For more than two decades, Michael Weatherly has been one of primetime television’s most recognizable faces. From his quick-witted, charming turn as Tony DiNozzo on NCIS to his commanding presence
as Dr. Jason Bull on CBS’s Bull, Weatherly has proven his ability to lead series that balance ensemble drama with sharp, character-driven storytelling. Now, as he gears up for a high-profile return
to the NCIS universe with NCIS: Tony & Ziva, the veteran actor is revealing another dream project that has fans buzzing: sharing the screen with his niece, actress Alexandra Breckenridge.
But before admirers of Netflix’s Virgin River start imagining Weatherly pouring a drink at Jack’s Bar or delivering diagnoses at Doc’s clinic, the actor has one clear caveat: their family collaboration won’t be happening in Mel Monroe’s small town.
Family Ties, Hollywood Dreams
In a candid new interview, Weatherly, 57, spoke warmly about his niece, praising both her career trajectory and the life she has built away from the spotlight with her husband, musician Casey Hooper, and their children.
“Personally, I would love that,” Weatherly said of the prospect of acting alongside Breckenridge. “I love Alex so much. She is an amazing human and niece. Gosh, I always wait for the universe to do what it’s gonna do. I try not to push too hard.”
It’s a sentiment that reflects Weatherly’s laid-back confidence in fate—an acknowledgment that while their paths haven’t yet crossed professionally, the possibility remains alive. “We have never worked together [yet]. So let’s not make that a forever statement,” he teased, leaving fans to dream about when—and how—the two might finally unite on screen.
Why Not Virgin River?
Breckenridge, 43, has found incredible success as the star of Virgin River, Netflix’s warm-hearted small-town romance that continues to draw millions of viewers worldwide. As Mel Monroe, a widowed nurse practitioner who relocates to the quaint titular town for a fresh start, Breckenridge has become synonymous with heartfelt resilience, complicated romance, and the kind of storytelling that comforts viewers like a favorite blanket.
Given the show’s enormous popularity, fans might wonder why Weatherly wouldn’t consider dropping by as a rugged newcomer, a doctor filling in for Doc Mullins, or perhaps a long-lost relative stirring up drama. But Weatherly has a different perspective.
“I won’t do horror,” he joked, referencing Breckenridge’s extensive past work on darker projects such as American Horror Story, The Walking Dead, and True Blood. “But I just feel like I’d be scared.”
Then, with a grin, he revealed where his imagination really takes him: “Sci-fi. We’ll do sci-fi and I’ll go to space.”
It may sound unconventional, but the idea has merit. Breckenridge has proven her versatility across genres—from chilling horror to heartfelt family drama—while Weatherly’s charisma, sharp timing, and ability to balance humor with gravitas could ground any high-concept story. Together, they could craft something entirely new, a family pairing that blends star power with genuine chemistry.
Michael Weatherly’s Big Return
For now, Weatherly’s attention is firmly centered on his long-awaited return to the role that made him a household name. On September 4, Paramount+ will debut NCIS: Tony & Ziva, a ten-episode spinoff that reunites Weatherly with Cote de Pablo as Ziva David, reigniting one of television’s most iconic and beloved partnerships.
The new series picks up years after Tony left NCIS to raise Tali, his daughter with Ziva, following Ziva’s presumed death. When Ziva turned out to be alive, the two reunited in Paris, but peace was short-lived. In Tony & Ziva, their world is once again upended when Tony’s security company is attacked. The family is forced to go on the run across Europe, protecting Tali while confronting both external threats and the unresolved complexities of their own relationship.
“The show itself is a kind of unreliable narrator,” Weatherly explained. “That is why you sort of think they’re together for a second, but then they’re not, but then they might be. Then you’re like, ‘Wait, which timeline am I in?’”
For fans, the spinoff represents a long-overdue continuation of one of television’s most passionate “will-they-or-won’t-they” storylines—now set against an international backdrop with high stakes and deeply personal consequences.
Breckenridge’s Path: From Horror to Heartfelt
While Weatherly revisits his most iconic role, Breckenridge continues to hold her ground as one of Netflix’s most bankable leading ladies. Since Virgin River’s debut in 2019, she has helped shepherd the series into becoming one of Netflix’s longest-running original dramas.
The appeal lies in Breckenridge’s ability to embody vulnerability while radiating strength. As Mel, she has guided viewers through loss, new beginnings, and complex love with Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson). Fans eagerly await her next chapter in Season 7, set to premiere in late 2025, where questions about Mel and Jack’s future loom large.
Her success on Virgin River marks a dramatic shift from her earlier career, which was dominated by edgier roles in supernatural and horror-tinged series. That range only strengthens the case for a collaboration with Weatherly outside the small-town romance genre—perhaps in the sci-fi adventure he envisions.
A Future Collaboration on the Horizon?
Though their schedules are filled with demanding projects, the idea of Weatherly and Breckenridge eventually teaming up has sparked plenty of fan enthusiasm. Social media buzzes with dream scenarios: a dramatic limited series about a fractured family, a lighthearted romantic comedy where their characters’ worlds collide, or the bold sci-fi epic Weatherly teased.
Whatever the genre, one thing is clear: audiences are eager to see the family bond between uncle and niece translate into on-screen chemistry. Both actors bring charisma, versatility, and deeply loyal fanbases, making a potential project a surefire draw for any network or streamer.
For now, fans will continue to enjoy their separate projects—Weatherly diving into the adrenaline-fueled drama of NCIS: Tony & Ziva and Breckenridge returning to the heartfelt world of Virgin River. But the dream of seeing the two together remains alive, shimmering just over the horizon.
The Bigger Picture: Legacy and Longevity
The careers of both Weatherly and Breckenridge highlight the enduring power of television to shape cultural conversation and sustain long-term fan devotion. Weatherly, with over 300 episodes of NCIS under his belt, helped define the procedural genre for a generation. Breckenridge, with her work on Netflix, has proven that streaming dramas can build lasting connections with audiences over years, not just fleeting seasons.
A collaboration between the two would not simply be a family affair—it would represent a bridge between different eras and styles of television, blending the comfort of small-town storytelling with the energy of crime drama or even science fiction.
Conclusion
Michael Weatherly may be preparing for his highly anticipated television comeback, and Alexandra Breckenridge may be continuing her reign as the heart of Virgin River, but the possibility of them joining forces remains one of Hollywood’s most enticing “what ifs.”
Though Weatherly has ruled out Virgin River as the stage for their collaboration, his openness to new genres—especially his cheeky pitch for a sci-fi adventure—has left fans with plenty to dream about. Whether it takes the form of a heartfelt family drama, a sweeping romance, or a daring leap into the stars, the prospect of this uncle-niece duo finally sharing the screen is a storyline worth waiting for.
Until then, audiences will have to be content with their individual journeys—knowing that somewhere in the future, the universe just might conspire to bring them together in a way that would thrill fans of both NCIS and Virgin River alike.
