See All the “NCIS” Shows LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna Has Appeared In

LL Cool J, the acclaimed rapper and actor, is set to take on new challenges as he stars in the forthcoming series ‘NCIS: New York,’ which premieres on October 6. This marks the latest chapter in his nearly two-decade journey within the expansive NCIS franchise. Since his initial portrayal of Special Agent Sam Hanna, the star has become a familiar face to fans of the series.

LL Cool J first entered the NCIS universe in 2009, debuting as Sam Hanna in a two-part story arc titled “Legend” during season six of the original NCIS series. This backdoor pilot set the stage for NCIS: Los Angeles, where he appeared alongside Chris O’Donnell, who portrayed his partner, G Callen. The success of this spinoff led to NCIS: Los Angeles being launched that September, where it enjoyed a commendable run for 14 seasons, concluding in May 2023.

Although NCIS: Los Angeles was officially wrapped, LL Cool J’s portrayal of Sam Hanna is far from over. The series finale effectively paved the way for him to reprise his role in future projects, and he quickly joined the cast of NCIS: Hawai’i in a recurring capacity. Following his time on the Hawaiian series, LL Cool J is now set to take his character to the East Coast.

Throughout his time on NCIS: Los Angeles, LL Cool J evolved Sam Hanna into one of the show’s core characters. The series explored a range of his experiences, from thrilling missions in the field to personal family stories. Viewers grew to appreciate the strong dynamic between Sam and G Callen, which blossomed into one of the most beloved partnerships in the franchise, characterised by humour and camaraderie.

Reflecting on his unexpected journey in a long-running series, LL Cool J once shared his initial scepticism about the show’s longevity, believing it would last only a couple of years before he returned to music. “I signed on to the show and thought it’d be over in a couple of years, and I’d be back doing my thing,” he said. However, as NCIS: Los Angeles spanned 323 episodes, he remained committed to the character of Sam Hanna, becoming an integral part of the show’s success.

After successfully wrapping up NCIS: Los Angeles, LL Cool J surprised audiences with his return to the NCIS universe when he appeared in the season finale of NCIS: Hawai’i. This timely cameo enabled him to rescue characters Jane Tennant, played by Vanessa Lachey, and Kate Whistler, played by Tori Anderson, adding a layer of excitement for fans anticipating his ongoing role in the franchise.

Now, in NCIS: New York, LL Cool J’s character is set to return to his roots in New York City, where he will investigate the murder of a close friend. Alongside him will be Scott Caan, best known for his work on Hawaii Five-0, who will portray his new partner, Nick Schaeffer. This dynamic promises to add a fresh twist to the series as they tackle various cases in a bustling urban environment.

Speaking about the transition to the New York setting, LL Cool J expressed enthusiasm for the role, highlighting that he never truly stepped away from the NCIS universe. “Sam Hanna is a character that I’ve been living and breathing for years,” he remarked, indicating his commitment and ongoing connection to the role he has cultivated over time.

While fans can expect familiar elements from the franchise, LL Cool J also hints that the new series will introduce a grittier atmosphere. He noted that NCIS: New York represents a “whole new iteration of the franchise,” suggesting that viewers will experience a different tone and pace, which could invigorate the well-established series.

As LL Cool J embarks on this next chapter as Special Agent Sam Hanna, anticipation builds for the premiere of NCIS: New York. The series holds promise not just for long-time fans of the franchise but also for new viewers discovering the captivating world of NCIS. With a blend of nostalgia and innovation, NCIS: New York is poised to make its mark in a franchise that has long enjoyed critical and commercial acclaim.