The long-running CBS procedural NCIS is enjoying a major resurgence, and the catalyst is none other than the return of a beloved character. Michael Weatherly has reprised his role as Tony DiNozzo, but this time he's not just a special guest—he's the new director of the agency, stepping into the shoes left vacant by the tragic loss of Leon Vance. This seismic shift has not only reinvigorated the flagship series but also sent its ratings soaring to heights not seen in years.
The Season 24 premiere, which aired in October, pulled in an impressive 6.45 million viewers, making it the most-watched program on broadcast television that night. That's a 20% increase over Season 23's average viewership and the highest number for the show since the Season 21 finale back in 2024. The momentum hasn't faded either; recent Nielsen data shows the series still ranks among the top five broadcast shows with 10.1 million viewers when factoring in multiplatform viewing over seven days.
Tony's return is more than just a nostalgic trip. It's a full-circle moment for the character, who started as a protégé to Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and now sits in the director's chair. The premiere even featured a poignant reunion between Tony and Gibbs, where the former boss expressed his pride in how far Tony has come. This emotional beat, combined with the fresh dynamic of Tony leading the team, has breathed new life into the procedural.
The boost isn't limited to the mothership. The entire NCIS franchise has seen a 39% increase in viewership across all its shows, thanks in part to the spin-offs. NCIS: New York has found a permanent home with LL Cool J and Scott Caan, while NCIS: Origins Season 3 brings Mark Harmon back to the screen, reuniting him with old teammates like Tony and Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham). The synergy between the shows is clearly paying off.
But the big question on everyone's mind is: how long will Tony stick around? Weatherly originally left NCIS in Season 13 to headline the CBS drama Bull, but that was a decade ago. Now, with his Paramount+ spin-off NCIS: Tony and Ziva (co-starring Cote de Pablo) canceled, he's back in the fold. Showrunner Steven D. Binder recently hinted that Tony's tenure might extend beyond the current season, though he's cautious about making long-term promises.
"We take these things one season at a time," Binder said. "On the other hand, you blink and it’s Season 24. So I don’t really know. Network television is a real hand-to-mouth endeavor in terms of getting these scripts on time. We’re doing 20 episodes in a season where a streamer does eight episodes in 25 months. So we’re taking it one step at a time. Certainly, it’s been really great having him in that chair, and I don’t see any reason why it should slow, but I don’t know that we’re looking quite that far yet."
For fans, the hope is that "Director DiNozzo" becomes a permanent fixture. His return has already delivered a ratings boost and a fresh creative spark, and the chemistry with the rest of the cast is undeniable. Whether he stays for the long haul or just for this season, his impact is already being felt.
As the season continues, viewers can catch NCIS on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. For more on the future of the franchise, including Michael Weatherly's potential future as director, stay tuned. And if you're in the mood for more sci-fi reunions, check out this Star Trek reunion that's bringing back familiar faces.
