Michael Weatherly is officially returning to the NCIS flagship series for a season-long arc starting in Season 24. While the actor has made brief cameos in recent years, his upcoming return marks a significant narrative shift for the character of Tony DiNozzo, who has evolved from the team’s “Very Special Agent” into a father and the head of a private security firm.
The new season is scheduled to premiere on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 8/7c on CBS. The opening episode, titled “Wayward Son,” is written by showrunners Steven D. Binder and Christopher J. Waild. This return follows the December 2025 cancellation of the standalone spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva after its first season. However, the events and character development from that series—including Tony’s transition to the private sector—remain canon as he reintegrates into the D.C. landscape.
To prepare for “Wayward Son,” viewers should revisit these 10 pivotal episodes and milestones that define DiNozzo’s journey and explain the circumstances of his Season 24 arrival.
1. “Yankee White” (Season 1, Episode 1)
The series pilot introduces DiNozzo as the former Baltimore detective turned federal agent. It establishes his early dynamic with Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his initial “frat boy” persona, providing the baseline for how much the character has matured over the subsequent two decades.
2. “SWAK” (Season 2, Episode 22)
This episode is a critical turning point for Tony’s professional dedication. After being infected with the pneumonic plague via a letter, DiNozzo faces his mortality. It is one of the first instances where the character’s humor is stripped away, revealing the resilience that eventually makes him a leader.
3. “Bury Your Dead” (Season 5, Episode 1)
The conclusion of the Jeanne Benoit undercover arc shows Tony at his most conflicted. His relationship with Jeanne was his first major attempt at a serious long-term bond, and its tragic end serves as a precursor to the emotional weight he carries regarding his family life in later seasons.
4. “Truth or Consequences” (Season 7, Episode 1)
Often cited as a fan-favorite, this episode features Tony being captured while searching for Ziva David in North Africa. It cements the “Tiva” bond and highlights Tony’s willingness to sacrifice his career and life for those he loves, a trait that will be central to his motivation in Season 24 as he protects his own daughter, Tali.
5. “Past, Present, and Future” (Season 11, Episode 2)
This episode marks Ziva’s departure from the team and a crossroads for Tony. Their farewell in Israel is a defining moment for the character, setting him on a path toward independence from the team structure he had relied on for over a decade.
6. “Family First” (Season 13, Episode 24)
Weatherly’s original exit from the series remains essential viewing. Tony learns he has a daughter, Tali, with Ziva, who was believed to have died in a mortar attack. He resigns from NCIS to focus on fatherhood, a decision that informs his new role as a protective parent and business owner in the upcoming arc.
7. “The Stories We Leave Behind” (Season 21, Episode 2)
In a brief but emotional cameo, Tony returns to D.C. to comfort Timothy McGee following the death of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. The appearance showed a more settled, mature DiNozzo and teased the enduring friendship between the former “Probie” and his mentor.
8. “NCIS: Tony & Ziva” Series Premiere (2025)
While the spinoff was short-lived, its premiere established the current status quo. It introduced “Salus Mondiale,” the private security firm Tony founded. Understanding his role as a CEO is vital for Season 24, as he returns to D.C. specifically to open a satellite office for this company.
9. The 500th Episode (Season 23)
The franchise’s landmark 500th episode included a major shift in the NCIS hierarchy: the death of Director Leon Vance. His passing serves as a narrative catalyst for Season 24. With the agency reeling from the loss of its long-time leader, the team finds itself in need of experienced allies who understand the agency’s inner workings.
10. “Wayward Son” (Season 24 Premiere)
The upcoming premiere brings these threads together. Tony’s return to D.C. for his business coincides with a security threat involving McGee’s son. While Ziva is reportedly staying with Tali at a boarding school during this time, the episode bridges the gap between Tony’s life in Europe and his new responsibilities in the United States. His interaction with the current team, including Alden Parker and Jessica Knight, will likely be a focal point of the season-long storyline.
