While fans are still mourning Cote de Pablo's exit from "NCIS," the producers are reportedly looking ahead and trying to cast a new actress as Ziva's full-time successor on the team.
CBS confirms that casting is underway for a twentysomething female character named Bishop, who is described as "bright, educated, athletic, attractive, fresh-faced, focused and somewhat socially awkward. She has a mysterious mixture of analytic brilliance, fierce determination and idealism. She’s traveled extensively, but only feels comfortable at home.” The character's start date is reportedly listed as mid-October, meaning a likely January or February debut on air. TVLine was first to report the casting breakdown.
Executive producer Gary Glasberg told TVLine that before Bishop arrives, "NCIS" will “rotate some fun people” through the offices: "We’re going to bring in people like that and have some fun with different characters. And then, hopefully, when people are comfortable enough, one will walk in and be The One.”
Although Ziva's exit will likely be painful for loyal viewers, fans can rest assured that the character won't be killed off in her final two episodes, and that there will be a resolution to her on again/off again romance with Michael Weatherly's Tony. "The will they/won't they is answered," Weatherly recently told TV Guide, adding, "Tony's going to be forced to face this Sword of Damocles that's been hanging over him since Season 3."
For more on "NCIS" Season 11, click over to TVLine.
Season 11 of "NCIS" premieres on Tues., Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
