The departure of Ziva David, portrayed by Cote de Pablo, from NCIS left fans heartbroken and filled with unanswered questions. Behind the scenes, however, the untold story reveals a complex blend of personal decisions and professional dynamics. De Pablo’s exit was primarily driven by her desire for better treatment of her character’s storyline and personal dissatisfaction with the contract terms offered by CBS. Despite the show’s immense popularity and Ziva’s pivotal role, negotiations faltered, leading to her sudden and unexpected departure. In the end, while fans were left in shock and the series experienced a significant shift, de Pablo’s choice underscored her commitment to her principles and the integrity of her character’s narrative.