When NCIS launched, Michael Weatherly could hardly have known that it would become a defining moment in his career. The show quickly skyrocketed in popularity, earning a massive fanbase and propelling Weatherly into the spotlight. But what many don’t know is that he wasn’t initially sold on the idea of joining the cast.
There were doubts and some stigma attached to the project, especially with its connection to JAG. Yet, a meeting with the show’s creator, Don Bellisario, would soon change his mind.
Why was Michael Weatherly hesitant to join NCIS?
Michael Weatherly‘s journey to joining NCIS began with hesitation and a lot of doubt all thanks to another popular show. The actor, widely recognized for his screen presence and sharp humor, wasn’t immediately sold on the idea of the crime procedural, especially given its roots as a spin-off of the CBS hit JAG. He candidly admitted via The Futon Critic, that the association carried a certain stigma, making him question whether the project was the right fit.
Despite his doubts, Weatherly agreed to meet with the show’s creator, Don Bellisario, in Australia which later tuned out to be quite pivotal for him. In the same conversation he added “I was a little reluctant initially,” while recalling his first impressions of the project. For Bellisario he added:
But I went and had this dinner with Don Bellisario in Austrailia and his personality, his storytelling and his presence and everything kind of won me over. I mean any questions I had, I mean I just wanted to meet him as a fan of like “Magnum, P.I.” And then getting into with him, I was like this could work.
The conversation left him thinking that the show might just work. Even as the idea began to take shape, the actor couldn’t ignore his uncertainty about playing Anthony DiNozzo. Coming from a background that he humorously described as more prep school than gritty crime scenes, Weatherly viewed himself as an unlikely choice for the role.
However, he decided to approach the pilot with an open mind, treating it as an opportunity to enjoy the process and explore the character. His collaboration with co-star Mark Harmon also added another layer of intrigue to the production. Their contrasting personalities created a unique dynamic, both on and off-screen, which contributed to the show’s chemistry.
Over the years, Weatherly has reflected on his NCIS experience with humor and gratitude. What began as a tentative experiment grew into a defining role, solidifying his place in one of television’s most enduring dramas.
How did NCIS go from a slow start to a massive success?
NCIS might be one of the most iconic shows in television history, but its journey to success wasn’t without its bumps. Premiering in 2003, it didn’t immediately capture the attention of viewers. While it did have a modest following early on, it wasn’t until a few years later that the show really gained its footing and became a cultural phenomenon.
The third season, in particular, marked a turning point for the show. According to Cote De Pablo, who played Ziva David on the show, this was her favorite season, and it was around this time that the show’s momentum really began to build. As the cast grew into their roles and the stories became more engaging, NCIS slowly but surely began to gain traction with audiences.
For actor Michael Weatherly, who played Tony DiNozzo, the journey was full of surprises. Weatherly shared his thoughts with The Seattle Times, explaining why NCIS was able to hold on even before it reached its full potential. He added:
We were able to keep it afloat a couple of years because we weren’t good enough to get all the attention and we weren’t bad enough to get canceled, always believed in its potential.
As the show progressed, it not only solidified its status as a hit but also expanded into a franchise with spin-offs like NCIS: Los Angeles, which ran for an impressive 14 seasons, featuring stars such as LL Cool J and Daniela Ruah. With the ongoing success of NCIS and its spin-offs, it’s clear that the franchise is here to stay.
You can watch NCIS on Paramount+.
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