Is Sam Hanna returning to NCIS? Actor LL Cool J makes surprising announcement

Actor LL Cool J remained an integral part of the NCIS franchise from 2009 to 2024, playing Senior Special Agent Sam Hanna in various shows. The actor had a main role in NCIS: Los Angeles and later appeared in NCIS: Hawaiʻi until the show was canceled in 2024.

Now, a year after his final appearance in the franchise, LL Cool J is all set to reprise his role as Sam Hanna in the mothership NCIS series. The actor has announced that he will be returning to the police procedural drama as a guest star.

The show has been on air since 2003 and is currently in its 22nd season. The flagship CBS series revolves around agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service who respond to crimes pertaining to the US Navy and Marine Corps.

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LL Cool J to reprise his role as Sam Hanna in NCIS Season 22

LL Cool J recently took to Instagram to announce his return as Sam Hanna. In a joint post with NCIS’s official handle, the actor shared a video. The blurry footage teased, ‘Guess who’s back,’ after which LL Cool J cleared the camera to reveal himself and announced:

“Back on set, baby! NCIS. Let’s get it.”

The video ended by announcing the date of Sam’s return as April 21, 2025. Hence, the character will likely appear in Season 22, Episode 18. The synopsis of the episode and more details about LL Cool J’s involvement in it are yet to be revealed. The caption of the post read:

“Like no time has passed.”

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Sam Hanna’s journey in the NCIS franchise

Sam Hanna is a former Navy SEAL who later became a Senior Special Agent with NCIS, working in the Los Angeles branch known as the Office of Special Projects. He is highly skilled and disciplined and is a loyal member of his team.

Sam first appeared in NCIS Season 6 in a two-part episode called Legend in 2009. The Episode introduced the characters who later starred in NCIS: Los Angeles. When the new show began that same year, Sam became a main character, teaming up with his best friend, Grisha "G" Callen.

Over 14 Seasons, he went on dangerous missions, worked undercover, and faced personal challenges, including losing his wife and raising his kids alone. His military background helped him make tough decisions, and he always stayed loyal to his team.

After NCIS: Los Angeles ended in 2023, Sam continued to appear in the franchise. He returned briefly to the original NCIS and later joined NCIS: Hawai’i. Sam’s last appearance was in NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 before the show was canceled in 2024.

Meanwhile, the franchise continues to expand with new spin-offs like NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney. The mothership series consistently garners good ratings and has already been renewed for a 23rd season.

The show currently stars Wilmer Valderrama as Nicholas Torres, Sean Murray as Timothy McGee, Rocky Carroll as Leon Vance, Brian Dietzen as Dr. Jimmy Palmer, Diona Reasonover as Kasie Hines, Gary Cole as Alden Parker, and Katrina Law as Jessica Knight.

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