The NCIS franchise is gearing up for a major television takeover this fall, promising an unprecedented three-hour block on Tuesday nights featuring NCIS, NCIS: Origins, and the eagerly awaited new series NCIS: Sydney. This ambitious programming strategy highlights the ever-expanding NCISverse and the franchise’s commitment to delivering thrilling interconnected storylines that keep fans hooked.
A Rich Legacy of Crossovers and Character Updates
Over the years, the NCIS franchise has masterfully intertwined narratives across its multiple spinoffs, including NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Los Angeles, and NCIS: Hawai’i. Even after some series concluded, key characters have continued to appear or receive updates within the mothership show, keeping their stories alive for devoted fans.
One standout moment came in April 2025 when LL Cool J reprised his iconic role as Special Agent Sam Hanna in Season 22, Episode 18 of NCIS titled “After the Storm.” This special appearance reignited hopes for his return, offering a poignant storyline where Sam Hanna, having stepped away from NCIS, finds himself drawn back to the agency.
The Emotional Hook of Sam Hanna’s Return
In the episode, Sam candidly shares with Director Vance how reconnecting with his team reminded him of what he’s been missing. Vance, portrayed by Rocky Carroll, assures Sam there is always a place for him at NCIS. This heartfelt exchange not only resonated deeply with fans but also cleverly set the stage for potential future appearances. Sam’s story arc was further complicated by his need to resolve unfinished business related to his former boss Hetty Lange — a mystery that fans of NCIS: Los Angeles know well.
The NCIS: Los Angeles finale saw Sam involved in a team effort to rescue Hetty, adding layers to his character’s ongoing narrative beyond the original spinoff’s conclusion.
Behind the Scenes: Producer’s Perspective on LL Cool J’s Future
Executive producer Steven D. Binder opened up about the challenges and aspirations surrounding Sam Hanna’s return. While the April episode brought LL Cool J back into the NCIS fold, Binder admitted there were missed opportunities to delve deeper into his character’s story.
“We were trying to service all the characters, so we didn’t necessarily create a story per se about one of the characters,” Binder confessed, reflecting on the balancing act involved in juggling multiple fan-favorite characters. He acknowledged that some decisions might have been hampered by higher-level commands rather than creative intent.
The Reality of Scheduling and Future Crossovers
As fans anticipate the return of NCIS: Tony & Ziva on Paramount+ this fall, with Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo reprising their beloved roles, hopes for LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna to make recurring appearances continue to build.
Binder was clear in expressing the franchise’s openness to bringing Sam back: “LL always has a place at NCIS. They all do. They’re all great. They’re pros. We love having them.” However, he emphasized the logistical challenges that come with coordinating busy schedules, citing this as the primary obstacle to more frequent appearances rather than a lack of desire or creative will.
“From Episode 1, we were like, ‘OK, when can we make this work?’” Binder explained, underscoring the enthusiasm behind the scenes to integrate Sam Hanna’s character whenever possible.
What Lies Ahead for the NCISverse?
With the NCIS universe growing larger and more interconnected than ever, the 2025 fall season is shaping up to be a milestone for fans. The triple-bill Tuesday lineup signals CBS’s confidence in the franchise’s enduring appeal and narrative strength.
Viewers can also expect the new NCIS: Sydney to bring fresh stories and characters to the fold, while NCIS: Origins continues to deepen the lore surrounding the iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
Fans’ Wishlist: Who Do You Want to See Next?
The question remains: which other fan-favorite characters from past NCIS spinoffs should return alongside Sam Hanna? And how might these reunions enrich ongoing and new storylines?
As the franchise boldly expands, the opportunity to revisit cherished characters and introduce unexpected crossovers offers tantalizing possibilities. Fans eager to see LL Cool J back as Sam Hanna can rest assured there is both the will and desire behind the scenes to make it happen — it’s just a matter of timing.
Final Thoughts
Fall 2025 promises a NCIS experience like no other, packed with familiar faces, fresh stories, and the emotional depth that has defined the franchise for nearly two decades. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the NCISverse, this season’s slate of shows is poised to deliver captivating drama and action-packed storytelling.
Are you ready for the return of Sam Hanna? Which characters do you hope to see making a comeback? The countdown to Tuesday night’s NCIS takeover has begun.
