LL Cool J made a highly anticipated return to the NCIS universe, reprising his iconic role as Sam Hanna, and fans couldn’t be happier. The rapper-turned-actor, now 57, has been a cornerstone of the franchise since 2009, starring in NCIS: Los Angeles from its launch through its finale in 2023, and most recently appearing in NCIS: Hawai’i before the spinoff was canceled.
Sam Hanna’s New Role
In Monday’s episode, Sam returned from a very different battleground. After the tragic loss of his Elite team in Hawaii, he’s no longer an active field agent. Instead, Sam is now based in Washington, D.C., serving as a congressional liaison. From the halls of power, he’s using his experience to advocate for critical military interventions—a shift from bullets to briefs, but no less impactful.
Updates on the NCIS Family
It wasn’t just Sam’s career change that had fans talking. During his appearance, he shared several heartwarming updates about his former colleagues:
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G. Callen and Anna are preparing to welcome a new family member—a puppy.
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Jane Tennant’s son, Alex, is now in college, continuing the NCIS: Hawai’i storyline.
These glimpses into the lives of the NCIS universe struck a nostalgic chord with viewers.
Fan Reactions
Social media erupted with praise for LL Cool J’s effortless return:
“It’s like he never left. Sam Hanna just fits in any NCIS setting,” wrote one fan.
“I didn’t realize how much I missed him until he walked into that orange room again,” said another.
The outpouring of excitement shows just how much fans have missed Sam Hanna—and how seamlessly LL Cool J brings him back to life.
The Bottom Line
Whether in Los Angeles, Hawaii, or now D.C., Sam Hanna remains a cornerstone of the NCIS franchise. Fans are thrilled to see him back, and it’s clear that wherever he goes next, the heart of NCIS goes with him.
