Michael Weatherly is all but certain he's coming back for an eighth season of NCIS, which is certainly terrific news for fans of Tiva or just DiNozzo's wisecracking.

Amid contract negotiations, the actor tells TV Guide Magazine exclusively that he's "extremely optimistic" he'll return to CBS' top-rated drama NCIS next season.

"I'm very excited to come back," says Weatherly. "I have the best job on television and the best character. I have an extremely talented team of folks that I've been working with for a long time who are in negotiations. It's ongoing, but I'm extremely positive."

"Optimism reigns supreme."

Michael Weatherly will be back. Hopefully the Hefner-esque robe won't be.

Another good sign: Michael says CBS has already invited him to attend the unveiling of their fall schedule to advertisers later this month at the annual upfronts.

"They bought me a ticket" to fly into New York for the press event, he says, so it stands to reason he'll be part of the NCIS cast in the fall. We hope it remains intact.

Yesterday, we reported that David McCallum will return to the show, leaving Sean Murray and Pauley Perrette as the only cast members whose status is unclear.

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.