Michael Weatherly on 'NCIS': 'It was an extraordinary ride'

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Michael Weatherly says starring on NCIS was an incredible experience.

The 48-year-old actor, who played Tony DiNozzo on the CBS series for 13 seasons, discussed the long-running police procedural at the Television Critics Association summer press tour Wednesday.

"[It] was an extraordinary, unique ride," Weatherly lauded. "I mean, 13, years. It really felt like a circle that had gone all the way around and I felt really happy with the resolution of the character and my time on the show."

"When I got in the elevator for the last time I thought, 'I understand it all. It's time to leave before I have another question,'" he said of his story's ending.

Weatherly was promoting his new series, the CBS legal drama Bull, with Phil McGraw, aka Dr. Phil, who inspired and co-created the show. The actor said the project was "an amazing change" after his time on NCIS.

"It came about at the right time. I was burnt out by NCIS and I was ready for a new challenge," he admitted. "Sometimes change is as good as the rest."

Bull is based on McGraw's early career as the head of a trial consulting service. The series co-stars Freddy Rodriguez, Geneva Carr and Chris Jackson, and is scheduled to premiere Sept. 20.