Finally, the search for Ziva is officially on. On Tuesday, TVLine reported that CBS has begun the search for Cote de Pablo’s replacement on its hit action drama “NCIS.” Pablo announced her exit from the series earlier this summer and will officially leave the drama early in its 11th season.
Fans of Ziva, especially the Tiva fans, have been curious to find out how Ziva will leave and more importantly, who will replace her. According to TVLine, Ziva’s replacement will be called Bishop and is described as “bright, educated, athletic, attractive, fresh-faced, focused and somewhat socially awkward.” The casting detail continues, “She has a mysterious mixture of analytic brilliance, fierce determination and idealism. She’s traveled extensively but only feels comfortable at home.”
TVLine reported that the actress has a start date of mid-October, which hints at a January-February arrival.
As previously reported, the show will “rotate some fun people” in and out of the agency after Ziva’s exit and before her replacement’s arrival.
“The first two episodes are all about Ziva’s departure,” executive producer Gary Glasberg explained. “And then in the third episode we introduce, for instance, a woman in her 50s who is a few days away from retirement and just needs to fill the desk time. She, in theory, knew Gibbs all the way back to the days of Mike Franks. So we're going to bring in people like that and have some fun with the different characters. And then, hopefully, when people are comfortable enough, one will walk in the be The One."
Glasberg said that Ziva’s exit arc will unfold in the first episode and finish playing out in the second episode of the season. “There's a really significant Tony/Ziva payoff - everything I hope the Tiva fans have been waiting for,” he added.
“NCIS” season 11 premieres on Tuesday, September 24 on CBS.