As the NCIS universe continues to grow, fans are hoping one familiar face will make more appearances next season: LL Cool J as Sam Hanna. With NCIS, NCIS: Origins, and NCIS: Sydney set to dominate Tuesday nights this fall, the franchise is leaning into its interconnected storytelling—leaving the door wide open for returns from beloved characters, even from canceled spinoffs like Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Hawai’i.
LL Cool J reprised his fan-favorite role as Sam Hanna in NCIS Season 22, Episode 18 (“After the Storm”), marking his first return since NCIS: Los Angeles wrapped. Though no longer a special agent, the episode strongly hinted that Sam could be on the verge of rejoining the agency. “Seeing your team, working shoulder to shoulder with them, reminded me how much I missed it,” Sam told Director Vance (Rocky Carroll). Vance replied with an open invitation: “There’s always a place for you back at NCIS.”
Of course, Sam had unfinished business—possibly related to his former boss Hetty Lange, who was rumored to have been spotted recently. That thread connects directly to how NCIS: LA ended: with Sam joining the team assembled to find and rescue Hetty.
Executive producer Steven D. Binder made it clear in an interview with TV Insider that there’s strong interest in bringing Sam—and other characters—back into the fold. “LL always has a place at NCIS,” Binder emphasized. “They all do. They’re pros. We love having them.”
However, the biggest challenge isn’t interest—it’s scheduling. LL Cool J’s busy calendar makes it tough to coordinate appearances, and Binder admitted that this logistical hurdle often stands in the way. “It’s just people have very busy schedules, especially he does,” Binder said. “So making it work is a logistical challenge… Not because there’s not a desire and a will.”
Still, fans have reason to be optimistic. Sam Hanna’s recent return was no one-off. The storyline left clear breadcrumbs that could lead to more, and Binder’s comments suggest the door is very much open.
With NCIS: Tony & Ziva also launching this fall on Paramount+ and crossover energy at an all-time high, we may be heading into a golden era of character reunions and franchise synergy.
Would you like to see LL Cool J return full-time as Sam Hanna? And which other characters from the NCIS universe should make a comeback? Let us know in the comments!
