“NCIS” Executive Producer Gary Glasberg has done a lot of interviews prior to the eleventh season of the show—most having to do with the departure of Cote de Pablo and her character Ziva David’s farewell.

So far most, if not all, of Glasberg’s comments about de Pablo have come by way of the media. However, Tuesday he decided to address fans through a letter posted on CBS.com.

Here is an excerpt from the letter:

 Let me start by saying, “Thank you.” We genuinely appreciate your letters and emails. I know Cote’s decision was a shock to everybody. Us, too. But we need everyone to remember that, in addition to being a professional family, we’re a television show, and change happens. Writers move on. Actors move on. Life, for some, interferes with work and then we rise to the occasion and adapt. Very often, extraordinary creativity comes out of adjustment. And so we find ourselves not dwelling on the past, but eager to guide you into the future of NCIS. Eager to show you that Season 11 can be a rollercoaster ride of new stories. Eager to share our excitement and enthusiasm of what’s to come.

You can read the full letter here

Glasberg previously told fans the first two episodes will focus on Ziva’s exit from the show, especially the second episode. He also explained she would not be killed off.

In the letter, the executive producer reminds fans that there is life after Ziva. Fans will get to delve into the life of Tony and see some complications in the relationship of Ducky and Palmer.

As Weatherly said in an interview with TVLine, “NCIS” has had to overcome the departure of major characters before, so there is a good chance they bounce back. Nevertheless it will be sad to see Ziva go.

Season 11 of “NCIS” premieres Tues, Sept. 24 at 8/7c.