Michael Weatherly is officially back on NCIS! After leaving the series as a regular cast member in 2016, the beloved actor has returned for Season 24, which premiered on October 6, 2026. His comeback marks an exciting moment for longtime fans who have missed the humor, charm, and unforgettable personality of Tony DiNozzo.
Weatherly first joined NCIS in 2003 and remained one of its leading stars for 13 seasons, appearing in more than 300 episodes. Alongside Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs, he became a fan favorite thanks to his sarcastic humor, movie references, and close relationships with his teammates, particularly Timothy McGee and Ziva David.
In 2016, Weatherly decided to leave NCIS after Tony discovered he had a daughter with Ziva. His character chose fatherhood over his career, bringing an emotional conclusion to his time on the team. Following his departure, Weatherly starred in the CBS drama Bull for six seasons, from 2016 to 2022.
Although he briefly returned to NCIS in 2024 for the tribute to Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, his biggest comeback came in 2025 when he reunited with Cote de Pablo for the spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva. The series explored their lives together after leaving the original NCIS team.
Now, in Season 24, Tony has returned to Washington, D.C., and his comeback has brought an unexpected twist. Following the events of the premiere, DiNozzo was appointed the new director of NCIS, transforming the once-playful special agent into the man responsible for leading the entire agency.
Early reactions to Weatherly’s return have been positive, with particular praise for his familiar humor and chemistry with Sean Murray. Fans are now curious to see how Tony will handle his new responsibilities and whether his leadership style will resemble that of his former mentor, Gibbs.
Born on July 8, 1968, Michael Weatherly is now 58 years old. Away from television, he has been married to physician Bojana Jankovic since 2009. He is a father of three and has also pursued interests in music, directing, and producing throughout his career.
After more than two decades since his NCIS debut, Weatherly’s return brings together the show’s past and present. But the biggest question remains: Can Tony DiNozzo become a great NCIS director without losing the personality that made him so popular? What did you think of his return in the Season 24 premiere? Did you miss seeing him on NCIS?