When Ziva David, portrayed by Cote de Pablo, left the canvas of NCIS in 2013, it sent ripples through the fanbase. Her character had become an integral part of the team, and her departure left many questions. Let’s explore the reasons behind this significant change.
Cote de Pablo’s decision to leave NCIS
The news of Cote de Pablo’s exit from NCIS was met with surprise and disappointment. After eight seasons, her decision not to renew her contract came as a shock. It was not an easy decision, not one taken lightly
, she said. Fans and colleagues alike felt the weight of her departure. 
Contract negotiations and salary disputes
Behind the scenes, contract negotiations seemed to play a role. CBS CEO Les Moonves expressed their keen interest in retaining de Pablo, stating, We offered Cote a lot of money and then we offered her even more money. We really didn’t want to lose her.
Despite this, there is no direct mention of contract negotiations or salary disputes influencing her exit. 
Creative directions and character arc
The storyline of Ziva David was always rich with intrigue and emotion. As her character developed, so did her relationships, especially with Tony DiNozzo. The creative direction of Ziva’s arc culminated in a daughter being revealed after her apparent death. This twist gave Ziva a sort of spiritual presence even after de Pablo’s departure. We had a…connection, and obviously a very fond farewell
, remarked Special Agent Tony DiNozzo on-screen. 
Cote de Pablo’s personal and professional reasons
In her own words post-departure, de Pablo spoke of her huge respect and affection for her colleagues and the audience. Her professional journey on NCIS was profound, but personal growth and new opportunities also beckoned beyond the show’s horizon. De Pablo has since pursued other roles that have allowed her to explore different facets of her talent. 
In conclusion, Ziva’s exit from NCIS was multifaceted. It involved tough decisions by de Pablo, intense contract negotiations, creative directions for closure of Ziva’s story, and personal aspirations leading de Pablo to new horizons. Her legacy on the show remains impactful, reminding us of the deep connections formed between characters and audiences alike.
