The NCIS universe is officially taking a bite out of the Big Apple, and they aren’t doing it without a legend.
CBS announced on Wednesday that the long-running franchise is expanding yet again with the series order of NCIS: New York. But the news that has social media in a total frenzy isn’t just the new location—it’s the return of LL Cool J as the beloved Sam Hanna.
Fans of the franchise have been voicing their hopes for more Hanna ever since NCIS: Los Angeles wrapped its -season run and the actor made a recurring splash on NCIS: Hawai’i. Now, the wait is over.
“When you’re home to the number one television franchise in the world, you must build on success and keep expanding the universe,” CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach told reporters during a press event. “And quite frankly, our fans demand it.”
The internet clearly agrees. Within minutes of the announcement, “Sam Hanna” began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with fans celebrating the return of the franchise’s heavy hitter. “LL Cool J is the glue of this universe,” one fan commented. “From LA to Hawaii and now NYC? I’m sat!”
But LL Cool J isn’t the only star power hitting the streets of Manhattan. Joining him is Hawaii Five- alum Scott Caan, who is set to play a “roguish agent” leading the team alongside Hanna.
The pairing of these two procedural powerhouses has already sparked massive buzz on TikTok, with fans editing together clips of their past high-octane roles. It’s a casting match made in TV heaven.
Behind the scenes, the series is in very familiar hands. NCIS: LA alum R. Scott Gemmill is writing the pilot and will executive produce alongside showrunner Byron Balasco, LL Cool J, and Jason Barrett.
The new series marks the eighth installment in the massive NCIS-verse (or ninth, for those loyalists counting the JAG days). It’s also a record-breaking move for LL Cool J, making NCIS: New York the third series in the franchise where he will serve as a series regular.
For those who can’t wait until the fall to see Sam Hanna back in action, CBS has a little treat. The network confirmed that LL Cool J will be making guest appearances on the original NCIS flagship series on April and .
When the – season kicks off, Tuesday nights are officially becoming NCIS night. The New York spin-off is slated to air between the original NCIS and the prequel NCIS: Origins.
With the franchise showing no signs of slowing down, the only question left for fans is: which borough will Sam Hanna tackle first?
The countdown to the New York premiere is officially on!
