A familiar face from the long-running naval crime procedural, "NCIS," is making his way back to the series. Michael Weatherly, who was a pivotal cast member for the show's first thirteen seasons, is confirmed to return as his character, Tony DiNozzo, for the 24th season of the acclaimed CBS drama, set to air in 2026-27.

This exciting news for fans comes shortly after the announcement that another franchise stalwart, Mark Harmon, will have a full on-screen role in "NCIS: Origins." Weatherly's character, Tony DiNozzo, will integrate back into the Washington, D.C. team, although specific plot details surrounding his re-entry are currently being kept under wraps. Weatherly's last appearance on the flagship series was in February 2024, and he recently co-starred with Cote de Pablo in the Paramount+ spin-off, "NCIS: Tony and Ziva," which concluded after a single season.

The current ensemble of "NCIS" includes Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover, Katrina Law, and Gary Cole. Among these, only Murray and Dietzen shared screen time with Weatherly during his previous tenure. Valderrama joined the cast in season 14, following Weatherly's departure to lead the CBS series "Bull." "NCIS" and its expanding universe, which will soon welcome "NCIS: New York" in 2026-27, are produced by CBS Studios. The executive production team for season 24 boasts names like Steven D. Binder, Chas. Floyd Johnson, Mark Harmon, Scott Williams, Christopher J. Waild, Mark R. Schilz, José Clemente Hernandez, Avery C. Drewe, Marco Schnabel, and the creator, Donald P. Bellisario.

The return of key original cast members to the "NCIS" universe underscores the enduring appeal and strong legacy of the franchise. It exemplifies how beloved characters can continue to enrich a narrative, offering both nostalgic familiarity and fresh storytelling opportunities for loyal viewers. This strategic move not only reinvigorates the series but also celebrates the rich history and impactful contributions of its foundational actors, ensuring its ongoing success and relevance in the competitive landscape of television entertainment.