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The Sam Hanna Saga: 7 Shocking Ways LL Cool J’s NCIS Future Was Reshaped After NCIS: LA Ended

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The trajectory of Special Agent Sam Hanna in the NCIS universe has been anything but predictable, especially following the conclusion of *NCIS: Los Angeles* after a phenomenal 14-season run. As of late 2025, the narrative arc of actor and rapper LL Cool J (James Todd Smith) in the franchise is a complex, multi-layered story involving a surprise move to a spin-off, an abrupt cancellation, and a continued presence in the flagship series that keeps fans guessing about his next mission. This article dives deep into the shock events and the current status of Sam Hanna in the ever-expanding NCIS world.

The biggest twist came not with the *NCIS: LA* finale, but with the announcement that Sam Hanna would join the cast of *NCIS: Hawai’i* as a recurring guest star. However, the subsequent cancellation of the Hawai’i-based series after just three seasons has turned LL Cool J’s planned next chapter into one of the most talked-about cliffhangers in modern television, yet he continues to be a pivotal entity in the franchise.

LL Cool J: The Complete Biography and Career Profile

Born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York, LL Cool J is a true cultural icon whose career spans music, film, and television. His stage name, LL Cool J, is an acronym for "Ladies Love Cool James."

  • Full Name: James Todd Smith
  • Born: January 14, 1968 (Age 57 as of late 2025)
  • Birthplace: Bay Shore, Long Island, New York, U.S.
  • Primary Occupations: Rapper, Actor, Entrepreneur, Author
  • Music Career Highlights:
    • Debut Album: *Radio* (1985), released on Def Jam Recordings.
    • Key Albums: *Bigger and Deffer* (1987), *Mama Said Knock You Out* (1990), *Mr. Smith* (1995).
    • Grammy Awards: Two wins (Best Rap Solo Performance for "Mama Said Knock You Out" and "Hey Lover").
    • Signature Hits: "I Need Love," "Going Back to Cali," "Jingling Baby," "Around the Way Girl."
  • Acting Career Highlights:
    • Breakout Role: Special Agent Sam Hanna on *NCIS: Los Angeles* (2009–2023).
    • Other TV/Film: *In the House*, *Deep Blue Sea*, *Any Given Sunday*, *S.W.A.T.*, host of the Grammy Awards.
    • NCIS Franchise Total: Appeared in 14 seasons of *NCIS: LA*, multiple crossover episodes with *NCIS* and *NCIS: Hawai'i*.

The Shocking Transition: From NCIS: LA Finale to NCIS: Hawai’i Cancellation

For 14 seasons, LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna was the rock of the Office of Special Projects (OSP), serving as the partner to G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and a key member of the team alongside Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah), Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen), and the legendary Henrietta "Hetty" Lange (Linda Hunt).

1. The Emotional End of NCIS: Los Angeles

The *NCIS: Los Angeles* series finale aired in May 2023, wrapping up one of the longest-running dramas in CBS history. The final episode, titled "New Beginnings," offered a sense of closure, with Callen and Anna Kolcheck getting married, and Kensi and Deeks learning they were pregnant.

Sam Hanna's own arc concluded with him heading to Morocco on a final mission, a fitting end for the former Navy SEAL. LL Cool J, in a move that speaks to his dedication to the character, revealed he intentionally chose not to read the final script, preferring to focus on his performance rather than the emotional weight of the series' end.

2. The Surprise Move to the Aloha State

Immediately following the *NCIS: LA* finale, the biggest news in the NCIS-verse dropped: LL Cool J would not be retiring the character. In a stunning announcement, CBS confirmed Sam Hanna would join the cast of *NCIS: Hawai’i* Season 3 as a recurring guest star, partnering with Special Agent-in-Charge Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) and her team, including Kai Holman, Jesse Boone, and Ernie Malik.

This transition was set up during a major three-way crossover event involving *NCIS*, *NCIS: LA*, and *NCIS: Hawai’i*, which cemented Sam Hanna as a cross-franchise entity. This strategic move was intended to leverage the star power of LL Cool J and the established character of Sam Hanna to boost the newer spin-off, which was filmed on location in Pearl Harbor and the surrounding islands.

3. The Unexpected Cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i

In a development that shocked fans and the television industry, *NCIS: Hawai’i* was cancelled by CBS in April 2024 after only three seasons.

This sudden cancellation meant that Sam Hanna’s planned recurring role was cut short, leaving his new storyline unresolved and forcing the franchise to pivot once again. The cancellation of the show, which also starred Noah Mills (Jesse Boone) and Jason Antoon (Ernie Malik), was a major blow to the expansion of the NCIS universe, especially given the popularity of the character Lucy Tara (Yasmine Al-Bustami) and the groundbreaking nature of Jane Tennant as the first female SAC.

Sam Hanna’s Current Status: The NCIS Flagship Lifeline in 2025

Despite the cancellation of his new home base, Sam Hanna is not gone from the NCIS-verse. The character remains an active and vital part of the franchise, primarily through appearances on the mothership series, *NCIS* (the flagship show starring Sean Murray as Timothy McGee).

4. A Pivotal Guest Role on NCIS Season 22

In a major development for the current TV season, LL Cool J officially reprised his role as Sam Hanna on the flagship *NCIS* series in an episode that aired in April 2025.

This appearance was highly anticipated and confirmed that the network views Sam Hanna as a valuable asset for future crossovers and high-stakes storylines. The producer of *NCIS* has teased that LL Cool J "always has a place" in the NCIS world, suggesting that the door is wide open for future guest spots, or even a more permanent move, as the franchise continues to evolve.

5. The Expanding NCIS Universe in 2025-2026

The NCIS franchise is not slowing down; it is merely shifting focus. The flagship *NCIS* series has been renewed for a remarkable Season 23 for the 2025-2026 TV season, ensuring its continued dominance.

The current NCIS landscape also includes the successful *NCIS: Sydney* and the highly anticipated prequel series, *NCIS: Origins*, which will explore the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. With the cancellation of *NCIS: Hawai’i*, the possibility of Sam Hanna appearing in any of these other shows, or even a new limited series, is a constant source of speculation for fans looking for his next assignment.

6. The Topical Authority of a Cross-Franchise Character

Sam Hanna's journey—from a 14-season lead on *NCIS: LA* to a recurring role on a cancelled spin-off, and now a guest star on the original *NCIS*—solidifies his character as the most important cross-franchise entity in the NCIS-verse. This unique status gives LL Cool J topical authority across all three major CBS procedural dramas.

His appearances provide critical connective tissue between the shows, bridging the gap between the original D.C. team, the former Los Angeles OSP, and the short-lived Hawai’i Field Office. This makes him a vital character for any future crossover events or major franchise milestones.

7. What Comes Next for Sam Hanna?

As of late 2025, the future of Sam Hanna remains an intriguing mystery. With *NCIS: Hawai’i* concluded, his recurring role there is over. However, his recent guest spot on *NCIS* Season 22 suggests the character is being kept active and relevant. The most likely scenarios for LL Cool J’s continued involvement are:

  • Sporadic Guest Appearances: Continuing to drop in on the flagship *NCIS* series for high-profile cases, similar to how Gibbs (Mark Harmon) or Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt) now operate.
  • A New Spin-Off: A new, limited-run series focused on Sam Hanna’s post-*NCIS: LA* life, possibly focusing on his work with the Navy SEALs or a new international assignment.
  • NCIS: Origins Crossover: While unlikely for the main character, a flash-forward cameo or a narrative tie-in to the Gibbs prequel could be used to connect the generations of the NCIS universe.

Regardless of the final decision, LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna has successfully navigated the end of one series and the cancellation of another to remain a fan-favorite and a crucial part of the NCIS world, proving that Ladies Love Cool James—and the NCIS producers do, too.

ll cool j ncis
ll cool j ncis

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