A new official poster for NCIS: Hawaii season 3 gives a first look at the return of an original NCIS: Los Angeles character. Hawaii is the fourth spin-off of the NCIS franchise and is set to return for its third season in February, a delayed start due to the writers and actors strikes of 2023. The series stars Vanessa Lachey, Alex Tarrant, Jason Antoon, Yasmine Al-Bustami, Noah Mills, and Tori Anderson. As NCIS: Los Angeles came to a close last spring, original cast member LL Cool J will reprise his role as Sam Hanna for a recurring part in Hawaii season 3. As revealed by TVInsider, ahead of the NCIS: Hawaii season 3 premiere, CBS has released a poster that features familiar faces from the original main cast along with LL Cool J, teasing his prominent role within the show’s new episodes.
The NCIS universe just got a whole lot more connected. With the release of the NCIS: Hawaii Season 3 poster, fans were hit with a nostalgic blast — a beloved character from NCIS: Los Angeles is officially joining the team. Yep, it’s happening, and the internet is buzzing. If you’ve followed the franchise for years, this crossover is like a long-lost family reunion… only with more guns and espionage.
What The Season 3 Poster Reveals
The poster doesn’t hold back. We see the Hawaiian squad in full force, but it’s the familiar face standing beside Special Agent Jane Tennant that made fans do a double take.
Who’s the Mystery OG Character?
It’s none other than Sam Hanna, played by LL Cool J. Yep — the tactical, no-nonsense, smooth-talking special agent from NCIS: Los Angeles is taking his talents to the Pacific.
Why Sam Hanna’s Arrival is a Game-Changer
Bringing Sam to the islands isn’t just fan service. It’s a brilliant narrative move that adds depth, backstory, and unexpected tension to an already intense series.
Experience Meets Fresh Energy
Sam has decades of field experience, and pairing him with Hawaii’s younger team sets up a dynamic that’s bound to crackle.
Cross-Team Chemistry
With characters like Jesse Boone and Kai Holman already established, adding Sam to the mix is like tossing gasoline on a fire—in a good way. Expect power struggles, mentorship moments, and probably a few unforgettable one-liners.
The Growing NCIS Universe
It’s no secret CBS has been weaving its NCIS shows closer together. With Hawaii becoming the central hub for new crossovers, Sam’s appearance is likely just the tip of the iceberg.
Connecting The Dots
Remember how NCIS: Los Angeles ended on a high note but left room for more stories? This is the continuation fans didn’t know they needed.
Behind The Scenes — Why Now?
Strategic Timing
With NCIS: Los Angeles recently wrapped, LL Cool J was perfectly positioned for a franchise comeback. CBS took the opportunity to inject his character into a show that’s still building momentum.
Cast & Crew Reactions
Vanessa Lachey, who plays Tennant, shared on social media how “honored” she is to work with LL Cool J. Fans aren’t the only ones excited — the cast is all in.
What This Means For NCIS: Hawaii Season 3’s Storyline
A Deeper Dive Into Global Threats
With Sam’s intelligence background, expect season 3 to lean heavier into international espionage and black ops-style missions.
Cultural Clash?
Bringing a hardened city agent into a more laid-back island setting creates natural tension. Think of it like putting a shark in a koi pond — things are going to shift.
The Legacy of Sam Hanna
A Character With Gravitas
Sam isn’t just a fighter—he’s a thinker, a leader, and a moral compass. That legacy is bound to shake up the Hawaii team’s dynamics in all the right ways.
Fan Favorite Status
His no-nonsense approach, loyalty, and history with characters like G Callen make him one of the most beloved agents in NCIS history.
When & Where To Watch Season 3
NCIS: Hawaii Season 3 is set to premiere this fall on CBS, with new episodes streaming the next day on Paramount+.
Fan Theories After the Poster Drop
Twitter and Reddit exploded with wild guesses:
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“Is G Callen next?”
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“Are we building toward an NCIS All-Stars spin-off?”
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“Will Sam train the team or take it over?”
The buzz is real — and the poster did its job: fans are hooked.
Social Media Frenzy — What People Are Saying
Here’s a glimpse at how fans reacted:
“SAM HANNA IN HAWAII?! I AM NOT OKAY!”
“NCIS: Hawaii just became a must-watch.”
“I was out. Now I’m all the way back in.”
The emotional rollercoaster is already in full motion, and the season hasn’t even aired yet.
What LL Cool J Brings To The Role
Aside from his iconic presence and deep voice, LL Cool J brings:
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Star power
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Instant credibility
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Action-ready performance chops
It’s the kind of casting that re-energizes a show mid-run.
Could This Lead To a Permanent Role?
Guest Spot or Series Regular?
While CBS hasn’t confirmed how long Sam will stay, the poster suggests this isn’t just a cameo. Don’t be surprised if he sticks around.
Where NCIS: Hawaii Might Go Next
With this crossover, the doors are wide open for other characters to step in. Could we see:
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Gibbs in a guest role?
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Torres making an appearance?
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A full-blown NCIS crossover event?
Anything’s possible now.
Final Thoughts
The NCIS: Hawaii Season 3 poster didn’t just show us a character — it set the tone for what could be the most thrilling season yet. With Sam Hanna officially joining the fray, we’re looking at bigger stakes, tighter missions, and bolder storytelling.
If you’re not watching yet… you’re about to start.
FAQs
1. Is Sam Hanna now a regular on NCIS: Hawaii?
While CBS hasn’t officially labeled him as a series regular, the Season 3 poster and cast interviews strongly suggest he’s here to stay—at least for a major arc.
2. How did NCIS: Los Angeles end for Sam Hanna?
In the finale, Sam was still active and heading into new covert operations. This Hawaii appearance could be a continuation of that mission.
3. Will other NCIS characters crossover into Hawaii?
Highly likely. The NCIS universe is expanding, and fans should expect more surprise appearances in the future.
4. What makes Sam Hanna a good fit for the Hawaii team?
His leadership, experience, and no-BS attitude make him the perfect mentor and anchor for a younger, less battle-hardened team.
5. When does NCIS: Hawaii Season 3 premiere?
The new season premieres this fall on CBS and will be available for streaming on Paramount+ the following day.
