Cote de Pablo’s departure from NCIS in 2013 shocked fans, as she had portrayed the fan-favorite character Ziva David for eight seasons. The actress left the show due to a combination of personal reasons and dissatisfaction with the direction of her character’s storyline. Despite her deep love for the role, de Pablo felt that the character was no longer being written in a way that resonated with her, leading to her decision to walk away from the hit series. Fans were left heartbroken as Ziva’s exit marked a significant turning point for the show.

However, in a stunning twist, Cote de Pablo returned to NCIS in 2019, much to the delight of viewers. Her return was sparked by a renewed interest in Ziva’s unresolved storyline, as well as a desire to revisit the character and bring closure to long-standing questions. De Pablo expressed how much she missed the cast and crew, and how the time away gave her perspective on the impact her character had. Her return was a moment of celebration for fans, offering a rewarding conclusion to Ziva’s arc and reigniting the magic that made her character so unforgettable.