“NCIS: Tony & Ziva” finally answers the question fans have been asking for years: what really happened between Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) after they left the Washington, D.C., office?
The highly anticipated spinoff premiered Thursday, September 4, on Paramount+ and wasted no time in peeling back the layers of Tony and Ziva’s off-screen love story. While the action is set in 2025, the series flashes back to 2020, the year they reunited in France with their daughter, Tali (Isla Gie). Those missing years — from January 2020 through October 2025 — had been a mystery until now.
How ‘Tony & Ziva’ Fills in the Relationship Timeline
The premiere revisited the couple’s roots, flashing back to 2005 when Tony first introduced himself on “NCIS.” By 2013, the attraction could no longer be denied. “I am fighting for you,” Tony told Ziva, while she reminded him he was “so loved.”
Tragedy struck in 2016 when Ziva was presumed dead in a terrorist attack, leaving Tony to raise their daughter alone. It wasn’t until season 17 of “NCIS” that fans learned she had survived. “Tony & Ziva” fills in the gap — showing their tearful January 2020 reunion in France. “Hi,” Tony says through tears. “Hi. You’re crying,” Ziva responds. “So are you, on the inside,” Tony jokes before Ziva kisses him and admits, “Yeah, well we goddamn deserve it.”
The flashbacks move quickly. In March 2020, Tony admitted he had been sleeping on the couch so Ziva could have his bed. “It’s OK,” she told him, insisting she needed to take things slow while in therapy. Tony assured her, “I am here whatever you need.”
By April 2020, things heated up. Over dinner, Ziva admitted, “Here we are. Two ordinary people with normal jobs.” Tony smiled: “I don’t think there’s anything ordinary about Ziva David.” The couple finally gave in, slept together, and Ziva teased, “You always got me in a lot of trouble.”
The most jaw-dropping moment came in June 2020, when Tony proposed after years of separation. Holding a family ring, he told her, “Ziva, will you marry me?” She responded with an emotional “Yes” before kissing him in their living room.
Intimate Moments in Present-Day 2025
The spinoff doesn’t just linger in the past. By September 2025, Tony and Ziva are on the run across Europe, framed for stealing from Interpol. Forced into a safe house in Italy, the couple woke up cuddling after sharing a bed.
One month later, in October 2025, their chemistry flared again. While undercover as a bride in Budapest, Ziva found herself back in Tony’s arms. After he helped her out of her wedding gown, Tony kissed her passionately. Just as things escalated, they were interrupted — a reminder that for Tony and Ziva, timing is rarely on their side.
Still, the pair found comfort with each other as they stood on a boat in Budapest, Tony’s jacket draped over Ziva’s shoulders.
Fans can watch “NCIS: Tony & Ziva” on Paramount+.
