LL COOL J is back in the field — and this time, he’s bringing his signature intensity to the flagship NCIS series.
A few weeks after teasing fans with a cryptic return to set, the Grammy-winning rapper and actor — born James Todd Smith — is officially reprising his role as fan-favorite Sam Hanna. Best known for his long-running stint on NCIS: Los Angeles and a brief crossover on NCIS: Hawai’i, LL COOL J is now stepping into the world of NCIS proper, and PEOPLE has debuted the first official look at his highly anticipated return.
In newly released photos from the upcoming episode titled “After the Storm,” LL COOL J appears sharply dressed in a gray suit and blue button-down shirt, fully in character as the calm, no-nonsense federal agent. The stills show Hanna reuniting with members of the current NCIS team, including Jessica Knight (Katrina Law), Timothy McGee (Sean Murray), Nicholas Torres (Wilmer Valderrama), and Alden Parker (Gary Cole).
While Hanna’s arrival is certainly a treat for longtime viewers of the NCIS franchise, it’s not just fan service — he’s got a key role to play in the story. In the episode, airing April 21, the NCIS team investigates the deaths of three combat veterans found murdered in a D.C. motel. But things take a turn when the main suspect refuses to talk to anyone… except Sam Hanna.
It’s a pivotal moment not only for the episode but for the franchise. LL COOL J describes the hour as packed with everything NCIS fans love — but taken up a notch. “It has all the same chemistry that people love, plus more action, thrills, and suspense,” he says. “It’s a big episode for the flagship show. You get a little extra dessert with dinner.”
That quote — “a little extra dessert with dinner” — says a lot about what Hanna brings to the table. He’s not just a procedural guest star; he’s part of the larger family, and his presence instantly injects a different energy into the team dynamic. Whether it’s trading sharp dialogue with Knight or teaming up with Torres in the field, Hanna slides into the NCIS main cast like no time has passed.
His return has been in the works for a while. Back on March 20, LL COOL J shared a video teaser via Instagram, featuring the message, “Guess who’s back?” before revealing himself on set. “Back on set, baby,” he said with a grin. “NCIS. Let’s get it.”
The clip instantly reignited excitement among franchise fans, many of whom have followed Hanna’s journey from his original run on NCIS: LA through to his appearance in NCIS: Hawai’i. Though Hawai’i was recently canceled after three seasons, it’s clear that Hanna’s story isn’t over — not by a long shot.
“I like the character, he’s beloved, and it’s so fun playing him,” LL COOL J told PEOPLE when asked about his return. “I don’t see why I wouldn’t come back.”
That sentiment echoes what he shared during his time on NCIS: Hawai’i, where he described the role as “good energy” and “good vibes,” and hinted that there was more to explore. “The story definitely wasn’t over at all, that’s for sure,” he said. “We’re finding out more about Sam, but remember, this is a different thing because Sam was transferred here.”
Now, with NCIS in its 22nd season and still going strong, Sam Hanna’s reentry marks a new chapter — one that bridges the legacy of Los Angeles, honors Hawai’i, and moves the franchise forward. Whether this is a one-time appearance or the beginning of something more permanent, one thing is clear: Sam Hanna still has work to do.
NCIS airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. LL COOL J’s episode, “After the Storm,” premieres April 21.
