Michael Weatherly returns in NCIS Season 24 Episode 1, “Wayward Son,” premiering Tuesday, October 6 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS. The network has released the first promo and a new collection of photos from the season premiere, giving fans their first substantial look at Tony’s return to the flagship series.
And this isn’t simply a one-episode cameo.
CBS previously announced that Weatherly will reprise his fan-favorite role in a season-long arc during the 2026-2027 season, bringing Tony back into the orbit of the NCIS team after his recent appearance in NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
Watch The NCIS Season 24 Episode 1 Promo
“Wayward Son” picks up with the team dealing with the fallout from the shooting involving McGee’s son while another potentially dangerous situation develops.
The agents are called to investigate a mysterious new threat against the Secretary of the Navy, and help arrives from someone they know very well: Tony DiNozzo.
Tony arrives in Washington, D.C. with another reason for being in town. He’s opening a satellite office for his private security firm, providing the setup for Weatherly’s continuing presence throughout Season 24.
Tony DiNozzo Reunites With The NCIS Team
The first “Wayward Son” photos make Tony’s return particularly tangible.
CBS’s official gallery shows Weatherly alongside several members of the current team, including Gary Cole as Alden Parker, Sean Murray as Timothy McGee, Wilmer Valderrama as Nick Torres, Diona Reasonover as Kasie Hines and Katrina Law as Jessica Knight.
Weatherly was an original NCIS cast member and starred on the series for 13 seasons, appearing in more than 300 episodes before leaving as a series regular. His Season 24 arc now brings Tony back into the flagship show’s ongoing story rather than limiting his return to a nostalgic guest appearance.
The timing is significant for the franchise as well. NCIS recently celebrated its 500th episode, while CBS describes it as both the network’s longest-running primetime drama and the world’s No. 1 television franchise.
NCIS Season 24 Episode 1 “Wayward Son” Photos
The new premiere photos put Tony right back alongside the current NCIS team while also offering the first episode-specific look at Season 24.
Check out the official NCIS Season 24 Episode 1 “Wayward Son” photos below.
Along with Michael Weatherly’s returning Tony DiNozzo, NCIS stars Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover, Katrina Law and Gary Cole.
“Wayward Son” is written by Steven D. Binder and Christopher J. Waild and directed by Diana Valentine.
When Does NCIS Season 24 Premiere?
NCIS Season 24 premieres Tuesday, October 6 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS.
October 6 will also launch a full NCIS Tuesday lineup, with the NCIS premiere followed by the series premiere of NCIS: New York at 9:00 PM and the Season 3 premiere of NCIS: Origins at 10:00 PM.
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Thomas Miller is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Seat42F, covering television, movies and streaming entertainment. He launched Seat42F in 2007 and has spent nearly two decades covering the entertainment industry.
