Cote de Pablo's character, Ziva David, exit from "NCIS" will not leave a big gap in the show. The search for Ziva's successor is underway.
CBS confirmed the show has begun searching for a 20-something female character named Bishop, who is described as "bright, educated, athletic, attractive, fresh-faced, focused and somewhat socially awkward", according to the TV Line.
TV Line described her as a mysterious mixture of analytic brilliance, fierce determination and idealism. She's traveled extensively, but only feels comfortable at home. The reported start date is listed as mid-October, which means Bishop's character would be making a January or February debut, according to TV Line.
Executive producer Gary Glasberg told TV Line 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," Glasberg said. "And then, hopefully, when people are comfortable enough, one will walk in and be 'The One.'"
Glasberg told TV Line the first two episodes revolves around Ziva's departure. The following episodes of "NCIS" will introduce various characters who bring their own baggage. Pablo announced her departure last month, after eight years on the show. According to TV Line, CBS promises to provide "appropriate closure in this chapter of Ziva's story."
In an interview with Latina magazine, Pablo said exiting the show was a hard decision.
"It was not an easy decision, not one taken lightly," Pablo said. "I feel like I am leaving my family. What I want to say most of all is thank you to the fans and to the people who have been so supportive of me and of the show, who have made the show the great success that it is."
According to the Huffington Post, CBS CEO Les Moonves said recently at the Television Critics Association press tour that the network offered the popular actress "more money" to stay on the show.
"Then we offered her even more money," he said. "We really didn't want to lose her; we love her, she was terrific."
"NCIS" began in 2003 as a spin-off of "JAG." It features the fictional Major Case Response Team of NCIS agents based at Washington Navy Yard in Washington D.C. In 2009, that series spun off "NCIS: Los Angeles."
Season 11 of "NCIS" premieres on Tues., Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
