It’s been nearly a decade since Michael Weatherly left NCIS, and only now does the series seem to have found a true successor to Tony DiNozzo. Despite running for more than 20 years, the franchise remains strong, with multiple spinoffs and its first streaming entry, NCIS: Tony & Ziva, reuniting Weatherly with Cote de Pablo.

Before that spinoff, Weatherly briefly returned in NCIS season 21 for Ducky’s farewell episode, a nostalgic but unlikely bridge to a full-time comeback. With the future of Tony & Ziva still uncertain and DiNozzo’s return to the flagship improbable, NCIS season 23 has quietly introduced his ideal replacement.

That honor goes to Special Agent Dale Sawyer, played by Zane Holtz. Though Sawyer has appeared since season 18, his season 23 return fully establishes him as DiNozzo’s successor. His sharp suits, sarcastic humor, and underestimated competence mirror classic Tony, while showing real growth beyond his earlier portrayal as a nuisance.

Sawyer’s expanded role-especially his evolving dynamic with Torres-adds depth to both his character and the team. After years of underuse, NCIS now has a strong reason to feature him more often. With proper development, Dale Sawyer could help the series move forward while still honoring DiNozzo’s legacy.