Long before Tony and Ziva captured the hearts of fans, Michael Weatherly had a bold vision for an NCIS spin-off that ultimately fizzled out quicker than a villain caught in Gibbs’ sights. The concept revolved around a gripping psychological thriller, showcasing DiNozzo not only pursuing criminals but also delving into their psyches while grappling with his own inner struggles.
Imagine a blend of Mindhunter’s psychological depth and NCIS’ investigative prowess, all wrapped in Michael Weatherly’s irresistible charisma. It may sound wild, but CBS clearly saw potential in this unique concept, even if it ultimately never took off.
Michael Weatherly’ Unsuccessful NCIS Spin-Off Featured Tony DiNozzo Being Put On The Spot By Dr. Phil
Michael Weatherly once attempted to create a spin-off for NCIS fans, but it didn’t quite gain traction. Long before the iconic pairing of Tony and Ziva came to life, Weatherly introduced a little-known web series—a unique side venture where Tony DiNozzo found himself in an unexpected grilling session with Dr. Phil.
The idea revolved around DiNozzo experiencing a psychological collapse triggered by a character even more dominant than Gibbs. Weatherly believed it was a brilliant concept. However, CBS didn’t share that enthusiasm. According to TV Guide, “he even referred to it as the Never Say Never Again of NCIS”.
The concept of DiNozzo facing intense psychological scrutiny from someone who embodies an even stronger alpha-male presence than Gibbs, portrayed by Mark Harmon, is truly intriguing.
There were certainly some surprised reactions. However, we believe that DiNozzo, Jimmy Palmer, and Abby Sciuto form the comedic trio that brings a unique charm to the show, making their involvement fitting.
While CBS permitted this creative direction, it’s important to note that it isn’t officially endorsed. Think of it as the Never Say Never Again of NCIS.
The initiative, primarily consisting of a collection of YouTube videos, sparked curiosity and skepticism, even among the NCIS team. However, Michael Weatherly remained steadfast in his conviction that DiNozzo, Palmer, and Abby formed an ideal comedic trio. Unfortunately, it faded into the background, a stark contrast to his recent comeback in the franchise.
Michael Weatherly is making a triumphant return in the highly anticipated spin-off, Tony & Ziva, featuring Cote de Pablo. This time, the stakes are higher. While it retains some familiar elements, the show breaks away from the conventional procedural format that fans might expect from NCIS. Weatherly shared his thoughts on this exciting new direction.
According to Michael Weatherly, “Transforming the show into something entirely new required a significant investment of time. This is a bold shift from traditional formats; it’s streaming, not a timeless procedural. The structure is different, and that raises questions. Will the audience embrace this change ? Are we venturing into unfamiliar territory with a story that diverges from the norm ? Will it resonate in the same way as the previous show ?”
Michael Weatherly further revealed, “All those challenges we faced. It’s important to note that John doesn’t belong to the NCIS Universe. We’re bringing in a fresh perspective. What may have seemed like setbacks a few years back have now transformed into strengths, especially as audiences have begun to grasp the potential of streaming and the unique offerings of Paramount+ as a platform.”
Set against the backdrop of Paris, though filmed in Budapest due to the Olympics, Tony & Ziva offers a unique international vibe, a refreshing perspective, and a captivating narrative that stands apart from the rest.
This spin-off is destined for success and won’t fade into obscurity. Weatherly’s portrayal of DiNozzo may have faced challenges in the past with spin-offs, but this time, he’s fully committed to making it a lasting triumph.