NCIS Quietly Replaced Tony DiNozzo 5 Years Ago

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As a longtime fan of this classic Navy show – and believe me, it is a classic, one of the longest-running dramas ever, right up there with the Law & Order universe – I recently learned something truly wild. Apparently, they quietly recast one of the core characters five years ago, and it was done so seamlessly that even a dedicated viewer like myself didn’t catch it! It just goes to show how carefully they handled it, but it’s still a bit shocking to discover.

Throughout its many seasons, NCIS has said goodbye to several beloved characters. The most notable exit was likely when Mark Harmon left as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in Season 19. However, other departures were also deeply felt by fans, such as Michael Weatherly’s exit as Anthony DiNozzo in the Season 13 finale, “Family First.”

Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo Left NCIS In Season 13

As a huge NCIS fan, Tony’s exit in Season 13 really hit me hard. It was so sad to see him leave, especially after he thought Ziva, his partner for so long, had died in a terrible fire. The episode, “Family First,” was incredibly moving – he found out about Tali, their daughter, while also grieving Ziva. It was a powerful story that made his departure truly unforgettable.

Dealing with the news of Ziva’s supposed death and the pressures of fatherhood, Tony DiNozzo has become more serious and emotional. He decides to leave his job in law enforcement to protect himself, wanting to ensure his daughter still has a parent. This new chapter gives Tony’s story real depth and meaning.

Having aired for over twenty years, NCIS excels at telling meaningful stories, particularly when characters come and go. The show didn’t just write off Tony at the end of Season 13—it gave his exit real emotional weight and purpose.

Why Dale Sawyer Is Tony DiNozzo’s Spiritual Successor

When Tony left NCIS in Season 14, Nicholas Torres, played by Wilmer Valderrama, joined the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) and took over his desk. He’s been a key character on the show ever since, and remains a central figure as NCIS heads into its 23rd season.

Despite this, Nick Torres wasn’t a true replacement for Tony. Four years later, in Season 18 of NCIS, the show introduced Dale Sawyer (Zane Holtz), a Special Agent who works the night shift, and who truly captured Tony’s spirit. Though he’s a recurring character and not a main cast member, Sawyer proves to be a more important figure than you might expect.

As a big fan of the show, I thought the dynamic really shifted when Alden Parker’s team teamed up with Sawyer’s group – that ‘B-team’ as some call them – to crack this blackmail case. It was great seeing Sawyer work alongside them. And honestly, watching Sawyer and Jess get closer has been a highlight! He’s a total goofball, just like Tony used to be, but underneath it all, he’s a seriously skilled agent, carrying on that legacy perfectly.

How NCIS Season 23 Can Use Dale Sawyer Even More

As the show develops its characters, it’s becoming apparent that NCIS Season 23 would benefit from having more of Dale Sawyer. He brings a fresh energy to Parker’s team, and is particularly helpful in moving forward the blossoming relationship between Jess and Nick. The show has been hinting at this connection for some time, and Sawyer plays a key role in its progress.

When Sawyer and Jess started working together, Nick became jealous of their close bond, particularly when he saw them playfully wrestling. This situation also forced Torres and Knight to confront their own feelings. Sawyer potentially returning in Season 23 of NCIS, and even Ellie Bishop making an appearance, could lead to further developments in these relationships.

It’d be fantastic to see more of Sawyer, as his charm and focus on nighttime investigations remind many of Weatherly’s popular character. Though Weatherly recently returned to the NCIS universe with the NCIS: Tony & Ziva spinoff, that series was unfortunately canceled after just one season. Luckily, fans can still enjoy a similar character in the original NCIS show.

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2026-01-11 00:08