When NCIS: Los Angeles wrapped its emotional series finale in 2023, fans thought they had seen the last of Special Agents Callen, Hanna, and the rest of the elite L.A. team. But in a stunning twist, the fan-favorite NCIS spinoff is making a comeback — and it’s shaping up to be one of the franchise’s biggest surprises yet.
The Comeback No One Saw Coming
After more than a decade on air, NCIS: Los Angeles seemed to have said its final goodbye — complete with heartfelt farewells and a sense of closure. But as the NCIS universe continues to expand with NCIS: Hawai‘i and NCIS: Sydney, producers have quietly been at work on a special follow-up episode that reunites some of the original cast for one more mission.
According to insiders, the revival won’t be a full season — at least not yet — but rather a special event episode that bridges storylines between the NCIS shows. The goal? To bring the L.A. team back into the fold while teasing something much bigger on the horizon.
Who’s Coming Back
The big question on every fan’s mind: Will LL Cool J return as Sam Hanna?
The answer appears to be yes — and then some.
LL Cool J, who reprised his role briefly in NCIS: Hawai‘i, is set to lead the comeback alongside Chris O’Donnell’s G. Callen. Rumors suggest that Daniela Ruah (Kensi Blye) and Eric Christian Olsen (Marty Deeks) are also in talks to return, though in a “limited but pivotal capacity.”
Producers have teased appearances from NCIS veterans across the franchise, suggesting a multi-agency crossover event unlike anything the series has done before.
What the New Episode Is About
Plot details are tightly under wraps, but sources hint at a high-stakes mission involving global cyber-terrorism — the kind of threat that requires expertise from multiple NCIS teams.
“Think of it as the team getting pulled back in for one last op,” says one insider. “It’s personal, it’s emotional, and it sets the stage for something new.”
Fans can expect Callen and Hanna to grapple with the lingering consequences of their past missions, while also mentoring a new generation of agents introduced through the crossover storyline.
Why Now?
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the NCIS franchise, and CBS has reportedly been planning a celebration that includes special content, retrospectives — and possibly this Los Angeles reunion.
With the continued success of NCIS: Sydney and ongoing fan demand for the return of legacy characters, this special episode might be both a tribute and a test run for future spin-offs.
When and Where to Watch
While CBS has yet to announce an official air date, production is reportedly underway in Los Angeles, with filming expected to wrap before the end of 2025. Insiders predict a Spring 2026 premiere, either as a NCIS franchise crossover or a standalone special available on Paramount+.
The Legacy Lives On
Whether this new episode serves as a one-time reunion or the spark for a full-fledged revival, one thing is certain — NCIS: Los Angeles isn’t done yet.
As LL Cool J recently teased in an interview:
“When you’ve got unfinished business, you answer the call. Sam Hanna’s not out of the game just yet.”
And with that, the NCIS: Los Angeles comeback just became one of the most anticipated television events of the year.
Bottom Line:
The agents are back. The mission’s bigger. And the city that never sleeps is about to heat up once again.
