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.
The NCIS Universe Expands Yet Again
If you thought the NCIS franchise had given you all the surprises it could, think again. With NCIS: Hawaii Season 3 heating up, CBS just released a poster that sent shockwaves across fandoms — a beloved OG character from NCIS: Los Angeles is stepping into the island spotlight.
What the Season 3 Poster Reveals
This isn’t your typical promotional teaser. The Season 3 poster of NCIS: Hawaii drops a visual bombshell: a familiar face from the City of Angels standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Jane Tennant and her elite team. The tagline? “New Team. Old Legend.”
That’s right — Special Agent Sam Hanna (played by LL Cool J) is officially making the jump from LA to paradise.
From LA to Hawaii: The Crossover We’ve Been Waiting For
Why Sam Hanna Is a Game-Changer for NCIS: Hawaii
Sam Hanna isn’t just another federal agent — he’s a decorated veteran, a fan favorite, and a foundational pillar of NCIS: Los Angeles, which wrapped its run in 2023. Bringing him into NCIS: Hawaii is a strategic masterstroke.
A Legacy That Strengthens the Franchise
Adding Hanna to the mix bridges two fan bases and injects seasoned leadership into a relatively new team. His tactical skills, emotional intelligence, and street-smart instincts give Hawaii’s division an edge it didn’t know it needed.
What This Means for the NCIS Franchise
The Expanded NCIS Universe
With shows like NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and NCIS: New Orleans all carving out distinct identities, the inclusion of legacy characters in newer spin-offs signals a Marvel-style shared universe. Crossovers are no longer gimmicks — they’re part of the long game.
Potential for More Crossovers Ahead
Could we see G. Callen, Tony DiNozzo, or even Ziva David make guest appearances? With this move, the door is wide open.
NCIS: Hawaii’s Evolution in Season 3
A New Chapter for Jane Tennant
Jane Tennant (played by Vanessa Lachey) has proven herself as a tough, emotionally nuanced leader. But having Sam Hanna at her side in Season 3? That changes the team dynamic in a big way.
Mentorship Meets Leadership
Expect sharp clashes and mutual respect. While Jane is fiercely independent, Sam brings experience she simply can’t ignore. Their partnership could define the season’s emotional and tactical arcs.
High Stakes, High Impact
Raising the Threat Level
With Hanna joining the Hawaii team, you can bet the stakes are climbing. Rumors suggest a new international crime syndicate will threaten national security — the kind of mission tailor-made for an agent like Hanna.
Will We See LA Storylines Resurface?
Fans are buzzing: Will Hanna’s past come back to haunt him? Could unresolved threads from NCIS: LA continue here?
The poster hints at it — his iconic watch, LA skyline fading into the horizon behind the palm trees. Symbolic much?
Fan Reactions Are Through the Roof
Twitter and Reddit Go Wild
Within hours of the poster’s release, NCIS fans were trending hashtags like #SamInHawaii and #NCISReunion. From nostalgia to excitement, the reactions were overwhelmingly positive.
Behind the Scenes: Why CBS Made the Move
Keeping the NCIS Brand Fresh
Let’s face it: TV franchises need to innovate or evaporate. CBS knows this, and leveraging legacy characters in fresh formats is the smartest way to do it.
A Strategic Ratings Play
By pulling Sam Hanna into NCIS: Hawaii, CBS grabs both new viewers and loyal LA fans. It’s not just good storytelling — it’s smart business.
Thematic Depth: Trauma, Loyalty & Trust
Sam brings with him a deep emotional arc — loss, loyalty, and rebuilding trust. His presence can explore weightier storylines, adding layers to the island-based series that’s sometimes leaned on lighter cases.
Character Chemistry: Sparks Will Fly
Hanna and Kai: Clash or Bond?
Agent Kai Holman, the hot-headed local agent, could either butt heads with or look up to Sam Hanna. Their generational and tactical contrast might be one of the show’s best dynamics this season.
Action-Packed Promises: What’s in Store
Get ready for explosive missions, jungle shootouts, and underwater ops. If the poster is any indication, season 3 isn’t slowing down — it’s going full throttle.
Final Thoughts: What the Poster Doesn’t Show
Sure, it gave us the Sam Hanna reveal, but CBS left out other key visual clues — no clear villains, no returning minor characters, and no spoilers for the season finale.
They’re holding back. And that means even bigger surprises are coming.
Conclusion: The NCIS World Is Bigger — and Better — Than Ever
The reveal of Sam Hanna on the NCIS: Hawaii Season 3 poster isn’t just exciting — it’s a defining moment for the franchise. It marks a bold step in blending past and present, and breathing fresh life into the series. Whether you’re a long-time fan of LA or a newer viewer hooked by Hawaii’s tropical charm, one thing is clear: this season is one you won’t want to miss.
