No need to change the channel. Fans of Michael Weatherly can continue to watch the "NCIS" star on CBS if the network picks up his pilot "Bull," based on the early career of Phil McGraw when he was the head of one of the most prolific trial consulting services of all time.
Weatherly will play Dr. Bull, the head of Trial Sciences Inc., a company that analyzes juries to help develop defense strategies. He has a physicality and feral intelligence that make him magnetic to women and a bruising candor.
Paul Attanasio ("House") wrote the script with McGraw, who now host the popular daytime talk show, "Dr. Phil." Rodrigo Garcia will direct the pilot that will shoot around the 47-year-old actor's "NCIS" schedule. Both projects hail from CBS TV Studios.
"NCIS" will wrap up Weatherly's storyline in the season finale as fans say their final goodbyes to Special Agent Tony DiNozzo after 13 seasons. The actor is one of four series regulars that has starred on the show since its inception. Mark Harmon, Pauley Perrette and David McCallum will continue into the 14th season (CBS has also renewed the series for a 15th season).
"DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn't have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons," Weatherly tweeted when he announced his leave in January. "Les Moonves & CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I will miss the amazing crew & cast, who are like family to me, & to the fans all over the world - THANK YOU, it's been a fantastic ride."
Before joining "NCIS" in 2003, Weatherly starred opposite his ex-girlfriend Jessica Alba on "Dark Angel," which ran for two seasons on Fox. He also made guest appearances on "Ally McBeal," "Charmed" and "The Cosby Show."
The CBS drama has brought back several recurring characters that have made an impact on the character of Tony, including his father, Anthony DiNozzo Sr. (Robert Wagner), and ex-girlfriend Jeanne Benoit (Scottie Thompson). Fans are still holding their breath for Cote de Pablo to return for one more episode to reprise her role as Ziva David, Tony's former partner and possible love interest.
"NCIS" airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on CBS.
