The NCIS universe just isn’t the same without LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna, and luckily, we won’t have to miss him much longer. After spending 14 seasons on NCIS: Los Angeles and making a guest appearance on NCIS: Hawai’i before its cancellation, the legend himself is making his way back to where it all started. LL Cool J will officially reprise his role in NCIS on April 21—and this time, he’s not just stopping by.
CBS confirmed that Sam Hanna will play a pivotal role in the episode, which finds the team investigating the murders of three combat veterans in a Washington, D.C. motel. Their suspect? Silent as a grave—until they ask for Sam. Looks like someone still commands respect in these streets.
LL Cool J dropped the news himself with a social media video, letting everyone know he’s “back on set, baby.” And honestly? It’s about time.
A Full-Circle Moment
For longtime NCIS fans, this is more than just another guest appearance—it’s a homecoming. Before NCIS: Los Angeles became a hit on its own, LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna made his debut in NCIS Season 6 during the two-part episode “Legend,” which served as the backdoor pilot for the spinoff. Now, after leading Los Angeles for 14 seasons and making an impact in Hawai’i before its abrupt end, Sam is coming full circle, stepping back onto the original show where it all began.
The Big Tease
NCIS star Brian Dietzen had previously teased that a familiar face was making a return, telling TV Insider that fans were “going to lose their s**t.” And now we know why. LL Cool J’s return isn’t just a nostalgic nod—it’s a real moment.
Dietzen, who shared scenes with LL during NCIS’ first-ever three-show crossover, had nothing but praise for the hip-hop icon turned procedural staple. “Brian Dietzen and LL Cool J in a buddy cop film? Yeah, I’d watch that,” he joked, calling the experience of working with LL “a blast.”
What’s Next for NCIS
Before LL Cool J’s big return, NCIS will be back with new episodes starting March 24, picking up with the episode “Moonlit,” where a Navy Lieutenant’s death leads to shocking revelations. The series, which is currently in its 22nd season, has already been renewed for Season 23, proving that even after two decades, NCIS isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
But the big question remains—what exactly brings Sam Hanna back into the mix? And will this be a one-time thing, or are we looking at something bigger? One thing’s for sure: when LL Cool J walks into a room, things get interesting. Mark your calendars for April 21—this one’s not to be missed.