A new official poster for NCIS: Hawaii season 3 gives a first look at the return of an original NCIS: Los Angeles character. Hawaii is the fourth spin-off of the NCIS franchise and is set to return for its third season in February, a delayed start due to the writers and actors strikes of 2023. The series stars Vanessa Lachey, Alex Tarrant, Jason Antoon, Yasmine Al-Bustami, Noah Mills, and Tori Anderson. As NCIS: Los Angeles came to a close last spring, original cast member LL Cool J will reprise his role as Sam Hanna for a recurring part in Hawaii season 3. As revealed by TVInsider, ahead of the NCIS: Hawaii season 3 premiere, CBS has released a poster that features familiar faces from the original main cast along with LL Cool J, teasing his prominent role within the show’s new episodes.
If you’re an NCIS fan, buckle up. The NCIS universe just dropped a bombshell — and it’s causing a wave of excitement (pun fully intended). The NCIS: Hawaii Season 3 poster was just released, and it’s teasing something we didn’t see coming: the return of an original NCIS: Los Angeles character joining the Hawaii team. Cue the collective gasp of the fandom!
But who is this familiar face? Why now? And what could this mean for the future of the franchise? Let’s dive into every juicy detail like a forensic analyst on a crime scene.
The Poster That Broke The Internet
First Impressions Matter — And This One’s Epic
The new NCIS: Hawaii Season 3 poster isn’t just your typical promo shot. This one’s special. Not only does it showcase the main cast basking in the golden Hawaiian sun, but it also throws a serious curveball — the silhouette of a familiar figure from NCIS: Los Angeles standing side by side with Jane Tennant’s team.
Sharp-Eyed Fans Spot The Clue
You know how fans are — nothing gets past them. Within minutes of the poster’s drop, social media was ablaze with speculation. The stance. The hairstyle. The tactical gear. It all screamed one thing: Sam Hanna is coming to Hawaii.
Confirmed — LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna Joins NCIS: Hawaii
From LA To The Islands
Yes, it’s official! LL Cool J is bringing Sam Hanna to paradise. After the emotional end of NCIS: Los Angeles, fans thought they’d seen the last of him. But as it turns out, the NCIS universe had other plans.
A Seamless Transition
Hanna isn’t just popping in for a cameo — he’s joining the team. His tactical expertise, leadership, and charm are expected to blend seamlessly with Jane Tennant’s high-energy squad. This isn’t just a crossover. It’s a new chapter.
Why This Move Makes Total Sense
Keeping The NCIS Universe Connected
Let’s be real. NCIS: Los Angeles had a massive fan base. Ending that show left a gap. Bringing Hanna into Hawaii isn’t just fan service — it’s a brilliant strategic move to keep the NCIS world tightly knit.
Expanding The Franchise Without Reboots
Instead of starting from scratch, CBS is evolving its universe. Think of this as the MCU of crime procedurals. Familiar faces, new settings, and storylines that interconnect across cities.
What This Means For NCIS: Hawaii Season 3
The Stakes Just Got Higher
Adding Sam Hanna into the mix means bigger missions, more tactical ops, and emotionally charged plots. Expect flashbacks, tie-ins to old LA cases, and maybe even other familiar faces dropping in.
A Fan-Favorite Dynamic
Fans are already dreaming about the team-ups. Sam Hanna and Jesse Boone? That’s a buddy-cop dream duo waiting to happen. Tennant and Hanna? That’s leadership squared.
LL Cool J Speaks Out — Why He’s Back
“This Character Has More To Say”
In an interview following the poster release, LL Cool J revealed, “Sam Hanna still has stories to tell. Just because LA wrapped doesn’t mean he’s done.” He went on to praise the Hawaii cast and hinted at “emotional, action-packed” episodes ahead.
Fan Reactions — Twitter Can’t Handle It
A Meltdown Of Epic Proportions
Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram all exploded the moment the poster dropped. Hashtags like #SamHannaReturns and #NCISHawaii started trending within hours.
From Sad Goodbyes To Epic Comebacks
Fans went from mourning NCIS: LA to celebrating like it was Christmas morning. Memes. Fan art. Screencaps. You name it — the fandom is alive and thriving.
The Creative Team’s Vision
A Crossover That Feels Natural
Executive Producer Matt Bosack shared that this wasn’t a last-minute decision. “We’ve been planning this since LA’s final season,” he said. “Sam Hanna is part of the family. And the Hawaii team is his new home.”
What Episodes Will Feature Sam Hanna?
Not Just A Guest Star
According to the showrunners, Hanna will appear in multiple episodes, and possibly even have a recurring role throughout the season. That means more action, more heart, and definitely more of LL Cool J’s signature swagger.
Behind The Scenes — Merging Two Worlds
The Logistics Of A Cross-Unit Transfer
How do you move a top-tier agent from LA to Hawaii? Expect an in-universe explanation that ties directly into a case only someone like Hanna could solve — probably involving Navy SEALs, encrypted tech, or international espionage.
What Other Crossovers Could Be Coming?
Is This Just The Beginning?
This move might be the door opening to even bigger NCIS crossovers. Could we see Gibbs? Torres? Even DiNozzo or Ziva? CBS is definitely laying the groundwork for a multi-show universe that rivals superhero franchises.
When Does NCIS: Hawaii Season 3 Premiere?
Mark your calendars. Season 3 is set to premiere this fall on CBS, with the first full trailer expected in the coming weeks. Until then, fans will be rewatching every Sam Hanna moment on repeat.
Predictions — What’s Next For The NCIS Universe?
We’re betting Season 3 will serve as a bridge for more NCIS universe integration. New characters, old favorites, and possibly even a mega-crossover event involving all current franchises? Fingers crossed.
Conclusion — NCIS: Hawaii Just Got A Whole Lot Cooler
In short? This is the kind of bold, unexpected move fans live for. Sam Hanna joining the Hawaii team gives NCIS: Hawaii fresh depth, high-stakes storytelling, and a connection to the broader universe that only boosts its appeal. It’s not just a clever poster — it’s a promise of epic episodes to come.
