Michael Weatherly explains ‘NCIS’ departure, joining ‘Bull’

As many longtime “NCIS” fans know, Michael Weatherly departed at the end of last season. We originally thought that maybe he would want to take a break following thirteen years of a single show, but instead he’s jumping aboard a new challenge in “Bull,” a new series on CBS inspired by the life of Dr. Phil McGraw. It’s a fictional world, but some of McGraw’s expertise may coming in handy as Weatherly’s title character looks to analyze juries and defendants in order to sway verdicts in the right direction.

So why did Michael want to jump aboard this show so soon? As he told reporters earlier this week (per THR) at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, timing and the quality of the material both played a huge role:

“It came about at the right time. I was burnt out by NCIS and I was ready for a new challenge … Sometimes change is as good as a rest.”

Weatherly also seems well aware that there are going to be plenty of people who will ask about the differences between Jason Bull and Tony DiNozzo, and he seems ready and willing to answer those questions:

“DiNozzo was a guy who [wanted] validation and approval and was very hungry for that, and Bull is not hungry for that. He doesn’t need that, but both characters are fascinated by human behavior.”

Ultimately, we think the subject matter of this show, coupled with Weatherly’s presence and a rather pristine timeslot right after “NCIS” on Tuesday nights, are going to make “Bull” a hit right out of the gate. From there, it will be all about the quality of the work and the sustainability of the concept.