Michael Weatherly Returns to 'NCIS' 10 Years After His Departure — Photo

"NCIS" fans, it's time to celebrate because one of the beloved characters who left the show a decade ago is coming back, and the first look has finally been revealed.

Michael Weatherly, who played Tony DiNozzo for many years, is returning for the 24th season of the beloved military police procedural show, but unlike other characters in several series who only return for short cameos, it seems Weatherly is here for a long run.

DiNozzo was part of the Major Case Response Team for 13 years, but the actor left in 2016. He had actually returned to his character last year with the spinoff "NCIS: Tony & Ziva" alongside Cote de Pablo.

Unfortunately, the series was cancelled in December 2025 after one season, but that means Weatherly is coming home, and it's supposed to be for a season-long arc.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, showrunner Steven D. Binder said, "Tony DiNozzo has always had a way of changing the temperature of every scene he's in, and watching the newer members of the team encounter the legend they've only heard stories about is exactly as fun as it sounds."

Of course, Weatherly isn't returning to the same group of people he left ten years ago. The cast now includes Sean Murray, Katrina Law, Brian Dietzen, Gary Cole, Wilmer Valderrama, and Diona Reasonover.

The first episode premieres on October 6 on CBS and Paramount+.