A new casting update for number of NCIS shows that came after it. It ended with season 14 in 2023, with a total of 323 episodes to its name. However, characters from the show have since returned in later entries of the franchise, establishing its legacy as an important part of the series' evolution.

In a post from the NCISverse Instagram page, a blurry figure walks up to the camera, teasing their return in NCIS season 22. The person rubs their thumb on the lens, clearing up the blur, revealing it's LL Cool J, confirming his return as Special Agent Sam Hanna in the main series. The actor doesn't offer any hints about what his character's role will be and his return capacity, the NCIS: Los Angles star is confirmed to be coming back on April 21, 2025. Check out the video below:

What LL Cool J's Return Means For NCIS Season 22

The Actor Is No Stranger To Coming Back To The Franchise

LL Cool J is no stranger to coming back to the procedural franchise, having previously ed the cast of NCIS: Hawai'i as a special guest star in seasons 2 and 3. However, the spinoff was cancelled after season 3, leaving his continued appearances and the story of the show's characters up in the air. He's shown up during NCIS itself for three episodes, his latest appearance being in 2023. His return isn't too surprising, given he's already proven a propensity to show up in various spinoffs across the franchise.

His return as Agent Hanna means he might be able to offer some insight into what happened to the team at the Pearl Harbor Field Office, such as Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey). This means his return in season 22, episode 18 could feature some ideas from NCIS: Hawai'i season 4, potentially giving some offscreen closure to some character stories. It may not be ideal, but his presence could close the book on its story while opening a new chapter for him as he embarks on a currently unknown mission with the team on NCIS.

Our Take On LL Cool J's Return To NCIS

An Exciting Storyline Is Likely To Unfold

LL Cool J's Sam Hanna is a recognizable face in the franchise, having contributed his skill to plenty of investigations across the organization's history. With his return to NCIS, he'll likely be involved in a case that requires his expertise, something that his input is going to be invaluable to solving. Since the lack of details means anything could happen, the real meat of what his comeback entails won't be obvious until his return episode next month.

NCIS airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.

Source: NCISverse/Instagram