CBSIf you're a fan of Michael Weatherly and you're wondering how long you'll have to wait to see him on your TV screens again after his final episode of NCIS next week, we've got good news for you. Your wait won't be long at all.
E! News has learned that CBS has picked up Weatherly's new show, Bull, to series for the 2016-2017 TV season, meaning that the fan-favorite actor could be back on TV as early as this fall. (We'll have to wait until CBS' Upfronts presentation on Wednesday, May 18 in NYC to see exactly when the network plans to air the series.)
So, what's Weatherly's new series all about? Inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw as the founder of one of the most prolific trial consulting firms of all time, Bull centers on the brilliant, brash and charming Dr. Bull (Weatherly), the ultimate puppet master who combines psychology, human intuition and high tech data to learn what makes jurors, attorneys, witnesses and the accused tick.
Bull also stars Freddy Rodriguez, Geneva Carr, Chris Jackson, Jaime Lee Kirchner, and Annabelle Attanasio.
The pickup marks a rather seamless transition for Weatherly, who will sign off as Anthony DiNozzo on NCIS after playing the character for 13 straight seasons, leaving him little downtime once the big finale airs. Speaking about his big send-off with reporters this week, the actor admitted he's pretty sure that fans will respond well to his departure. "I felt so connected with the crew and everyone that maybe that has skewed the way I feel about the finale, but if I can remove myself from it a little bit and just look at it objectively, I think it's going to be an overwhelmingly positive reaction and I think Gary [Glasberg, showrunner] and CBS and everyone has really put together a powder keg," he said.
And if they don't like it, they can just move on to Bull with him.
Are you excited that Weatherly is staying in the CBS family? Sound off in the comments below.