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Weatherly's NCIS Return: Burnout to Breakthrough
27 Oct
Summary
- Michael Weatherly left NCIS due to burnout and seeking new challenges.
- He starred in the CBS drama 'Bull' after his initial exit in 2016.
- Weatherly has since returned to NCIS and is part of a spinoff series.
Michael Weatherly, who portrayed Tony DiNozzo, originally left the popular CBS series NCIS in May 2016. At the time, he expressed gratitude to the cast, crew, and fans, calling it a "fantastic ride." Weatherly later revealed to reporters that he was "burnt out by NCIS" and actively seeking a "new challenge," embracing change as beneficial.
Following his departure from NCIS, Weatherly accepted the lead role in the CBS drama 'Bull.' This series, which focused on a trial consulting firm, premiered in September 2016 and concluded its run in 2022. After nearly a decade away from his iconic NCIS character, Weatherly made a significant comeback in a Season 21 episode in 2024.
This return paved the way for his involvement in the European-set spinoff, 'NCIS: Tony & Ziva,' which aired its ten episodes in 2025. As of 2026, ten years after his initial exit, Weatherly has returned to the NCIS universe in a semi-regular capacity, proving that separations within the show's continuity can be temporary.
