There will be lots of mini-NCIS crossovers in 2024.

NCIS: Los Angeles may be through, but the show’s legacy is alive and well within the greater NCIS franchise. New details have been released about the upcoming season of NCIS: Hawai’i, and they reveal that not one, but two former NCIS: Los Angeles stars will be in the mix!

The most obvious is LL Cool J, who will be reprising the character of Sam Hanna in the NCIS: Hawai’i season 3 premiere. NBC confirmed that the actor would be making the jump between shows as soon as NCIS: Los Angeles went off the air, but the TV Line synopsis for the Hawai’i episode shed some on how and why he’s going to be involved:

“”After passing her medical and psych evaluations, Tennant is surprised to see Sam Hanna conducting her final interview to clear her return to work. Also, when the team discovers a breach in the U.S. Marshal’s database, Sam joins Tennant in Las Vegas to locate the hacker.””

Sam Hanna will be a recurring character in NCIS: Hawai’i

“Shame” – When a petty officer is found dead with an apparent suicide note, the NCIS team must investigate the mystery surrounding his death. Also, Callen and Anna begin wedding planning and Sam has a heart to heart with his daughter, on the CBS Original series NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Sunday, March 5 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Pictured (L-R): Caleb Castille (Special Agent Devin Rountree) and LL COOL J (Special Agent /

Makes sense to us! LL Cool J has been vocal in his enthusiasm to continue Sam Hanna’s story, and given the longterm success of NCIS: Los Angeles, his involvement with the newer series will only help to bolster its popularity among fans. LL Cool J will actually be joined by another NCIS: Los Angeles star on a particular episode, though not in the manner you might imagine.

According to Deadline, Daniela Rush will direct an episode of NCIS: Hawai’i in 2024. The actress best known for playing Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles will be stepping behind the camera to helm a new Hawai’i story, and she couldn’t be more excited. She talked to the outlet about the opportunity and the growth that it has allowed within her career:

“”Kensi was born as a character on NCIS, 15 years ago, so now to be able to step onto that set again, as a director, with that incredible cast and crew, is an absolute honor. So many familiar faces and people I love and they’ve welcomed me with open arms. It’s like coming home.””

Rush will also be directing an episode of NCIS proper in 2024, so while you may not notice, there are guaranteed to be a few subtle crossovers between the various franchise incarnations. We’d love to see Rush in front of the camera as Kensi, of course, but we’re glad to see NCIS alum in the mix in any capacity.