With the premiere of NCIS: New York on October 6, 2026, LL Cool J has officially transitioned Sam Hanna into his newest chapter as a series lead. Following a period of recurring appearances across the franchise, the actor and executive producer is clarifying how this new permanent “home base” will interact with established characters from the NCIS universe, specifically his longtime partner G. Callen.
During a recent CBS press event, LL Cool J confirmed that while Sam Hanna is now stationed in the New York field office, his history with Callen (Chris O’Donnell) remains a vital part of his character’s life. He noted that Hanna “definitely does tap in” with Callen from time to time, suggesting that while their daily partnership has changed, the bond established over 14 seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles continues off-screen.
The series premiere immediately established an “open door” policy for the wider franchise. Brian Dietzen, who portrays Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jimmy Palmer on the flagship NCIS, made a guest appearance in the pilot episode to assist the new team. Executive producer Byron Balasco emphasized that the production is actively welcoming characters from other iterations of the franchise to visit the New York office, positioning the spinoff as a central hub for future crossovers.
The transition to New York marks a significant shift in the Sam Hanna timeline. Since the conclusion of the Los Angeles series, Hanna had occupied a “nomadic” role, most notably appearing as a recurring guest during the final season of NCIS: Hawaiʻi. This new series breaks that three-year pattern, returning LL Cool J to a primary starring role and ending his stint as a traveling franchise veteran.
The narrative catalyst for Hanna’s move involves the death of a close friend and Navy reservist, Jack Halloway. This investigation serves as the bridge that brings him to New York permanently, where he is paired with a new partner, Special Agent Nick Schaeffer, played by Scott Caan. The series stars LL Cool J and Scott Caan.
NCIS: New York represents the seventh spinoff in the franchise’s 23-year history. The series also stars Jennifer Beals as Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robyn Wells.
LL Cool J’s involvement extends beyond his performance; he is also serving as an executive producer through LL Cool J Incorporated. This dual role has allowed him to influence the direction of Sam Hanna’s return to his roots while ensuring the show maintains the procedural DNA that fans expect. While future on-screen appearances by Chris O’Donnell have not been officially scheduled, the production’s stance indicates that the veteran agents of the OSP are only a phone call away from the New York office.
