“Michael Weatherly Reveals Why Tom Selleck’s Magnum P.I. Is a Key Inspiration for Tony DiNozzo—Time to Binge the Classic ’80s Hit!”
Through the upcoming NCIS spinoff, NCIS: Tony and Ziva, fans will be thrilled to see the return of beloved special agents Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David. Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo, who recently made a surprise return in the Ducky tribute episode, will be back in full force. Weatherly has revealed that Tom Selleck’s Magnum P.I. significantly influenced the creation of Tony DiNozzo, and now there’s even more reason to revisit the classic ’80s series.
While rewatching an NCIS episode with Cote de Pablo for their podcast, Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch, Weatherly and de Pablo discussed a scene where Tony gets excited over finding an authentic Magnum P.I. Hawaiian shirt. Weatherly explained why Magnum P.I. holds such a special place in Tony’s character:
“Tony’s enthusiasm for pop culture, especially shows created by Donald P. Bellisario in the ‘80s, is key to his character. Magnum P.I. is crucial because it represents a kind of overgrown kid who is passionate about life, wears his Hawaiian shirt, and enjoys a Ferrari while living in a beautiful estate in Hawaii. Magnum embodies a youthful spirit.”
Both NCIS and Magnum P.I. were created by Donald Bellisario, which explains the frequent references to Magnum and other Bellisario projects in NCIS. Weatherly noted that while Magnum P.I. and Tony DiNozzo share a playful, youthful energy, they also have deeper, more serious aspects to their characters:
“Magnum is youthful but also carries the weight of his Vietnam War experiences. Similarly, Tony DiNozzo, who had a challenging childhood with the loss of his mother and an absent father, finds solace in pop culture references. Magnum P.I. represents a form of escape and comfort for him.”
One of the joys of Tony DiNozzo is his pop culture references, which often lighten the mood during intense moments. Weatherly’s insight into Tony’s connection to Magnum P.I. adds depth to these references, showing they are more than just quirks—they are a reflection of Tony’s emotional needs and past experiences.
As we look forward to NCIS: Tony and Ziva on Paramount+, fans can expect plenty of pop culture and movie references. With Tony, Ziva, and Tali on the run across Europe, the series promises a wealth of international references and exciting storylines. It would be delightful to see another Magnum P.I. nod in the new spinoff, given its significance to Tony’s character.
While a premiere date for the spinoff is still pending, now is the perfect time to binge-watch the original Magnum P.I. to see the roots of Tony DiNozzo’s character and understand why Magnum P.I. is so important to him.
