The wait is over for fans craving more of the dynamic duo. The new series, driven by the theme of ‘Tiva’ Reunited, NCIS: Tony & Ziva, premiered its first season on September 4, 2025, exclusively on Paramount+. This highly anticipated spin-off reunites former NCIS Special Agents Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo, portrayed by Michael Weatherly, and Ziva David, played by Cote de Pablo, for a thrilling European adventure, years after their departure from the original series.
Premiere Date and Where to Watch
Mark your calendars! NCIS: Tony & Ziva officially premiered on Thursday, September 4, 2025. The series is available exclusively on Paramount+. According to Paramount+’s official site, the initial launch included the first three episodes: “No Country Is Safe,” “No Friend of Mine,” and “Cover Story.” Following the premiere, new episodes will be released weekly on Thursdays, culminating in the season finale on October 23, 2025. The first season consists of 10 episodes.
The Cast and Crew Behind the Series
The success of NCIS: Tony & Ziva hinges on the talent both in front of and behind the camera. Here’s a breakdown of the key players:
Leading Stars and Executive Producers
- Michael Weatherly as Tony DiNozzo
- Cote de Pablo as Ziva David
- Weatherly and de Pablo also serve as executive producers.
Supporting Cast
- Isla Gie as Tali DiNozzo
- Amita Suman as Claudette Caron, the Chief Technical Officer at Tony’s security firm
- Lara Rossi as Sophie Summers, an ally with a Special Air Service (SAS) background
- Maximilian Osinski as Boris, a computer hacker
- Nassima Benchicou as Martine, a former French intelligence agent
- Terence Maynard as Dr. Lang, Ziva’s therapist
- Julian Ovenden and James D’Arcy as Interpol agents Jonah and Henry, respectively
Behind-the-Scenes Talent
- Showrunner: John McNamara
- Executive Producers: Mairzee Almas, Laurie Lieser, Shelley Meals, and Christina Straine
- Production Company: CBS Studios
Plot Overview: An Unconventional Love Story
NCIS: Tony & Ziva offers a fresh take on the beloved characters, moving away from the traditional procedural format. The Cinemaholic describes the show as an “unconventional love story” intertwined with an action thriller narrative. The series picks up with Tony and Ziva co-parenting their 12-year-old daughter, Tali, in Paris. Their seemingly peaceful existence is shattered when Tony’s private security company faces a sudden and violent attack. This event propels the family into a high-stakes chase across Europe as they desperately try to uncover the forces targeting them. Adding to their troubles, Interpol wrongly accuses Tony and Ziva of bombings, forcing them to operate outside the confines of the legal system. The storyline also delves into the reasons behind their original departures from NCIS, providing long-awaited answers for fans.
Filming Locations and Production Details
Production for NCIS: Tony & Ziva commenced in Budapest, Hungary, in June 2024 and wrapped up in January 2025. While the story begins in Paris, France, and spans across Europe, Budapest served as the primary filming location. The choice of Budapest was influenced by the 2024 Summer Olympics impacting filming in Paris. According to Screen Rant, indoor scenes were primarily filmed at Korda Studios in Etyek, Hungary, while the picturesque town of Szentendre was utilized for outdoor sequences. This strategic decision allowed the production to effectively recreate various European settings.
Why This Spin-Off? The ‘Tiva’ Appeal
The creation of NCIS: Tony & Ziva is rooted in the enduring popularity of the “Tiva” pairing and the desire to see Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo reunite on screen after 12 years. Forbes highlights that the series explores their evolved relationship and addresses the unresolved “will they or won’t they” dynamic that captivated audiences for years. As the first NCIS spin-off developed exclusively for Paramount+, this project allows for a more serialized, “movie-like” storytelling approach with potentially edgier content, a departure from traditional broadcast procedurals. This strategy aims to attract new subscribers and re-engage existing ones, as noted by TV Insider.
Impact on the NCIS Franchise and Streaming Landscape
NCIS: Tony & Ziva marks the seventh series within the expansive “NCIS-verse” and represents a significant shift in the franchise’s distribution strategy. By being a streaming-exclusive offering, Paramount+ aims to cater to modern viewing habits and preferences. The serialized nature of the show, focusing on a season-long mystery, allows for deeper character development and a more immersive viewing experience. People.com emphasizes the immense excitement generated by the return of Weatherly and de Pablo, who are also actively involved as executive producers. This strategic move by Paramount+ aims to bolster its subscriber base by capitalizing on the proven popularity of these iconic characters within a fresh, serialized format.
In conclusion, NCIS: Tony & Ziva promises a thrilling and emotionally resonant experience for fans. With its focus on character development, serialized storytelling, and the undeniable chemistry between Weatherly and de Pablo, the series is poised to make a significant impact on the NCIS franchise and the streaming landscape. The show’s premiere on Paramount+ marks a new chapter for Tony and Ziva, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with these beloved characters in an exciting and innovative way.
