Cote de Pablo’s exit from NCIS in 2013 shocked fans, especially since her character, Ziva David, was such a fan favorite. While the official reason for her departure was attributed to a desire to pursue other opportunities, many fans suspected there was more to the story. Over the years, de Pablo has revealed that the decision was largely influenced by dissatisfaction with the direction her character was taking in the show. She felt that Ziva’s storyline was no longer compelling, and her exit was, in part, a response to the creative differences she had with the show’s producers.

In addition to creative frustrations, de Pablo has mentioned that she was seeking new challenges in her career, wanting to explore different roles beyond the beloved character. While her departure left a significant void on the show, Ziva’s return in later seasons gave fans hope that the door was never fully closed. Despite leaving NCIS, Cote de Pablo’s legacy as Ziva continues to be cherished by viewers, and her return to the series remains one of the most celebrated moments in NCIS history.