entertainment
Michael Weatherly Reprises Tony DiNozzo Role for NCIS Season 24 Arc
Veteran actor Michael Weatherly is set to return to "NCIS," bringing back his popular character Tony DiNozzo for an extended storyline in the upcoming Season 24. This marks another significant comeback for a prominent former cast member within the enduring CBS series.
7/24/2026, 8:45:55 AM
Michael Weatherly will once again portray the character of Tony DiNozzo, a role that endeared him to audiences of the long-running procedural drama "NCIS." According to Variety, Weatherly is scheduled for a season-long engagement during the show's 24th season, revisiting a series where he was a foundational cast member for many years.
DiNozzo, known for his charismatic yet sometimes irreverent demeanor, was a central figure in "NCIS" for 13 seasons, departing in 2016. His return has been eagerly anticipated by many fans who followed his character's journey, which concluded with him leaving to care for his daughter, Tali, following the death of Ziva David.
Weatherly's upcoming appearance follows another recent high-profile return to the "NCIS" universe, signaling a trend of familiar faces rejoining the popular franchise. The actor has maintained a connection with the series, making guest appearances since his initial departure. His most recent cameo occurred during a tribute episode earlier this year, honoring the late Ducky Mallard actor David McCallum.
Beyond his work on "NCIS," Weatherly also headlined the legal drama "Bull" for six seasons, which concluded in 2022. Since then, he has participated in various projects, including a recurring role in "The Blacklist." His return to "NCIS" as DiNozzo is expected to provide both nostalgic appeal and new narrative possibilities for the show.
"NCIS" remains a cornerstone of CBS's programming, consistently drawing a significant viewership. The series, which originated from "JAG" in 2003, has spawned multiple successful spin-offs, including "NCIS: Los Angeles," "NCIS: New Orleans," "NCIS: Hawaiʻi," and "NCIS: Sydney." The reintegration of beloved characters like Tony DiNozzo often generates considerable excitement and boosts viewership, reinforcing the franchise's enduring legacy in television.
Fans will undoubtedly be keen to discover what new developments and challenges await DiNozzo and how his prolonged presence will impact the current team dynamics in Season 24. This move underscores the network's strategy to leverage the show's rich history and character relationships to maintain its strong audience engagement.