Cote de Pablo’s unexpected departure from NCIS in 2013 shocked fans and left them questioning the real reason behind her exit. While many speculated that it was due to salary disputes or personal conflicts, de Pablo revealed that her decision was actually driven by dissatisfaction with the direction of her character, Ziva David. She admitted that Ziva’s storyline had become stagnant and that she felt the character had reached its full potential, leading her to make the difficult choice to leave the show despite its immense success.

Behind the scenes, de Pablo’s departure was also influenced by a desire to pursue other creative opportunities. She openly shared that her passion for the role was waning, as the writing for her character began to lack the depth and complexity she had initially enjoyed. Although the show’s producers were willing to offer her a substantial contract renewal, de Pablo’s decision to move on was ultimately rooted in a personal and professional need for growth, marking a bittersweet end to her time as Ziva David.