Michael Weatherly is back as Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo in Us’ exclusive first look at the NCIS season 24 trailer — and it’s safe to say that his humor and charm are still intact.
“It’s a new era here at NCIS, it’s time we celebrate more. Cake?” Dr. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) hilariously asks his coworkers in the official trailer, carrying a tray full of vanilla treats.
NCIS Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole), however, isn’t impressed with Palmer’s new role as the confection king.
“I’m the morning sweets guy, you trying to muscle in on my territory?” Parker says, showing no signs of joking.
Parker then tells his squad, “Besides, we’ve got a dead body at a navy hanger. You might not want a full stomach?”
As the group puts down their cake slices in unison, fans are reminded that season 23 ended with a security breach, which is how Tony will come into play in the upcoming episodes. (Nick Torres confronted Timothy McGee’s son, Mateo, during the May 2025 finale about why he was using an NCIS computer, which is seemingly where the breach originated.)
“What does Mr. DiNozzo think?” a higher-up agent asks interim NCIS Deputy Director Gabriel LaRoche (Seamus Dever) in the clip.
As the question lingers in the air, music heightens and Tony is spotted walking through a crowd.
The trailer then shows Tony in the NCIS elevator alongside special agents McGee (Sean Murray) and Torres (Wilmer Valderrama). He’s wearing a “visitor” badge and a hooded sweatshirt, which is rare for the former agent, who was known for his smart suits.
“Oh, the orange walls,” Tony jokes as the doors open for him to see his old office again. “Very Special Non-Agent Anthony DiNozzo is back.”
Elsewhere in the trailer, Tony confides in McGee, who he affectionately calls “proby” after their years of working together, telling him, “Something bad is coming down the pike. Very bad.”
Tony, now in a suit, adds, “Some very smart people are very worried about it.”
As action scenes flash across the screen, Torres (who is not dead, thankfully) is seen fighting an unknown assailant in a bar — and winning. (During the season 23 finale, a gunshot rang out when Torres was alone in an alley with Mateo, played by Patrick Keleher, as the two argued over Mateo’s real reason for getting close to his father.)
“It’s either a diversion or a trap,” Torres teases, while Special Agent Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) ominously warns, “It’s all a misdirect.”
Tony, however, appears calm and collected throughout the trailer, hinting that McGee’s wisdom will lead them all to victory.
“If NCIS Special Agent Tim McGee is paying attention, it is all going to work out,” Tony says, raising eyebrows among the team, who know he’s a mischievous but loyal teammate.
Torres wonders, “Is this the same Tony that superglued your fingers to your keyboard?” referring to Tony lovingly taunting and tormenting McGee in the past.
“What the hell just came out of your mouth?” McGee asks, looking equally as concerned over Tony’s perceived niceness.
Tony, however, insists he’s being sincere, responding, “It’s a new me, Tim. Accept it.”
The trailer concludes with Tony sitting beside his temporary boss Parker and winking at him in a cheeky act reminiscent of Tony’s playful dynamic with now-retired Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon).
“Did you just wink at me?” Parker asks, visibly surprised by the gesture.
Tony cowers, “I did and I instantly regret it.”
The season 24 premiere marks the first time Weatherly, 58, has returned to the series in an official capacity since his 2016 exit. He previously made a cameo on NCIS during season 21 in 2024.
Tony’s story, however, continued on the Paramount+ spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which concluded in October 2025 after one season.
NCIS returns to CBS Tuesday, October 6, at 8 p.m. ET.
