For years, Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo were two of the brightest stars on NCIS, bringing life to the fan-favorite duo of Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David. Their chemistry, banter, and emotional depth carried some of the show’s most memorable storylines. Yet despite their success, both actors made the difficult decision to walk away, leaving fans stunned and hungry for answers.

Cote de Pablo was the first to depart, choosing to leave at the height of her character’s popularity. She explained that the direction of Ziva’s story no longer felt authentic, and she didn’t want to compromise the strength of the role she had worked so hard to shape. Her decision sent shockwaves through the fandom, as Ziva had become a symbol of resilience and heart within the NCIS family.

Michael Weatherly followed later, after thirteen seasons of playing Tony. He admitted that, while he loved the role, the time had come for him to seek new creative challenges and focus on his personal life. Without Ziva by his side, Tony’s journey felt complete, and Weatherly knew it was the right moment to step away from the show that had defined much of his career.

Although their departures left a noticeable gap, their legacy on NCIS continues to endure. The bond between Tony and Ziva remains one of television’s most beloved pairings, and fans still hope for future reunions. In many ways, their decision to leave was less an ending and more a new beginning—allowing their characters, and themselves as actors, to step into the next chapter of their stories.