For over a decade, LL Cool J ruled primetime television as Sam Hanna — the fearless, loyal, and occasionally brooding federal agent who anchored NCIS: Los Angeles. When the series wrapped in 2023 after 14 action-packed seasons, fans said what they thought was a final goodbye. But in true NCIS fashion, the universe had one more twist up its sleeve.
Now, the unthinkable has happened: Sam Hanna is back. And not just anywhere — he’s headed straight into the heart of the Pacific, joining NCIS: Hawai’i in a major new crossover that’s already shaking up the franchise.
“Couldn’t Keep Sam Hanna Off the Case for Too Long”
When LL Cool J appeared in the Season 2 finale of NCIS: Hawai’i, fans erupted across social media. The surprise cameo, which saw Hanna teaming up with Special Agent Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey), hinted at something much bigger. Shortly after the episode aired, LL Cool J made it official: “Couldn’t keep Sam Hanna off the case for too long!! Starting tonight, Sam Hanna will join forces with the @NCISHawaiiCBS team as a recurring guest star in the upcoming third season.”
And just like that, one of television’s most iconic agents was back in the field.
Vanessa Lachey shared her excitement in a heartfelt post of her own, writing, “Surprise! Our ohana is growing. We’re so excited to have @llcoolj join #NCISHawaii!” Fans couldn’t agree more. For a franchise that thrives on loyalty, legacy, and unexpected reunions, Sam Hanna’s return felt like coming home.
A Veteran Meets a New Commander
In NCIS: Hawai’i, Lachey’s Jane Tennant is the franchise’s first female and Asian American team leader — a trailblazer in her own right. Now, she’s got one of the most seasoned agents in the NCIS universe by her side.
Speaking with Parade in early 2024, LL Cool J teased what to expect from the unlikely duo. “Sam has things that help him relate to Jane Tennant — and things the audience doesn’t know yet that will help him relate even more,” he revealed. “His life’s journey puts him in a position to empathize with her, to understand what she’s been through, and give her room to lead in her own way.”
The bond between the two agents, he explained, will go beyond partnership. “Somebody sitting behind a desk might not understand what it’s like to be in the field — to live through those traumas, those choices. But Sam does. And that’s why he’s here.”
Lachey echoed the sentiment with her trademark warmth. “One of the most beautiful things about NCIS: Hawai’i is how we bring the franchise together,” she said. “Now, we have this amazing opportunity to bring Sam Hanna into our world — to help solve some cases, and maybe share a few laughs along the way. Welcome to the ohana, Todd. It’s going to be a fun ride!”
Behind the Scenes: The Franchise’s Most Unexpected Revival
When NCIS: Los Angeles ended, LL Cool J was at peace. “Fourteen years is a blessing,” he told Entertainment Tonight. “CBS did an amazing thing with us. It wasn’t two years and done — it was a whole era. I could only say, ‘Wow, what a ride.’”
That’s why his return — though brief at first — felt like destiny fulfilled. The NCIS franchise is known for its interwoven universe, but Hanna’s arrival in Hawai’i marks the first time a major character has seamlessly crossed over long-term into a spin-off after his original series ended.
The creative team behind NCIS: Hawai’i couldn’t be happier. Executive producers Matt Bosack, Jan Nash, and Christopher Silber said in a joint statement, “All of us have been huge fans of LL Cool J for years and couldn’t be more thrilled to add his incredible talent to our ohana for Season 3.”
More Than a Cameo — A Second Act
For now, LL Cool J’s role remains “recurring” rather than full-time — but fans are already campaigning for more. Sam Hanna’s presence adds depth, nostalgia, and star power to NCIS: Hawai’i, which continues to grow into one of CBS’s most dynamic dramas.
There’s also a deeper symbolism at play. Sam Hanna represents the enduring heartbeat of NCIS: resilience, integrity, and evolution. He’s the connective tissue between the franchise’s past and future — bridging the gritty streets of Los Angeles with the sun-soaked shores of Hawai’i.
In an era when TV heroes come and go, LL Cool J’s return is a reminder that some legacies never fade. They just find new horizons.
What’s Next for Sam Hanna?
While CBS has kept details under wraps, insiders tease that Hanna’s story in Hawai’i will explore both his tactical brilliance and his emotional growth. “There are reasons why Sam is in town,” LL Cool J hinted cryptically. “Not all of them are about work.”
Could he be mentoring the next generation of NCIS agents? Or is he running from something deeper — a loss, a secret, a promise unfulfilled? Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure: Sam Hanna doesn’t come to play small.
A New Era of NCIS
With LL Cool J’s arrival, NCIS: Hawai’i isn’t just expanding its cast — it’s redefining what a spin-off can be. It’s a bridge between legacies, a celebration of endurance, and a promise to fans that the world of NCIS is far from finished.
So as the waves crash over Oahu and a familiar figure steps out of the shadows, the message is clear: Sam Hanna’s story isn’t over. It’s just beginning again — under the Hawaiian sun.
