LL Cool J is returning to the NCIS screen. The singer and actor is reprising his role as Special Agent Sam Hanna in NCIS: New York, the newest spin-off series premiering on CBS Tuesday, October 6. This time, Hanna comes home to New York City to investigate the death of his friend Jack Halloway, a Navy reservist who died under suspicious circumstances.
Hanna teams up with fellow NCIS agent Nick Schaeffer (played by Scott Caan), working under Assistant Special Agent-In-Charge Robyn Wells (Jennifer Beals). The recurring cast includes Jacqueline Byers, Shane Harper, and Devin Druid.
Hanna’s Return to New York
Hanna hasn’t been in New York in many years, LL Cool J told Deadline in an exclusive interview. That distance shapes the new series.
“New York is totally different; it’s a lot grittier, it’s more character-driven,” he said. “New York is the main character and the star. Sam hasn’t been in New York in many, many years. So he has to get re-acclimated to that.”
He added that Hanna is also searching for redemption after a difficult career in law enforcement. “It’s pretty special and a great contribution to the NCIS Universe in general,” he said.
The Cast and Creative Team
LL Cool J serves as an Executive Producer, working alongside showrunner Byron Balasco. The Pitt’s Scott Gemmill helped develop the new series. Gemmill previously worked as a showrunner and executive producer on NCIS: Los Angeles.
The show is the eighth in the NCIS Universe. It will be the fifth active series in the franchise when it launches.
The NCIS Universe So Far
The original NCIS premiered in 2003 with Mark Harmon as the lead actor. It’s still on, wrapping up its 23rd season earlier this year. The franchise has grown steadily since then.
| Series | Status |
|---|---|
| NCIS | Still on, wrapping season 23 |
| NCIS: Los Angeles | Ended |
| NCIS: New Orleans | Ended |
| NCIS: Hawaii | Ended |
| NCIS: Sydney | Still active |
| NCIS: Origins | Still active |
| NCIS: Tony & Ziva | Still active |
| NCIS: New York | Premieres October 6 |
Crossover Potential
With so many active shows, the franchise has plenty of room for crossovers. LL Cool J is eager for them.
“There might be,” he said when asked about the potential. “I’ll put it to you like this: I welcome crossovers. I think crossovers are great, and they’re fun.”
The new series arrives with a proven formula. The NCIS Universe has been running for decades, and this latest entry brings Hanna back to his hometown with a case that feels personal.
Source: screenrant.com
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