{
  "id": 12510492,
  "title": "‘NCIS’ Boss Breaks Down Tony’s Season 24 Return and How Long He’ll Stay",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/ncis-boss-breaks-down-tonys-season-24-return-and-how-long-hell-stay",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T01:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/tv-shows/ncis-season-24-episode-1-tony-return-explained-showrunner-interview/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo made a grand return in the premiere of NCIS Season 24, titled \"Wayward Son.\" The episode focused on the aftermath of a shooting involving Torres and McGee's son Mateo. Tony, who had just returned to D.C. to open a satellite office for his Europe-based agency, learned that he was shot due to investigating Mateo's potential involvement in a crime. Showrunner Steven D. Binder explained that they wanted to surprise the audience by having Tony's return be unexpected and engaging. Tony's return comes after Ziva took a job nearby to keep an eye on their daughter Tali, who had started studying at a new Boston-area boarding school. Tony's new role as the lead in the team's opening case is significant, as he would have to take the lead in a turbulent time for the NCIS team, with a new director, Gabriel LaRoche, taking over after Leon Vance's death. Tony, who had previously declined to be the new NCIS director, is now officially appointed after a fateful meeting with the Secretary of the Navy's daughter. Binder also hinted at new faces joining the NCIS team and the potential for LaRoche to return in the future.",
  "summary": "Steven D. Binder tells TheWrap about resolving last season’s shooting cliffhanger and that director surprise The post ‘NCIS’ Boss Breaks Down Tony’s Season 24 Return and How Long He’ll Stay appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [
    "Tony DiNozzo returns in NCIS Season 24 with new role",
    "Showrunner Steven D. Binder surprised audience with unexpected return",
    "Tony appointed NCIS director after Leon Vance's death"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}