Fans weren't the only ones shocked by the announcement that Cote de Pablo was leaving NCIS. The show's executive producer, Gary Glasberg, was just as astonished, however, he said the upcoming season will be a classic.

"That was quite a summer," Glasberg wrote in an open letter posted to the show's Twitter page. "I had planned on picnics, barbecues and weekend staycations. I did not plan on the departure of Ziva David."

Michael Weatherly Teases Fans With Photos And Song From Season 11

In July, de Pablo, who played Ziva for eight seasons, announced that she was leaving the show. In her statement, she thanked all her co-stars, as well as Glasberg, and said she looked "forward to finishing Ziva's story."

But, Glasberg is looking to the future. He said that the show worked diligently to deal with Ziva's departure and assured fans that there's a lot more they can look forward to. For example, viewers will get to know Michael Weatherly's character, Tony DiNozzo, on a more personal level and watch Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) recover from the tragic loss of his wife. Fans will also get to meet new characters and watch Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he connects with his father, Jackson.

"The amazing resolution you're going to see is pretty damn heart-wrenching and were incredibly proud of it. Prepare yourselves for a moment in television history," he wrote. "We like to rock your world and leave you on the edge of your seat. We like to show what the greatest team of federal agents is capable of. And all of that will happen in Season 11."

NCIS Season 11 Spoilers

Glasberg also encouraged fans to move on from de Pablo's exit and grow with the show.

"But we need everyone to remember that, in addition to being a professional family, we're a television show, and change happens. Writers more on. Actors move on," he wrote. "And so we find ourselves dwelling on the past, but eager to guide you into the future of NCIS."

Season 11 premieres on Sept. 24.

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NCIS