LL Cool J’s Unexpected NCIS Return
Surprise, surprise—LL Cool J is heading back to the world of NCIS. And this time, it’s not a temporary visit. Season 23 is officially welcoming back his character, Sam Hanna, into the fold. Fans of NCIS: Los Angeles thought they had said goodbye to LL for good when the show wrapped up its run in 2023, but Season 23 of the flagship series is bringing him back in a major way.
So why now? And how does it all fit into the ever-evolving NCIS universe?
A Quick Look Back: Who Is LL Cool J’s Character?
LL Cool J plays Special Agent Sam Hanna, a former Navy SEAL and one of the most respected field agents in the NCIS world. He originally served in NCIS: Los Angeles alongside Chris O’Donnell’s G. Callen. Hanna was known for his intensity, combat skills, and deep loyalty to his team.
Throughout the LA series, Sam was the muscle and heart of the team. But don’t let the tough exterior fool you—this guy has layers. A widower, father, and fiercely loyal friend, Hanna brought emotional depth that viewers connected with over 14 seasons.
Why Did LL Cool J Leave ‘NCIS: LA’?
When NCIS: LA ended after Season 14, LL Cool J’s exit wasn’t due to drama or burnout—it was simply time. The show had a long and successful run. LL even spoke out about how grateful he was for the experience, but he felt it was time to move on creatively.
However, the door was never fully closed.
In fact, LL hinted more than once that he was open to returning “under the right circumstances.” Those circumstances, apparently, have arrived.
What Changed Between Season 22 and 23?
The world of NCIS has been shifting ever since longtime star Mark Harmon (Agent Gibbs) made his exit. The show has since experimented with fresh faces, crossover events, and more serialized storytelling.
But one thing fans have been craving? Familiarity—and a sense of unity across the NCIS brand.
Bringing back a beloved character like Sam Hanna is more than nostalgia. It’s strategy.
Official Announcements: What CBS Revealed
CBS confirmed the news in a teaser post during the NCIS: Origins reveal event earlier this year. According to network insiders, LL Cool J will return in a recurring guest-star capacity, with the potential for more.
His return will kick off during the early episodes of Season 23, and he won’t just be showing up for background shots—he’ll be on active missions.
Executive Producer Steven D. Binder said, “Sam Hanna is a crucial part of the NCIS legacy. Having LL Cool J back just feels right, especially as we continue to evolve the franchise.”
LL Cool J’s Career Between NCIS Projects
What’s LL Cool J been up to since NCIS: LA? Spoiler alert: the man never stops.
He hosted the Grammys. He continued his Rock the Bells Radio station on SiriusXM. He even hinted at new music in the works—because yes, this NCIS agent is also a Grammy-winning rapper.
This isn’t someone who fades into the background. So when he returns to the screen, expect it to be loud, proud, and headline-grabbing.
Where We Last Saw Sam Hanna
In the final episode of NCIS: Los Angeles, Sam Hanna was heading off to Morocco on a classified mission. It was a vague but hopeful ending—one that left the door wide open for future appearances.
And now that mission might tie directly into the events of Season 23. Could his return mean that secret operation has major implications for the NCIS universe?
How LL Cool J Will Fit Into the Main ‘NCIS’ Cast
With the core team shaken up in recent seasons, Sam Hanna brings something fresh yet familiar. He’s not a replacement—he’s a reinvention.
We could see him mentoring newer agents, teaming up with Nick Torres, or even stepping into a Gibbs-like leadership role. If the writers are smart (and they usually are), they’ll use Hanna’s return to bridge the gap between old-school fans and the show’s new direction.
Crossover Episodes: A New Era for NCIS Universe
LL Cool J’s return may also signal more crossover episodes—something fans have begged for since NCIS: Hawaii and NCIS: Sydney joined the franchise.
Imagine Sam Hanna showing up in Hawaii, then flying back to D.C. the next episode. It adds continuity, universe-building, and that MCU-style crossover energy that keeps fans tuning in week after week.
Fan Theories About Sam Hanna’s Return
The fanbase is buzzing. Here are some of the wildest (yet intriguing) theories:
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Sam is undercover and needs help from the main NCIS team to finish a rogue mission.
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Hanna is building a new task force across divisions, setting up a new spin-off.
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LL Cool J is being positioned as a future team leader or even director.
Time will tell, but it’s clear the showrunners are keeping fans guessing.
Mark Harmon’s Exit and LL’s Arrival: Filling the Void?
It’s hard to talk about NCIS without mentioning Mark Harmon’s legacy. His departure as Leroy Jethro Gibbs left a massive hole in the cast dynamic.
Could Sam Hanna step into that void—not as a clone of Gibbs, but as a new kind of leader? One with heart, grit, and a bit more edge?
The chemistry between Hanna and the current team will be one of the most important aspects of Season 23. And early set reports say LL has already clicked with everyone.
How NCIS Plans To Use LL Cool J in Season 23
According to inside sources, Sam Hanna’s return won’t be a one-off. He’ll appear in multiple episodes, and his role could even evolve into a series regular by mid-season, depending on audience response.
Writers are reportedly crafting a subplot around a “major international threat” that will span multiple episodes—and Hanna’s skill set is crucial to stopping it.
How Fans Reacted on Social Media
Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram practically exploded when LL Cool J’s return was confirmed.
Comments like:
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“NCIS just got COOL again.”
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“I stopped watching, but now I’m back for Sam Hanna!”
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“LL Cool J saves 2025 TV. Period.”
The buzz is real. And it’s not just nostalgia—it’s excitement for what comes next.
LL Cool J’s Training and Preparation for His Role
Even when he’s off-screen, LL stays in shape. Reports say he’s been back in tactical training, learning updated fight choreography, and brushing up on firearm protocol to stay authentic.
He’s not just phoning it in—he’s diving in headfirst. And fans will notice the difference.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Fresh Boost NCIS Needed?
Bringing back LL Cool J isn’t just smart—it’s necessary. NCIS has been searching for the right mix of old and new, of nostalgia and evolution. Sam Hanna provides that balance.
He’s a fan favorite with a proven track record. He brings depth, action, and personality. And his comeback could very well mark the start of NCIS’s next golden era.
🙋♂️ FAQs
1. Is LL Cool J a permanent cast member in NCIS Season 23?
Not yet. As of now, he’s set for a recurring guest role, but CBS may upgrade him to series regular depending on fan response.
2. Will Sam Hanna appear in crossover episodes with other NCIS spin-offs?
Yes! His character already appeared in NCIS: Hawaii and may pop up in other spin-offs to expand the universe.
3. Does LL Cool J’s return mean NCIS: Los Angeles is coming back?
No current plans to revive NCIS: LA, but LL’s return keeps that door slightly open in the future.
4. When does NCIS Season 23 premiere?
Season 23 is expected to premiere in Fall 2025. Exact dates will be confirmed by CBS soon.
5. Could LL Cool J’s return lead to a new NCIS spin-off?
It’s possible. If his arc gains enough momentum, CBS might consider a new division or task force spin-off featuring Sam Hanna.
