Cote de Pablo shocked NCIS fans when she left the show in 2013, citing personal reasons and dissatisfaction with her character’s storyline. She later revealed that she felt Ziva David wasn’t being given the respect and depth she deserved, leading to her difficult decision to walk away. While her exit was abrupt, the show explained her character’s absence by stating that Ziva had died in an off-screen attack—though many fans refused to believe that was truly the end.
Six years later, de Pablo made a dramatic return in 2019, revealing that Ziva had actually faked her death to protect her loved ones. Her comeback thrilled longtime viewers, even though it was brief. While she didn’t stay for long, her return gave closure to the character’s journey and allowed for a proper farewell. Though she hasn’t hinted at another appearance, NCIS fans will always hold out hope for one more surprise from Ziva David.
