Why Sam Hanna Should Stick Around on NCIS
When LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna popped up in NCIS Season 22, it wasn’t just a cool crossover moment — it felt like a game-changer. For years, NCIS: Los Angeles held its own corner of the franchise universe, and now that it’s wrapped, Sam’s unexpected entry into the flagship NCIS series has fans asking one big question: why isn’t he a regular yet?
Let’s dive into why making Sam Hanna a full-time NCIS cast member is not only a good idea — it might be the smartest move the show could make.
The Power of Familiarity in the NCIS Universe
We’ve spent over a decade with Sam Hanna. He’s established, beloved, and familiar. That’s a rare trifecta in TV. When a character like that steps into a new show, he doesn’t have to earn trust — he already has it.
A Natural Fit with the Existing Team
In his Season 22 appearance, Sam didn’t feel like an outsider. He clicked. His vibe fit right in with Torres, Knight, and McGee. The banter worked, the teamwork felt natural, and the chemistry? Undeniable.
LL Cool J Brings Star Power and Authenticity
Let’s be real — LL Cool J is a household name. That matters. His involvement brings in new viewers, fans from NCIS: LA, and casual watchers curious about his role. But beyond the fame, his portrayal of Hanna is grounded, believable, and deeply human.
From Navy SEAL to Elite Agent — Sam Hanna’s Skills Are Timeless
Need someone to interrogate a suspect? He’s your guy. Tactical takedowns? No problem. Emotional support? He’s got that quiet strength. In short: Sam Hanna is the Swiss Army knife of agents.
Crossover Characters Are the Future of the Franchise
TV today thrives on shared universes. Marvel does it. Law & Order does it. And NCIS? It’s already on the path.
Sam Hanna Could Be the Bridge Between Worlds
Sam brings the NCIS: LA audience with him. And with NCIS: Hawai’i canceled, the franchise needs a unifier — someone to thread these worlds together. Sam is already that connective tissue.
The Void Left by Gibbs Still Lingers
Let’s face it: no one can truly replace Gibbs. But NCIS still feels like it’s looking for that “anchor” — someone with experience, grit, and heart. Hanna’s not a clone of Gibbs, but he’s got that steady leadership presence that could fill the gap without copying it.
The Torres-Hanna Dynamic Has Serious Potential
We saw sparks fly when Torres and Hanna teamed up. There’s room here for conflict, camaraderie, and even mentorship. Watching these two tough guys butt heads or bond could fuel multiple seasons.
Knight and Hanna: A Partnership That Works
Hanna’s calm demeanor balances Knight’s high-energy vibe. In high-stress missions, that kind of chemistry is storytelling gold. The audience noticed — and loved it.
LL Cool J’s Real-Life Experience Adds Depth
LL Cool J brings more than acting chops to the role. His authenticity — from playing a former Navy SEAL to navigating intense emotional arcs — makes Sam Hanna feel lived-in, not written.
The NCIS Cast Needs More Diversity
Let’s talk representation. Sam Hanna brings racial diversity, age diversity, and a different life experience to the team. The more backgrounds we see, the richer the show becomes.
Fans Are Already Hooked
Social media lit up after Hanna’s appearance. Tweets, Reddit threads, and Facebook groups were buzzing with one sentiment: “Can we keep him?”
When fans ask for a character, especially after just one appearance, you pay attention.
NCIS Needs to Stay Fresh to Survive
After 22 seasons, shows like NCIS need to evolve to stay relevant. Adding a familiar-yet-fresh character like Hanna is an easy way to inject new energy without disrupting what already works.
There’s Room on the Roster
With past departures (Gibbs, Bishop, even Ducky), there’s room for another seasoned pro. And Hanna checks every box.
The Showrunners Have a Golden Opportunity
They’ve already tested the waters. Fans responded. The storyline is there. All they need to do now? Pull the trigger.
Sam Hanna Can Help Us Dive Deeper Into NCIS Lore
Want to explore the past? Connect the dots between old cases? Bring back LA storylines? Hanna is your gateway. He’s a walking archive — and fans love callbacks.
An Emotional Core That Grounds the Action
Sam isn’t all fists and firearms. He’s got depth — grief, love, fatherhood, loyalty. He grounds wild plots in real, human emotion. That’s what NCIS thrives on.
It Just Makes Sense — For Ratings, Storytelling, and Legacy
Adding Sam Hanna permanently would satisfy fans, improve storylines, and boost ratings. It would honor the NCIS legacy while carving out a bold, exciting new future.
Conclusion: Sam Hanna Deserves a Desk at NCIS
At the end of the day, NCIS is about teamwork, loyalty, and doing the right thing — no matter the cost. Sam Hanna lives those values. He’s proven himself across years, cities, and spin-offs.
So why not make it official?
Bring him in.
Give him a badge.
And let him show us what he’s really capable of — not just for one mission, but for many more to come.
5 Unique FAQs About Sam Hanna Joining NCIS Full-Time
Q1: Has LL Cool J officially joined the NCIS main cast?
As of now, LL Cool J has only guest-starred on NCIS Season 22. There’s been no official announcement about him becoming a full-time cast member — yet.
Q2: Why did fans love Sam Hanna’s NCIS appearance so much?
Because he brought experience, authenticity, and a strong presence that fit naturally with the current team, giving fans instant nostalgia and fresh energy.
Q3: How could Sam Hanna change the NCIS team dynamic?
His leadership skills, calm demeanor, and unique backstory would add new emotional depth and tactical knowledge, making the team more well-rounded.
Q4: Could Sam Hanna replace Gibbs long-term?
No one can replace Gibbs, but Hanna brings a similar steadiness and moral compass that could anchor the team in a different — yet equally powerful — way.
Q5: Will Sam Hanna appear again in NCIS Season 22?
There’s speculation, but nothing confirmed. Still, fan reactions may just convince producers to bring him back more permanently.
Would you want to see Sam Hanna as a regular?
