Even after more than two decades on the air, NCIS continues to surprise its loyal viewers. The long-running crime drama is welcoming back a familiar face in its current 22nd season.
CBS has officially confirmed that LL Cool J will reprise his role as Special Agent Sam Hanna in the April 21 episode of NCIS. The announcement was made via the official NCISverse Instagram, where the actor enthusiastically shared, “Back on set, baby! NCIS. Let’s get it.”
Hints about the surprise return surfaced earlier when NCIS star Brian Dietzen teased to TV Insider that a past character would be coming back. “There are [returns],” he said. “I just worked with one, and I can’t say who—but it’s someone from NCIS’s history. It’s going to be amazing, and I think fans are going to lose their minds.”
LL Cool J’s Deep Ties to the Franchise
LL Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith, first joined the NCIS world during the sixth season of the original series, before going on to lead NCIS: Los Angeles through all 14 of its seasons. After NCIS: LA concluded in 2023, he made a surprise appearance on NCIS: Hawai’i in the Season 2 finale and stayed on through its third and final season.
The creative team behind NCIS: Hawai’i welcomed him warmly. Executive producers Matt Bosack, Jan Nash, and Christopher Silber expressed their excitement in a statement: “We’ve all been fans of LL Cool J for years, and we’re incredibly excited to add his incredible talent to our ohana for Season 3.”
Actress Vanessa Lachey also shared her enthusiasm about his arrival in NCIS: Hawai’i, telling Variety, “One of the most special parts of working on NCIS: Hawai’i is how it unites the larger franchise. We had a blast bringing together NCIS, NCIS: LA, and our show during the crossover event. Now, having Sam Hanna in Hawai’i to help crack some cases—and maybe share a few laughs—has been a real joy. Welcome to the ohana, Todd! We’re in for a great time.”
