The long-awaited NCIS spinoff has finally arrived, and with it comes a wave of anticipation around two fan-favorite agents. In NCIS: Tony & Ziva, Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo reunite as Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David, inviting viewers into the next chapter of their complicated, compelling story. As the series launches, one question leads nearly every conversation: will there be crossovers and surprise cameos from the wider NCIS universe—and could Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs make an appearance?
Where Cameos Stand Right Now
For now, there are no confirmed cameo appearances on NCIS: Tony & Ziva. The creative team is focused on establishing the show’s voice, tone, and stakes. That careful, character-first approach is intentional. Although fans are eager to see familiar faces, early episodes are designed to stand on their own, building a world that honors Tony and Ziva’s history while giving them room to grow.
That said, the door isn’t closed. An appearance from Mark Harmon’s Gibbs remains possible, especially given the actor’s ongoing involvement within the franchise. Harmon stepped away from NCIS in season 19, but he hasn’t left the universe entirely—a fact that keeps speculation alive and well.
Building the World Before the Crossovers
NCIS has long been known for tying its various teams together. Crossovers among NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and NCIS: New Orleans have been fan-pleasing staples, connecting cases and characters across cities and seasons. But NCIS: Tony & Ziva is taking a measured path.
Michael Weatherly—who not only stars as Tony but also serves as an executive producer alongside Cote de Pablo—has voiced support for crossovers down the line. Still, he’s clear that timing is everything. Speaking with TV Guide, Weatherly explained the thinking: “We needed to really create the world, and then later, anyone who comes into it, we would have to make it appropriate to the way it feels.”
That approach makes sense for a series anchored by two characters with deep emotional histories. Tony and Ziva’s dynamic has always balanced banter and intensity; laying that foundation first ensures that any future cameo enhances the story instead of distracting from it.
A Franchise Built on Connections
One hallmark of the NCIS franchise is its interwoven storytelling. Through past crossovers, fans have watched teams compare notes, swap expertise, and occasionally clash in unforgettable ways. It keeps the universe vibrant, and it’s part of why the prospect of appearances from legacy characters remains so exciting.
Sean Murray, whose Timothy McGee remains a cornerstone of the flagship series, acknowledged the strong likelihood of in-universe visits. Speaking to TV Insider, he noted that a crossover is “very possible,” adding that inside this franchise, “we like to have fun with some of that stuff, and it’s all in the family, so we’ll see what happens.”
Who Might Drop In?
If and when crossovers arrive, the most natural candidates include McGee (Sean Murray) and Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama). Both share history with Tony and Ziva and could organically fold into new cases or personal turning points. These cameos would feel earned, especially if they’re used to sharpen character arcs or turn up the pressure on high-stakes investigations.
Could Mark Harmon’s Gibbs Return?
The biggest question mark is, of course, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Harmon’s character is the moral center of NCIS, and his presence carries weight, even offscreen. While Gibbs officially stepped away in season 19, his legacy is far from dormant. The prequel series NCIS: Origins explores his formative years, with Harmon providing narration and actor Austin Stowell portraying a younger Gibbs. Season 2 of NCIS: Origins is set to premiere on October 14, bringing even more attention to Gibbs’ past and his lasting impact on the franchise.
That behind-the-scenes involvement keeps the door cracked open for a future on-screen appearance in NCIS: Tony & Ziva. Nothing is promised, but the possibility remains plausible—not least because a carefully timed Gibbs moment would carry enormous narrative and emotional payoff for both characters and fans.
Why a Gibbs Cameo Is Tricky—and Powerful
Any return for Gibbs would need to fit both continuity and tone. The character’s exit was crafted with respect and finality, suggesting that only a meaningful, story-driven reason would justify a comeback. That’s precisely why fans are hoping: a thoughtful Gibbs cameo could anchor a pivotal arc for Tony and Ziva, link their new story to the franchise’s core values, and celebrate the leadership philosophy that shaped them.
A Signal from the Past: Harmon’s Lasting Influence
Harmon’s impact resonates beyond scripts and screen time. At Comic-Con 2025, Weatherly and de Pablo shared a charming behind-the-scenes story that underlined Harmon’s enduring presence in their work. The duo revealed a private hand signal—raised fists with a bit of swivel—that they still use, a gesture they learned from Harmon during their NCIS days.
When fellow NCIS alum Brian Dietzen asked what the move meant, Weatherly and de Pablo answered in unison: “Mark Harmon.” The moment spoke volumes. It wasn’t just nostalgia; it was a reminder of the shared language and leadership that defined the original team—and still informs how these actors shape Tony and Ziva today.
What Fans Can Expect Next
In the near term, expect NCIS: Tony & Ziva to prioritize character-driven storytelling. The series is poised to balance fresh cases with the personal stakes that have always made Tony and Ziva magnetic. Crossovers are more likely to surface once the show’s identity is fully formed, allowing guest appearances to deepen themes rather than simply check boxes.
Should a cameo occur, fans can reasonably anticipate one of two modes: a character-boosting assist (think a savvy McGee consult or a Torres field partner) or a high-impact event cameo designed to pivot the narrative. Either approach would honor the franchise’s tradition of meaningful, not gratuitous, crossovers.
Why This Matters
NCIS: Tony & Ziva arrives with decades of audience investment and a sprawling universe just a phone call away. By focusing first on tone and storytelling, the series positions itself for longevity, not just quick thrills. That patience is good news for viewers. When the time is right, a cameo—from McGee, Torres, or even Gibbs—won’t just be fan service; it will be an emotional catalyst that underscores why the NCIS franchise endures.
Until then, Mark Harmon’s voice continues to echo through NCIS: Origins, reminding audiences that Gibbs’ philosophy still shapes the world these characters inhabit. If the past is prologue, the smartest move is the one the show is making now: earn the big moments, then deliver them with purpose. And if Gibbs does return, expect a moment worthy of the name.