Actor Michael Weatherly has shared an emotional message with fans after they funded a digital billboard in New York’s Times Square to protest the recent cancellation of NCIS: Tony & Ziva. The “Tiva” fan campaign, aimed at reversing the Paramount+ decision, ran a 30-second plea every hour on December 30 at a major intersection. Weatherly posted on social media to say the gesture made him smile and brought him to the verge of tears as he offered a “GIGANTIC thank you” to everyone involved.
Details of the Fan Billboard Campaign
The fan-driven effort to save the show involved renting a prominent digital billboard located at 1619 Broadway, between 49th and 50th Street, near Times Square. For 24 hours, a 30-second message played at the 46th minute of every hour. The simple design displayed the phrase “Save Tony and Ziva” and included a QR code that directed people to a website with more information about the campaign. The billboard’s prominent location on New Year’s Eve weekend was chosen to attract the attention of both the massive crowd and the media present in the area.
Michael Weatherly’s Personal Response to Fans
Upon learning of the billboard, Michael Weatherly took to his social media accounts to express his direct and personal reaction. He reposted images of the billboard and wrote a heartfelt note to the fans.
“I want to just say how much this made me smile and maybe even nudged my tear ducts,” the actor wrote, “…beautiful, and I want to say a GIGANTIC thank you to any and all involved. I see you. I appreciate you. Big kiss for 2026.”
This public acknowledgment from one of the show’s stars has energized the fan base, demonstrating the unique bond between the actors and the audience that has supported the “Tiva” pairing for over a decade.
The Sudden Cancellation of NCIS: Tony & Ziva
The fan campaign is a direct response to the unexpected cancellation of NCIS: Tony & Ziva by Paramount+ in December 2025, after just one season. The news came as a surprise to many, as the spinoff had launched to strong interest. Its official trailer set a franchise record with 93 million views in a single week. Upon its premiere on September 4, 2025, the show initially performed well in streaming rankings.
In a joint statement released after the cancellation, Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo thanked the cast, crew, and fans. “We feel incredibly lucky to have had the chance to play these characters once again,” they said, adding that their goal was to let fans “see Tony and Ziva find their happily ever after”.
Performance and Possible Reasons for Cancellation
Despite the strong initial fanfare, reported viewership for the series declined over the course of its 10-episode run. Industry analysts and fan comments suggest several factors may have contributed to the show’s end. Some observers note the challenge of launching a show with legacy characters on a streaming platform, where it may not have reached its core, potentially older audience demographic as effectively. The cancellation also occurred during a period of significant corporate change and reported layoffs at Paramount Global following its merger with Skydance, which may have influenced content decisions.
Critically, the series was well-received, earning a Certified Fresh score of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviews praised the undeniable chemistry between the two leads, with the Los Angeles Times highlighting their “genuine chemistry” and Variety stating the show delivered for its fans.
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Ongoing Fan Efforts and Future Speculation
The Times Square billboard is the most visible part of a broader fan movement to revive the series. Supporters are also using the hashtag #SaveTonyandZiva across social media platforms. An online petition calling for the reversal of the cancellation has gathered thousands of signatures.
While the campaign has garnered attention and the star’s gratitude, the future of Tony & Ziva remains officially uncertain. The fan base has drawn hope from other television shows that have been revived after similar outcries. With the larger NCIS franchise still active on CBS and internationally, some fans hold out hope that Tony and Ziva could potentially appear in other series within the universe in the future. All 10 episodes of NCIS: Tony & Ziva remain available for streaming on Paramount+.
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