Fans Anticipate Mark Harmon’s Return in ‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’

The much-anticipated spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva, has officially premiered, reuniting fans with the iconic duo of Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David. Portrayed by Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo, the characters embark on a new chapter in their lives, capturing the excitement of longtime followers of the original series. As the show unfolds, questions arise about whether Mark Harmon will reprise his role as the beloved Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

The NCIS franchise has a storied history of crossovers, with characters from various iterations coming together in shared storylines. Weatherly, who also serves as an executive producer on NCIS: Tony & Ziva, expressed openness to the idea of a crossover but emphasized the importance of establishing the new series first. In an interview with TV Guide, he stated, “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.”

Potential Crossovers and Gibbs’ Legacy

Veteran cast member Sean Murray, known for his role as McGee, indicated that a crossover is a genuine possibility. During a discussion with TV Insider, he acknowledged the likelihood of characters from the original series appearing in the spinoff, saying, “Yeah, it’s very possible, especially inside of our franchise… it’s all in the family, so we’ll see what happens.”

While cameo appearances from characters like McGee or Torres (played by Wilmer Valderrama) may be feasible, the return of Gibbs poses a more significant challenge. Harmon’s character officially departed during season 19 of the original series, yet Gibbs remains a pivotal figure within the NCIS universe. The prequel spinoff, NCIS: Origins, delves into Gibbs’ backstory, with Austin Stowell portraying a younger version of the character. Season 2 of this spinoff is set to premiere on October 14, 2025, with Harmon continuing his involvement as the show’s narrator.

Given Harmon’s ongoing connection to the franchise, his appearance in Tony & Ziva cannot be entirely ruled out. For now, fans are left to speculate about his possible return.

Enduring Influence of Mark Harmon

During a recent panel at Comic-Con 2025, Weatherly and de Pablo revealed their enduring bond with Harmon. They demonstrated a hand signal, a gesture they learned from him on set, which consists of raised fists and a swiveling motion. When asked by fellow alum Brian Dietzen about the meaning behind the gesture, they responded in unison, “Mark Harmon.”

As the NCIS franchise continues to evolve, the anticipation surrounding Mark Harmon and the potential for crossovers remains palpable among fans. As new stories unfold, the legacy of Gibbs and the connections between the characters promise to keep audiences engaged and invested in the journey ahead.