ziva, who was presumed dead at the time, had a daughter, Tali. Becoming a father reshaped his priorities, and he left the NCIS team to raise her, eventually reuniting with Ziva in Paris.
Tony briefly returned in NCIS Season 21’s emotional tribute episode, “The Stories We Leave Behind,” to honor Ducky following his death. The episode also honored the late David McCallum, the actor who portrayed him. The spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva continued his story as a father and owner of a global private security firm. His NCIS Season 24 return marked his biggest career change yet: He was named NCIS director following Leon Vance’s death in Season 23.
Tony DiNozzo’s NCIS timeline explained
Tony DiNozzo’s story unfolds across the original NCIS series, various guest appearances in the NCISverse, and his own spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva. Trace his evolution from Gibbs’ trusted right-hand man to becoming a father to being named NCIS director.
Seasons 1-2: Tony joins Gibbs’ team
A former police detective, Tony DiNozzo begins his journey on NCIS as an experienced field agent serving under Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon). Charming, quick with a joke, and a little mischievous, he’s also a skilled investigator whose instincts make him a valuable member of the team. He has a playful rapport with forensic scientist Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette) and regularly teases “probie” Timothy McGee (Sean Murray). Jokes aside, Tony respects Gibbs and takes his guidance seriously. Gibbs’ mentorship and Tony’s loyalty lay the foundation for his growth.
Seasons 3-10: Tony and Ziva’s relationship develops
Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) comes into the picture after the shocking death of DiNozzo’s partner Kate Todd (Sasha Alexander) in the Season 2 finale, “Twilight.” Ziva’s and Tony’s heated banter hints at a mutual attraction that goes beyond their working relationship. Their professional partnership deepens into trust and affection, with Tony risking his life to help rescue her in the Season 7 episode, “Truth or Consequences.” As their romantic feelings grow, Ziva brings out a more vulnerable, protective side of DiNozzo.
Seasons 11-13: Tony leaves NCIS
Ziva’s departure in Season 11 leaves Tony missing both his partner and the possibility of a future together, but he continues working alongside Gibbs’ team. In the Season 13 finale, “Family First,” he learns that Ziva is believed to have died in a mortar attack and that they have a daughter, Tali. He leaves NCIS to care for Tali and seek answers about Ziva’s fate. Once a career-focused agent, being a father becomes his most important assignment.
Season 21: Tony returns for Ducky’s tribute
Tony makes a surprise appearance in the second episode of Season 21, “The Stories We Leave Behind,” which honors Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard and the late actor David McCallum. He reunites with Dr. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen), offering comfort and humor before Ducky’s funeral. The brief cameo shows he’s still there for his NCIS family when it matters most.
NCIS: Tony & Ziva: A fresh start, new dangers
The Paramount+ spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva premiered in 2025, following the pair as they raise their daughter Tali (Isla Gie), navigate their complicated relationship, and face new threats in Europe. Tony runs a private security company, putting his investigative skills to work beyond the badge. The series explores the life he built after leaving NCIS, serving as a bridge between his Season 13 departure and eventual Season 24 return.
Season 24: Tony becomes NCIS director
Tony returns to NCIS for a season-long arc beginning with the Season 24 premiere, “Wayward Son.” He’s back in Washington, D.C., to establish a satellite office for his private security company, but gets drawn into a case involving McGee’s son, Mateo (Patrick Keleher). Following Leon Vance’s (Rocky Carroll) death in Season 23 and Gabriel LaRoche’s (Seamus Dever) unsuccessful stint as NCIS director, Tony takes the top job — with Ziva’s support from afar — putting him in charge.
It’s a full-circle moment for DiNozzo, who reunites with his former boss Gibbs (Mark Harmon) to help with a case in the Oct. 20 episode of NCIS: Origins Season 3.
How Tony DiNozzo evolved throughout his arc
Tony DiNozzo’s movie references and flirtatious charm always came with sharp investigative instincts, but he gradually learned when to drop the punchline and take charge. Gibbs pushed him to trust his judgment, Ziva challenged him to let his guard down, and his bond with McGee grew from teasing the “probie” to respecting a trusted colleague. Becoming a partner, father, and business owner also deepened his sense of responsibility as his decisions carried consequences beyond the next case.
The NCIS director’s chair may seem like a surprising destination for DiNozzo, but he spent years learning how to read people, earn trust, and make difficult calls under Gibbs’ tutelage. His new role brings that mentorship full circle, putting him in a position to guide others while finding his own way to lead.
4 essential Tony DiNozzo episodes to watch
Revisit these four NCIS episodes for a snapshot of Tony’s biggest professional and personal moments:
- Season 1, Episode 1: “Yankee White“
The 2003 series premiere establishes Tony’s quick wit and rapport with Gibbs as the team investigates a death aboard Air Force One. - Season 7, Episode 1: “Truth or Consequences”
Tony puts his life on the line to find out what happened to Ziva, leading to a rescue mission that underscores how much she means to him. - Season 13, Episode 24: “Family First“
Tony learns that he and Ziva have a daughter, Tali. The revelation changes his priorities and leads him to leave NCIS to raise her. - Season 24, Episode 1: “Wayward Son“
Tony returns to Washington, D.C., to expand his private security firm, but his homecoming takes an unexpected turn when he becomes NCIS director.
For more of Tony’s story after his original NCIS departure, stream all 10 episodes of NCIS: Tony & Ziva on Paramount+. The spinoff follows Tony and Ziva raising their daughter Tali in Paris before an attack on his security company sends them on the run across Europe.
Where to watch Tony DiNozzo on NCIS
From Michael Weatherly’s original 13-season run to his latest Season 24 storyline, watch Tony DiNozzo in action on NCIS, streaming on Paramount+. To follow Tony’s story after his Season 13 exit, stream every episode of NCIS: Tony & Ziva on Paramount+.
New episodes of NCIS Season 24 air Tuesdays at 8 PM ET/PT on CBS. Stream them live with Paramount+ Premium or on demand the next day with any Paramount+ plan.
Weatherly also appears in NCIS: Origins Season 3, reuniting onscreen with Mark Harmon for the first time in 10 years. The episode, “Return of the Mack,” airs Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 9 PM ET/PT on CBS. Stream the episode live with Paramount+ Premium or on demand the next day with any Paramount+ plan.
Watch NCIS on Paramount+
Tony DiNozzo has come a long way from trading quips with Gibbs and the team to sitting in the NCIS director’s chair. Revisit his early seasons on NCIS, follow his globe-trotting adventures in NCIS: Tony & Ziva, and catch his latest adventures as director in NCIS Season 24 — all streaming on Paramount+. Plus, watch his long-awaited onscreen reunion with Gibbs in NCIS: Origins Season 3.
FAQ
Why did Tony DiNozzo leave NCIS?
Tony left in the NCIS Season 13 finale, “Family First,” after learning that he and Ziva had a daughter, Tali. With Ziva presumed dead, he stepped away from the agency to raise Tali.
Does Tony DiNozzo have a daughter?
Yes. Tony and Ziva have a daughter, Tali. He learns about her in the NCIS Season 13 finale, “Family First,” and leaves NCIS to raise her, beginning a new chapter as a father.
Are Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David still together?
Tony and Ziva rekindle their romance in the NCIS: Tony & Ziva finale, choosing to give their relationship another go. In NCIS Season 24, Tony is back in Washington, D.C., while it’s revealed that Ziva works at a language institute in Boston near Tali’s boarding school. Though Tony and Ziva are living in different cities, they are together.
Is Tony DiNozzo the new NCIS director?
Yes. Tony is appointed director in the NCIS Season 24 premiere, “Wayward Son,” replacing Gabriel LaRoche (Seamus Dever) after his brief tenure in the role.
Is Michael Weatherly returning to NCIS permanently?
Michael Weatherly returned for a season-long arc in NCIS Season 24.
