NCIS fans divided as they 'spot huge Tony and Ziva clue' in new Michael Weatherly update

Michael Weatherly, famed for his role as Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo on , has piqued curiosity among fans with a tantalising post on social media.

The 56-year-old actor took to Instagram, signaling to his 115,000 followers that patience is key, alongside a clip of a tortoise inching forward. "Sometimes TV takes a little bit of time," he captioned the video, dropping what many fans believe to be a hint about the much-awaited release of the spin-off series NCIS: Tony and Ziva.

In the comments, reactions were mixed. One impatient fan lamented: "What do you expect from us ! ? ? We have been waiting a decade now." (sic)

Another, expressing desperation, wrote: "But like, exactly how much time? I kinda really, really, really want Tiva back now. no pressure tho, but like...soon?" (sic)

Some couldn't disguise their impatience, with one fan declaring: "We've been waiting for YEARS! ! Not at all patiently waiting over here." Others implored Weatherly, "hurry up", and one remarked on the prolonged production with a mix of exasperation and anticipation: "Slowest production ever." (sic)

Despite the few grumbles, there was a wave of positive anticipation too. A hopeful fan shared: "Through so many years it (will) still (be) great to get it." (sic)

Another commented supportively: "I'm waiting patiently. Get it done your way, the right way! It will be worth the wait!" And in a hint of playful eagerness, another asked: "But that time is worth it when you see the outcome, like NCIS Tony and Ziva. Can you give us a little sneak peek?" (sic)

A fourth fan commented with a hopeful note: "Taking turtle time and that's fine. As long as TandZ finally align!" (sic)

Although eager followers of Tony and Ziva are left hanging without an official release date, Paramount Plus has confirmed the duo will be back in a 10-episode season slated for some point in 2025, reports .

Stars of the show, Tony and his counterpart Cote de Pablo, famed for her portrayal of Ziva David, have concluded filming after an extensive eight-month shoot in Europe.

The plotline for the eagerly anticipated offshoot NCIS: Tony and Ziva is as follows: "After Ziva's apparent death, Tony raises their daughter, Tali. Years later, Ziva returns and reunites with Tony.

"Tony's company is attacked, and the family travels to Europe, trying to learn who's after them and to trust each other again."

NCIS is available to watch on CBS and Paramount Plus.