NCIS Season 23 Is Setting Up Ziva’s “Spiritual Successor” — And It’s a Bold Throwback Move
NCIS Season 23 is ushering in a new era by positioning Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop as a spiritual successor to Cote de Pablo’s iconic Ziva David.
In the explosive midseason finale, Emily Wickersham returns as Bishop, shocking fans after more than two months of suspense. Once a key member of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ team from Seasons 11 to 18, Bishop’s comeback isn’t just nostalgic — it’s game-changing. Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) has revealed that Bishop is now a wanted fugitive, making her the first major target of Jessica Knight’s elite NCIS unit.
But this twist feels familiar — and intentionally so.
The series previously pulled off a similar high-risk move with Ziva’s dramatic return in Season 16. Years after her presumed death in Season 13, Ziva resurfaced alive, revealing she had faked her death. The storyline reignited fan passion and ultimately led to the 2025 Paramount+ spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva, expanding her story alongside Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo.
Now, Bishop appears to be getting the same treatment.
By bringing Ellie back under dangerous, high-stakes circumstances, NCIS is once again tapping into its past to reshape its future. Just as Ziva evolved from agent to legend, Bishop’s return could transform her into the franchise’s next defining icon.