NCIS may be one of the longest-running TV dramas, but it seems the franchise still has some surprises in store. A recent announcement about the series’ ongoing 22nd season reveals a fan-favorite character will be returning.
CBS has confirmed the reprisal of LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna in the April 21 episode of NCIS. In an NCISverse Instagram post, LL Cool J announced, “Back on set, baby! NCIS. Let’s get it.” NCIS actor Brian Dietzen reportedly teased this appearance to TV Insider when asked if there would be any returning characters in Season 22, saying, “There are. I just worked with one, and I’m not allowed to tell you, but I’ll tell you it’s someone from NCIS‘s past, and it’s going to be fantastic, and I think people will lose their s**t.”
LL Cool J Is a Franchise Veteran
After his Season 6 debut on NCIS, LL Cool J appeared in the spinoff series NCIS: Los Angeles, starring in all 14 seasons. Following the series finale, the actor guest-starred on NCIS: Hawai’i at the end of Season 2, remaining through its third and final season. “All of us at NCIS: Hawai’i have been huge fans of LL Cool J for years and couldn’t be more thrilled or honored to be adding his spectacular talent to our ohana for Season 3,” executive producers Matt Bosack, Jan Nash, and Christopher Silber said of the actor joining the series.
Series actress Vanessa Lachey shared similar thoughts, telling Variety, “One of the most beautiful things about working on NCIS: Hawai’i is the show’s ability to bring the franchise together. We have had so much fun spreading the aloha to NCIS and NCIS: LA with the triple crossover. Now, we have the amazing opportunity to bring Sam Hanna to Hawai’i to help the island solve some cases and maybe have a few laughs in the process. Welcome to the ohana, Todd! It’s going to be a fun ride!”
The NCIS universe just pulled off one of its most exciting surprises yet. Fans who thought they had said their final goodbyes to NCIS: Los Angeles are in for a treat—because a beloved character has officially returned to the main NCIS series. This unexpected move not only sparks nostalgia but also opens fresh storylines that could reshape the franchise’s future. Let’s dive deep into the details and explore why this comeback has the internet buzzing.
The Legacy of NCIS: Los Angeles
Before we talk about the return, it’s important to appreciate the legacy of NCIS: Los Angeles. The spinoff, which ran for 14 seasons, became a powerhouse in its own right. Starring Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J, the show gave fans thrilling undercover missions, complex character arcs, and unforgettable team chemistry.
When the series wrapped in 2023, fans were heartbroken, unsure if they’d ever see their favorite agents again. Now, with this major crossover, that void is being filled in a way no one expected.
Who Is Returning to NCIS?
The million-dollar question: Which NCIS: Los Angeles character is coming back? While CBS has been tight-lipped about the finer details, fan-favorite Sam Hanna, played by LL Cool J, has already made guest appearances in NCIS: Hawai’i. That move set the stage for more crossovers.
Now, rumors and official teasers strongly suggest that his return to the flagship NCIS series is part of a larger plan to weave the franchises together again.
Why This Return Matters
Why is this such a big deal? Because the NCIS franchise thrives on its characters. Fans don’t just tune in for cases—they show up for the bonds, rivalries, and emotional connections that have been built over decades. Bringing back a familiar face bridges the gap between the past and present, giving longtime viewers a sense of continuity.
Think of it like reuniting with an old friend after years apart—the chemistry instantly clicks, and the excitement feels brand new.
How NCIS Perfectly Times These Surprises
NCIS has mastered the art of timing. Just when fans think the franchise is winding down or becoming predictable, the writers pull a wild card. The return of a Los Angeles character injects fresh energy into ongoing storylines, creating opportunities for crossovers, undercover missions, and new team dynamics.
The Fan Reactions Online
The internet exploded the moment news of the character’s return broke. Twitter, Reddit, and fan forums lit up with posts like:
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“I can’t believe they actually brought him back!”
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“This is the crossover I’ve been waiting for!”
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“Now THIS is how you reward loyal fans.”
Memes, fan edits, and speculation threads are spreading like wildfire. Clearly, NCIS knows how to stir up buzz and keep viewers engaged.
The Future of NCIS Crossovers
This return might just be the beginning. If one character can seamlessly transition into NCIS, what’s stopping others? Imagine seeing Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt) pop up with her cryptic wisdom or Callen (Chris O’Donnell) lending a hand in a high-stakes case.
CBS may be planting the seeds for a shared NCIS universe—similar to what Marvel did for superheroes. The possibilities are endless.
What This Means for NCIS Storylines
Storylines will inevitably shift with this character’s return. Fans can expect:
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New partnerships: Pairing the veteran agent with Gibbs’ old team creates opportunities for mentorship and conflict.
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Fresh cases: Cross-border missions that tie into Los Angeles-style undercover ops.
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Deeper character arcs: Old wounds and unfinished business from the NCIS: Los Angeles finale could resurface.
A Smart Move for CBS
From a network perspective, this move is brilliant. Reviving a beloved character satisfies longtime viewers while keeping ratings strong. It also bridges multiple NCIS shows, encouraging audiences to watch across the franchise.
It’s not just fan service—it’s smart business.
Nostalgia Meets Innovation
The beauty of this return lies in its balance. On one hand, it delivers a heavy dose of nostalgia for Los Angeles fans. On the other, it paves the way for innovative storytelling in the flagship series. That’s the secret sauce: giving fans what they want while keeping the show fresh.
The Cast’s Reaction
In interviews, cast members of NCIS have expressed excitement about welcoming back a familiar face. They’ve teased that the chemistry was immediate and that filming felt like “coming home.” Fans love hearing this—it shows the off-screen camaraderie is just as real as the on-screen bonds.
How This Impacts the NCIS Franchise as a Whole
This return could mark the start of a new era for the franchise. With NCIS: Hawai’i canceled in 2024, CBS may use this crossover to keep fans engaged while setting up future spinoffs or TV movies.
The move proves one thing: NCIS isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Fan Theories and Speculations
Of course, fans are already theorizing about what comes next. Popular speculations include:
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A multi-episode arc featuring other Los Angeles alumni.
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A new villain connected to both Washington and LA.
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Potential romance sparks between returning characters and current team members.
It’s all speculation—but that’s half the fun.
The Bigger Picture: Why Fans Still Love NCIS
At its core, NCIS has endured for over 20 years because it never forgets the human element. Cases may come and go, but the characters are what keep fans loyal. By bringing back a favorite, the show proves it still knows what its audience values most.
Conclusion: A Return Worth Celebrating
NCIS just reminded everyone why it’s the longest-running scripted CBS drama. By reviving a Los Angeles character, the show has given fans a nostalgic surprise and a reason to get excited for what’s ahead. This isn’t just another case of fan service—it’s a smart, heartfelt move that breathes new life into the franchise.
