Michael Weatherly Will Return for NCIS: Origins Season 3
The actor will reprise his role as Tony DiNozzo alongside Mark Harmon in an upcoming episode of the prequel series.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Remote Work

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Michael Weatherly is set to appear as Tony DiNozzo in Season 3 of NCIS: Origins. This marks the first on-screen reunion between Weatherly and Mark Harmon since 2016.
Why it matters
The reunion brings together two of the most iconic characters from the long-running franchise. It marks a significant crossover event for the prequel series as it expands its narrative reach.
Michael Weatherly left the original series in the Season 13 finale, while Tony DiNozzo was recently named director in the Season 24 premiere of the flagship show.
The players
Michael Weatherly
An actor best known for his long-standing role as Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo on the NCIS franchise.
Mark Harmon
An actor and producer who famously portrayed Leroy Jethro Gibbs and remains a central figure in the NCIS universe.
The details
In the upcoming season, Leroy Jethro Gibbs is shot, leading him to enlist DiNozzo at the NCIS D.C. headquarters. DiNozzo will provide his investigative expertise to assist Gibbs during the crisis.
Timeline
2016 marks the year Michael Weatherly departed from the original NCIS series.
Tony DiNozzo was appointed director in the Season 24 premiere of the flagship show.
Weatherly is scheduled to make his appearance during Season 3 of NCIS: Origins.
Market Landscape
This reunion follows the 2016 departure of Michael Weatherly from the original NCIS series. It signals a strategic effort to leverage legacy character popularity to boost engagement for the newer prequel show.
Fans of the long-running series can expect to see the return of a legacy character during the third season. The appearance serves as a major draw for viewers following the ongoing expansion of the NCIS television universe.
The takeaway
The return of a fan-favorite character highlights the enduring appeal of the franchise's established history. Viewers should look forward to the narrative development during the upcoming season's dramatic storylines.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Movieweb.
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