The Definitive Timeline: When Did Ziva Really Leave NCIS? (And Why She Keeps Coming Back)

The question of "When did Ziva leave NCIS?" is far more complicated than a single date, evolving into one of television's most dramatic and drawn-out character arcs. As of the current date in late 2025, the character of Special Agent Ziva David, brilliantly portrayed by actress Cote de Pablo, has technically "left" the main *NCIS* series multiple times, only to have her story continually revived by fan demand and new spin-off announcements.

To fully understand her journey, we must track her initial 2013 exit, her on-screen "death" in 2016, and her unexpected 2019 return, all of which now culminate in the most recent and exciting update: a brand-new, dedicated series focused entirely on her life with Tony DiNozzo. This definitive timeline breaks down every critical moment in the saga of the beloved Mossad-NCIS agent.

Cote de Pablo: A Brief Biography and Profile

Ziva David's immense popularity is inseparable from the actress who brought her to life, María José de Pablo Fernández, known professionally as Cote de Pablo. She was born on November 12, 1979, in Santiago, Chile.

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De Pablo moved to Miami, Florida, at the age of 10 after her mother, María Olga Fernández, got a job there. She later studied music and theater at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, graduating in 2000.

Her big break came in 2005 when she joined the cast of *NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service* in its third season, replacing the departing Sasha Alexander (Caitlin Todd). Her eight-year run as the Israeli Mossad officer-turned-NCIS agent Ziva David cemented her status as a global television star.

Cote de Pablo Profile:

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• Full Name: María José de Pablo Fernández
• Date of Birth: November 12, 1979
• Place of Birth: Santiago, Chile
• Nationality: Chilean-American
• NCIS Role: Ziva David (Mossad Liaison Officer / NCIS Special Agent)
• NCIS Tenure: Season 3 (2005) to Season 11 (2013) as a series regular
• Notable Filmography: *The Jury*, *The 33*, *NCIS*, *NCIS: Tony & Ziva* (Upcoming)

The First Exit: Ziva's Official Departure as a Series Regular (2013)

The first, and most definitive, answer to "When did Ziva leave NCIS?" is September 2013.

Cote de Pablo departed as a series regular at the beginning of *NCIS* Season 11. Her final episode as a main cast member was the second episode of that season, titled "Past, Present, and Future."

The Shocking Reason Behind Cote de Pablo's Decision

The departure was a major shock to the fanbase, especially since it was announced just weeks before the Season 11 premiere.

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De Pablo later revealed that her decision was rooted in her dissatisfaction with the creative direction her character was taking. She felt the writers were not doing justice to Ziva David, specifically stating she felt the character was being "too removed from Being Jewish" and that the storyline was not strong enough to warrant her staying.

This creative disagreement led to the emotional two-part arc where Ziva chose to remain in Israel after her father’s death, saying a final goodbye to her team, including a tearful farewell to Agent Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and a final, unspoken moment with Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly).

The Second Exit: Ziva's 'Death' and The Surprise Return (2016 & 2019)

The character's story took a darker turn three seasons later, leading to the second major "exit" that was later retconned.

The 'Death' in Season 13 (2016)

In the Season 13 finale, "Family First," Ziva David was seemingly killed off-screen. The episode revealed that her farmhouse in Israel was destroyed in a mortar attack orchestrated by the rogue ex-CIA agent Trent Kort.

This episode confirmed that Ziva and Tony had a daughter together, named Tali, whom Tony then left NCIS to raise, marking Michael Weatherly's own departure from the show. For three years, fans believed Ziva was dead, a tragic end to the beloved "Tiva" romance.

The Shocking Return in Season 16 (2019)

In one of the most successful and surprising plot twists in *NCIS* history, Ziva David returned in person in the final moments of the Season 16 finale, "Daughters," which aired on May 21, 2019.

She appeared in Gibbs' basement, warning him that his life was in danger. This surprise return was a direct response to the lingering questions and fan theories about her fate, confirming that her death had been faked to protect her family from a new threat, Sahar.

Ziva's return arc continued into the beginning of Season 17, where she appeared in four episodes ("Out of the Darkness," "Into the Light," "Wide Awake," and "The North Pole"). Her final appearance in the main *NCIS* series to date was in the Season 17 episode "The North Pole," where she finally reunited with Tony and Tali off-screen to live a life in Paris, France, thus completing her character arc and giving the "Tiva" couple their long-awaited happy ending.

The Latest Chapter: The NCIS: Tony & Ziva Spin-Off (2024 and Beyond)

The definitive, most current, and most relevant answer to Ziva's status is that she has not truly "left" the *NCIS* universe at all—she is headlining a new one.

In a move that thrilled the entire fanbase, Paramount+ officially announced a new spin-off series, currently titled *NCIS: Tony & Ziva*, in February 2024.

The series, starring both Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly, follows the couple and their daughter, Tali, as they are forced to go on the run across Europe after Tony’s security company is attacked. This announcement provides the ultimate, freshest update to Ziva's story.

Key Details of the New Series:

• Title: *NCIS: Tony & Ziva* (working title)
• Network/Streaming: Paramount+
• Starring: Cote de Pablo (Ziva David) and Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo)
• Premiere Date: The series premiered on September 4, 2024.
• Plot Focus: The show picks up after their Season 17 reunion, focusing on their life on the run across Europe.

This spin-off confirms that the creative team is committed to exploring the Ziva David character further, making her departure from the main *NCIS* show a mere transition into a new, exciting phase of the franchise. The legacy of Ziva—from her introduction in Season 3 to her new series—is a testament to the power of a deeply loved, complex character.