NCIS season 24 premieres this fall on CBS.
The network announced a massive cast shakeup, with Michael Weatherly returning as Tony DiNozzo.
On NCIS: Origins, which will air its season 3 in the fall, Mark Harmon will reprise Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
It’s official: Tony DiNozzo is back in the building.
It’s been some time since fans last saw Michael Weatherly on their TVs, when NCIS: Tony and Ziva was canceled after one season in December 2025. But viewers are well aware of Michael’s history with the NCIS franchise: he appeared on the original series for the first 13 seasons before his exit in 2016. And even though Tony made a cameo in season 21 in early 2024, fans were wondering if he’d ever return to the team full-time.
According to this bombshell announcement made on July 1 on NCIS’ official Instagram, the wait is over: Michael Weatherly will return to NCIS as Tony DiNozzo for season 24.
“We've missed this one,” the caption read alongside the clip. “Welcome back, old friend! 👋👋.”
Naturally, fans had so much to say about the development.
“YES!!!!!!! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS DAY SINCE HE LEFT!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I’ve restarted the whole series for like the 100th time!” one person shouted in the comments. “I can't wait for Tony to come ‘home,’” another penned. “Oh my gosh.... I have no words!” a different follower added.
Variety reports that Michael will be on NCIS season 24 for what appears to be a season-long arc. Some fans had theories for how Michael’s character will be folded into the new season.
“OMG, maybe the new director of NCIS,” one person wondered in the comments, referencing the death of Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) in season 23. “A Very Special Director DiNozzo has a nice ring to it!” another agreed.
It’s also important to note that Michael isn’t the only OG cast member returning to the franchise. Mark Harmon, who plays Leroy Jethro Gibbs, is returning for a season-long arc on NCIS: Origins season 3 this fall on CBS.
Congrats!
