Why Cote de Pablo Left NCIS (and Returned 6 Years Later)

When Cote de Pablo’s character Ziva David exited NCIS in 2013 after eight seasons, it was a shock to fans. Her departure wasn’t because of a sudden scandal or contract dispute that leaked online — it was a mix of personal choice, creative concerns, and story direction.

1. It Was a Personal Decision

At the time, de Pablo told TV Guide that leaving NCIS was “overwhelmingly hard” and not something she had planned for a long time. She described the choice as very personal and didn’t want to rush into other projects just for the sake of leaving.

2. She Wanted Better Storytelling for Ziva

In later discussions, de Pablo explained that part of her reason for stepping away was feeling that Ziva’s character wasn’t always being treated with the depth and respect she deserved. She was especially concerned about storylines that might send the character back to Israel in a way she felt would portray her negatively. That played a role in her decision to leave unless the writers could “write something fantastic” for Ziva.