Cote de Pablo's Ziva Davis returned in NCIS season 17, appearing in four episodes. She is one of the most beloved and popular characters in the series, so many we're delighted to see her in the previous installment. Now, the question is: will Ziva still appear in NCIS season 18?
Nothing is certain when it comes to Ziva's return in NCIS season 18. Despite that, there are a lot of ways how she could return to the series again. For instance, the new installment could stage a potential Ziva-Tony reunion. This is highly likely, given that their story is still worth-exploring.
The creative team isn't, reportedly, ruling out this thing as well. The two could return at some point and tell the team what happened to them over the past years. However, some things could make this reunion difficult, particularly the scheduling.
The schedules of the series and the cast may not align, especially since Michael Weatherly stars in another show, Bull. Yet, the Ziva-Tony reunion is something that's still on the table and it could happen at some point in the series. It's just a matter of how and when.
Ziva could also return in NCIS season 18 if ever something happens to Odette. We know that she has kept the secret about Ziva being alive, and now she's working and training Ellie Bishop. Perhaps, something unexpected may happen to Odette that requires Ziva to come back.
This is also an opportunity to further explore the relationship between Ziva and Odette. It seems like there's still more between them, considering that the latter managed to hide the secret for an extended period of time. Additionally, this a chance for Bishop to show what she learned from Odette.
NCIS season 18 may also feature a case, wherein Ziva might be needed. It would be interesting to see her working with the team again. The case may require Ziva's skills, such as the talents she acquired in recent years that no one else can do.
Meanwhile, as for the release date of NCIS season 18, nothing is confirmed at the moment. The real-life health crisis happening around the globe right now has impacted several series, including NCIS. There could be changes in the schedules since filming may not start anytime soon.
Recently, however, CBS released its 2020-2021 primetime schedule, which includes NCIS, All Rise, Magnum P.I., and Blue Bloods. But then, the network did not specify the official premiere dates of these shows.
