Hanna appeared alongside Tennant and other characters from the NCIS franchise before, investigating the conspiracy surrounding Simon Williams in a crossover event that occurred during the final season of NCIS: Los Angeles. As mentioned, Cool J’s character also appeared in the NCIS: Hawai’i season 2 finale, offering to help Tennant before she eventually departed for Venezuela. The latest details regarding his return to the series suggest that Hanna wasn’t contacted by Tennant, but audiences will likely enjoy seeing the two agents reunite.
Because Hanna is featured on the NCIS: Hawai’i season 3 poster, and was already revealed to be a recurring character, it’s worth wondering how his presence will impact Tennant’s team moving forward. Not much else is known about Cool J’s role in the upcoming season, or his character’s future beyond that. His return to NCIS: Hawai’i makes sense, though, given the last interaction with Tennant, and serves as a connection to NCIS: Los Angeles, which ended in May.
While characters have returned to the NCIS franchise before, it will be interesting to see how audiences respond to Hanna’s run on NCIS: Hawai’i, and to learn even more about this particular team-up between him and Tennant. Those eager to see Cool J reprise his role, outside of Los Angeles, can be sure to tune in for the NCIS: Hawai’i season 3 premiere.
You know that feeling when your favorite song starts playing unexpectedly? That’s what it felt like when Sam Hanna walked onto the screen in NCIS: Hawaii Season 3. For longtime fans of the franchise, his return wasn’t just a cameo—it was a breath of fresh air and a revival of everything we love about NCIS.
But why exactly does it work so well? Let’s dive deep into how his reappearance reshapes the team dynamic, recharges the storylines, and rekindles viewer excitement like never before.
Who Is Sam Hanna?
A Quick Recap of His NCIS Legacy
Sam Hanna, played by LL Cool J, has been a staple in the NCIS universe since NCIS: Los Angeles. With his military background, fierce loyalty, and unparalleled tactical skills, he brought grit, heart, and swagger to the franchise. He wasn’t just muscle—he had brains, emotional depth, and a moral compass that made him relatable.
Why Sam Hanna’s Transfer to Hawaii Makes Sense
Strategic Storytelling, Not Just Nostalgia
It’s easy to think his return was all about fan service, but there’s more beneath the surface. After the conclusion of NCIS: Los Angeles, the writers needed a clever way to keep his story alive. Enter: NCIS: Hawaii.
This isn’t just a “where are they now” cameo. It’s a strategic move to integrate a well-loved character into a series still finding its voice.
Strengthening Team Dynamics
Sam as the Seasoned Anchor
Sam’s presence brings maturity and experience to the younger, more agile team in Hawaii. While Jane Tennant leads with her signature intensity, Sam balances that with a cool-headed, mentor-like presence. It’s the perfect yin to her yang.
Mentoring the New Agents
Kai Holman and Lucy Tara benefit the most from Sam’s arrival. They’re skilled, no doubt, but his guidance adds depth. Think of him as the Mr. Miyagi of NCIS—he teaches more than tactics; he teaches wisdom.
Boosting Viewer Engagement
Bridging the Gap Between Series
Sam Hanna doesn’t just belong to NCIS: Los Angeles. His crossover into Hawaii acts as connective tissue for fans still mourning the end of LA. It’s comforting. It’s continuity. And it keeps the broader NCIS universe tightly knit.
The Ratings Factor
Let’s be real. Shows live and die by ratings. Bringing in a fan-favorite like Sam was a genius move. Within weeks, social media buzz exploded. Twitter. Reddit. TikTok. You name it—everyone was talking about the Sam-Tennant dynamic.
Emotional Resonance with the Audience
A Familiar Face in a Changing Landscape
Television has changed a lot. Spin-offs come and go. But Sam Hanna is one of those rare characters who feels like home. His loyalty, sense of justice, and dry wit resonate deeply. In a world full of reboots and reimaginings, his return is grounded, sincere, and earned.
Chemistry With the Hawaii Cast
LL Cool J and Vanessa Lachey? Instant Spark.
There’s no denying the chemistry between Sam and Jane. No, not romantic—but something even better: mutual respect. Their conversations are laced with trust, strategic depth, and just enough humor to keep things light.
Kai and Sam: The Bro Energy We Didn’t Know We Needed
Kai Holman is the rising star of the show, but pairing him with Sam is like handing a match to gasoline. Explosive in the best way.
Action That Hits Harder
Sam Brings the Tactical Edge
Let’s talk about the action. Sam isn’t just good in the field—he owns it. Chases, takedowns, hand-to-hand combat—he brings the intensity up several notches. And that rubs off on the entire cast.
Diversity and Representation
A Black Veteran Leading with Integrity
Sam represents so much more than just an agent. He’s a Black military veteran who leads with honor. His presence challenges stereotypes and elevates the narrative in meaningful ways.
Building on NCIS: Hawaii‘s Cultural Foundation
Hawaii is all about representation—Pacific Islander culture, strong women leads, and now a Black icon in law enforcement. It’s powerful, and it matters.
Narrative Opportunities Moving Forward
New Arcs, Deeper Plots
Sam opens doors to new storylines. Maybe an old enemy resurfaces. Maybe a case from L.A. haunts him in paradise. Either way, the possibilities are endless—and fans are here for it.
Crossover Potential Just Got Real
A United NCIS Universe
With Sam now in Hawaii, crossovers with NCIS and NCIS: Sydney feel more realistic. He’s the bridge, the common thread that keeps the family vibe alive across borders.
What Critics Are Saying
Positive Reviews Across the Board
Critics have praised the move as “smart,” “seamless,” and “exactly what the series needed.” It’s rare for a character crossover to feel this organic, but Sam pulls it off effortlessly.
The Fans Are Loving It
Trending Hashtags and Fan Theories
#SamInParadise and #HannaReturns trended for days after the premiere. Fan theories are popping up everywhere—people are invested, and that’s the biggest win of all.
Behind the Scenes: Why LL Cool J Said Yes
A New Challenge for a Veteran Actor
In interviews, LL Cool J mentioned wanting to keep the character alive in a fresh setting. Hawaii offered beauty, danger, and untapped potential. Plus, who wouldn’t want to work in paradise?
Final Thoughts
Bringing Sam Hanna to NCIS: Hawaii wasn’t just a good idea—it was a brilliant one. It reignited interest in a series that was still proving itself, added depth to the cast, and reconnected fans with a character they deeply care about.
It worked because it felt right. No gimmicks. Just great storytelling with a familiar face who knows how to deliver.
Conclusion
In a world of disposable TV characters and forced cameos, Sam Hanna’s return is the rare crossover that enhances rather than distracts. He’s not a guest—he’s a pillar. And with his experience, charm, and commanding presence, NCIS: Hawaii just leveled up big time. So if you’re not watching Season 3 yet—what are you even doing?
