LL Cool J Returns To NCIS As Sam Hanna - What's Next?

There's some truly exciting news for those who keep up with the NCIS universe, you know, the shows that follow special agents solving crimes. It turns out that a very familiar face is making his way back to the flagship series, and people are definitely talking about it. We're talking about LL Cool J, the musician and actor, who is reprising his much-loved role as Agent Sam Hanna. This return has been a point of conversation for a little while, and now, we have a clearer picture of when and how it's all going to happen, so it's almost here for everyone to see.

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For a good long time, LL Cool J, whose actual name is James Todd Smith, has been a central part of the NCIS family. He spent many seasons keeping things secure on the Los Angeles version of the show, playing the dependable Sam Hanna. After that particular series wrapped up its run, many wondered where we might see him next, or if we would see him at all. Well, it seems he just can't stay away from the action, and that, is a good thing for fans of the franchise.

This recent development confirms what many have hoped for. The character of Sam Hanna, with his strong presence and years of experience, is set to appear again, bringing his unique style to the Washington D.C. team. It's a bit of a treat for viewers, as it connects different parts of the NCIS storytelling world, making it feel like one big, connected family. So, get ready to welcome him back to the screen.

Table of Contents

• Who is James Todd Smith, Anyway?
• A Look at James Todd Smith's Background
• How Did LL Cool J's Sam Hanna Get Here?
• Sam Hanna's Unexpected Visits
• What's the Buzz About LL Cool J's Sam Hanna Returning to NCIS?
• Why is Sam Hanna's Return a Big Deal?
• What's Next for Agent Sam Hanna on NCIS?
• The "After the Storm" Episode Featuring Sam Hanna

Who is James Todd Smith, Anyway?

When we talk about LL Cool J, we're really talking about James Todd Smith, a person who has made a significant mark in both music and acting. He's been around for quite some time, making music that people remember and taking on acting roles that have kept him in the public eye. His presence on screen, especially as Sam Hanna, has become something many viewers look forward to. He brings a certain kind of energy to the parts he plays, and that, is something people tend to appreciate. It's not every day you see someone move so smoothly between two such different creative fields, and yet, he seems to do it with ease.

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A Look at James Todd Smith's Background

Here's a little bit of information about the person behind the character of Sam Hanna:

How Did LL Cool J's Sam Hanna Get Here?

The character of Sam Hanna, played by LL Cool J, has a history that stretches back quite a bit within the NCIS storytelling world. It wasn't just a sudden appearance; his introduction was a bit of a special event. Sam Hanna first showed up in what's known as a "backdoor pilot" for NCIS: Los Angeles. This happened during the sixth season of the original NCIS show, way back in May of 2009. So, you know, he's been a part of this for a very long time, and that's something worth noting.

For a good fourteen seasons, from 2009 until 2023, LL Cool J played a central part in keeping the NCIS: Los Angeles team running. He was a senior field agent, someone who held things together and helped solve many difficult cases. His work there made Sam Hanna a household name for many viewers, and that, is why his connection to the franchise runs so deep. After that show concluded its run, people started to wonder what might be next for the character, and it seems the answer is coming into view.

Sam Hanna's Unexpected Visits

Before this latest confirmed return, Sam Hanna, portrayed by LL Cool J, has made a few surprising appearances across the NCIS universe. One notable instance was in the season two finale of NCIS: Hawai'i in 2023. He just showed up, joining the team there in a moment that caught many off guard. Then, in the very first episode of NCIS: Hawai'i's third season, we saw Sam Hanna outside of his usual element, which was a pretty interesting sight. These visits, you know, kept the character alive for fans and hinted that he might not be gone for good.

More recently, in an episode that aired on April 21, which was part of season 22 of the main NCIS series, LL Cool J did indeed step back into his role as Sam Hanna. This particular episode was called "After the Storm." In that installment, Sam shared a bit about what he's been up to, revealing that he's now working in Washington D.C. as a congressional liaison. So, that, is a new twist for his character, putting him in a somewhat different kind of role than what we're used to seeing him in.

What's the Buzz About LL Cool J's Sam Hanna Returning to NCIS?

There's been a fair amount of talk, you know, a sort of excited chatter, about LL Cool J making his way back to NCIS as Sam Hanna. Fans have been waiting for this for a little while, especially since his main series, NCIS: Los Angeles, wrapped up. The idea of seeing Agent Hanna again on the flagship show has generated quite a bit of anticipation. It's almost like a reunion for many viewers who have followed his character for so long, and that, is a pretty big deal.

LL Cool J himself gave a hint about his return through an Instagram post on Thursday, March 20. He shared that he would be reprising his role as Sam Hanna for an episode set to air in April. This confirmation, you know, really got people talking. There have even been photos and quotes from him about what it's been like to step back into the shoes of Sam Hanna, which gives a nice peek behind the curtain for those who are curious. It seems like he's pretty happy to be back, and that, comes through in what he's shared.

Why is Sam Hanna's Return a Big Deal?

The return of Sam Hanna, played by LL Cool J, is a significant event for a few reasons. For many viewers, he represents a familiar and dependable presence within the NCIS world. Having been a central figure for so many years on NCIS: Los Angeles, his character has a deep connection with the audience. His reappearance brings a sense of continuity and a nod to the wider universe of the show. So, you know, it’s a bit like seeing an old friend come back to visit, and that, can feel pretty good.

However, it's also worth noting that not everyone feels the same way. Some people have mentioned that Sam Hanna has made quite a few appearances across the NCIS universe in recent years, leading to a feeling that the character might be a bit overexposed. While many appreciate LL Cool J and his portrayal, there's a sentiment among some that Sam has returned one too many times. It's a mixed bag of reactions, you know, with some very excited and others feeling a little less so, and that, is part of the conversation around his return.

What's Next for Agent Sam Hanna on NCIS?

With the news that LL Cool J is coming back as Agent Sam Hanna, the question on many people's minds is what exactly his role will be in this upcoming appearance. We know that his character is now based in Washington D.C., working as a congressional liaison. This new job description suggests a slightly different kind of involvement than his previous work as a field agent. It's almost like he's moved into a new phase of his career, and that, brings a fresh perspective to his character.

The wait for fans to see LL Cool J back on the main NCIS series as Sam Hanna is pretty much over. US Weekly even provided an exclusive first look at his return, which created a bit of a stir. The actor himself teased his return with the simple question, "Guess who's back?" which, you know, really built up the excitement. It’s clear that his presence is something the show's creators and the actor himself are keen to share with the audience.

The "After the Storm" Episode Featuring Sam Hanna

The specific episode where we see Sam Hanna make his return is titled "After the Storm." This particular story sees the team looking into the deaths of three combat veterans who are found in a hotel room. It sounds like a serious case, and Sam Hanna's involvement suggests that his particular skills or connections will be helpful to the D.C. team. His experience as a former Navy SEAL, which is how we first met him in 2009, will undoubtedly come into play, even if his current role is more about connecting with lawmakers. So, that, is the setup for his latest appearance.

Executive producer Steven D. Binder has expressed a desire to see LL Cool J's Sam Hanna again, which indicates that this might not be a one-off visit. The fact that LL Cool J has remained an important part of the NCIS franchise from 2009 to 2024, playing Senior Special Agent Sam Hanna across various shows, shows his enduring appeal. Even after NCIS: Los Angeles ended, and NCIS: Hawai'i was canceled, he just seems to keep finding his way back into the universe, and that, is a testament to the character's popularity.

Behind the Scenes - What Are Folks Saying?

The return of LL Cool J as Sam Hanna hasn't just been a topic among fans; those who work on the show have also shared their thoughts. Diona Reasonover, who plays Kasie Hines on NCIS, has discussed his return in an upcoming episode of season 22. Her comments, you know, give a little peek into the production side of things and how the cast might feel about having him back on set. It’s always interesting to hear from the people directly involved, and that, is something many viewers appreciate.

Brian Dietzen, who has played Dr. Jimmy Palmer on NCIS since 2004, also spoke about LL Cool J's return in a March 4 interview with TV Insider. These kinds of interviews, you know, help to build excitement and give fans a sense of what to expect from the upcoming episodes. LL Cool J himself has spoken about his return and has even touched on why he believes fans keep coming back for more NCIS stories. He seems to have a good grasp on what makes the franchise appealing, and that, is probably why his character has remained so popular for so long.

CBS officially confirmed that LL Cool J would resume his legendary role as Sam Hanna in NCIS season 22, specifically in episode 18, which aired on April 21. This official confirmation, you know, put any lingering doubts to rest. After his brief appearance ended, a message followed, letting fans know that James Todd Smith, the artist known for "Luv U Better," would indeed be returning to the series as Sam Hanna in April. So, that, was a clear sign that this wasn't just a fleeting visit.

This article has explored the exciting return of LL Cool J as Sam Hanna to the NCIS series. We looked at his long history with the franchise, from his first appearance as a backdoor pilot for NCIS: Los Angeles to his recent guest spots on NCIS: Hawai'i. We also discussed the fan anticipation and the details surrounding his upcoming role in the "After the Storm" episode, where he appears as a congressional liaison. Additionally, we touched on the perspectives of cast members and LL Cool J himself regarding his continued presence in the NCIS universe, and the reasons behind his enduring popularity.