The series was renewed for a thirteenth season by CBS on Monday, May 11, 2015.[2][3] Production on this season started in late July.[4] On January 5, 2016, CBS announced Weatherly's departure from the series after thirteen seasons.[5] Scottie Thompson returned as Jeanne Benoit, Tony's ex-girlfriend, in episode 8.[6][7] She returned later on in the season.[8][9] Scott Bakula, Lucas Black, Zoe McLellan, and Shalita Grant star in a crossover with NCIS: New Orleans, in the episode "Sister City (Part I)", as NCIS Special Agent Dwayne Pride, NCIS Special Agent Christopher LaSalle, NCIS Special Agent Meredith "Merri" Brody, and NCIS Special Agent Sonja Percy, respectively.[10]