Tony and Ziva reunite: What fans can expect from the new NCIS spinoff

Surprise reunion at Mipcom

CANNES — The atmosphere was electric as NCIS fans attending Mipcom got an unexpected treat on Tuesday. The stars of the highly anticipated spinoff, “NCIS: Tony & Ziva,” made a special appearance. This grand reunion, which has been 12 years in the making, saw Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly take the stage alongside Dan Cohen, head of Paramount Global distribution and Republic Pictures.

Returning to beloved characters

Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly, known for their iconic roles as Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo, respectively, expressed their joy in revisiting their characters. “What a luxury it is to revisit a character after such a long time,” exclaimed de Pablo. The duo worked together on “NCIS” for a decade, playing co-workers with an undeniable romantic tension. Fans haven’t seen them together on-screen since 2013, making this reunion a momentous occasion.

Sneak peek into the new series

De Pablo introduced a clip that provided a glimpse into the lives of Tony and Ziva. Set in Europe, the NCIS: Tony & Ziva series shows the couple living together and raising their almost teenage daughter, Tali. “They are trying to make their relationship work,” she explained, capturing the essence of their new dynamic.

Unveiling the challenges

Michael Weatherly humorously noted the physical demands of returning to the role of DiNozzo. “We do a lot of running,” he quipped, highlighting the highly physical production process. Additionally, he emphasized how the show’s setting enhances the narrative: “Europe is a performer in the show,” noting the picturesque locales like Paris.

Fans’ unwavering love

De Pablo acknowledged the continuous support from fans, who never stopped querying about her character’s fate. Even after her departure in Season 11, Ziva’s occasional guest appearances kept the hope alive. “There’s just a lot of love, always, from the fans,” she remarked, showcasing the emotional bond between the characters and their audience.

Exploring deeper themes

The new series delves into family dynamics, with Ziva and Tony’s law enforcement past catching up with them. As Weatherly explained, “NCIS: Tony & Ziva” is about “a family in jeopardy trying to do the right thing in hairy circumstances.” This premise promises to add depth and tension, appealing to both old and new fans of the franchise.

Paramount’s strategic vision

During the session, Dan Cohen laid out Paramount Global’s strategy. He talked about bundling TV shows and movies for regional streaming services worldwide. Paramount’s first deal was with Greece’s Cosmote TV subscription service, and today, similar content bundles are available in 80 markets, including a recent deal with BeIn Media for the Middle East and North Africa.

Cohen described this approach as a “triple win.” It benefits licensing partners, the industry, and the creative community, making a wealth of content accessible to a broader audience.

Expanding the streaming library

Paramount’s commitment to expanding its streaming channels is evident in its vast collection of over 3,000 movies and 10,000+ TV episodes. FAST streaming channels remain a priority, ensuring that their extensive content library reaches fans worldwide. Cohen reassured the audience of the company’s dedication to tapping into this treasure trove.

A heartfelt tribute

The session concluded with a tribute to a longstanding figure in the industry, Anna Carugati. Carugati, stepping down as editor at large of World Screen magazine after nearly 30 years, was honored for her contributions, including her many hours as a Mipcom moderator.

NCIS: Tony & Ziva is slated to premiere next year on Paramount+, and the excitement surrounding this reunion is palpable. As the series promises to blend family drama with thrilling law enforcement action, fans are gearing up for an unforgettable journey.

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