There's a disappointing update (so far) when it comes to LL Cool J in NCIS season 23

When LL Cool J reprised his role as Sam Hanna in NCIS season 22, we got some much-needed answers about Hetty. Don’t expect him to return in NCIS season 23, though. At least, not just yet!

As TV Insider previewed NCIS season 23, it came with an update about Knight. She’s getting to join NCIS Elite, the team that Sam Hanna had previously led before they were all killed in the final season of NCIS: Hawaii.

Well, that could open the door for Sam to return, but it doesn’t seem to be the case just yet. Let’s never says “never,” though.

“Prodigal Son (Part 1)” – Pictured (L-R): Katrina Law as NCIS Special Agent Jessica Knight. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Knight joining Elite opens the door for Sam Hanna in NCIS season 23

There is no doubt that by Jessica Knight getting a place on NCIS Elite, there is a door open for Sam to return. Now, granted, Sam has retired from NCIS. Everything that happened to Elite led to him deciding to step away from that role, but he is still working with a particular NCIS leader—at least, that’s what we were left to believe.

With Knight getting a place on the new team, she may reach out to someone who knows what this team is like. Especially since it sounds like she’s going to be put through the wringer a little bit when it comes to the arc.

I will say it makes sense not to have Sam come back, though. He didn’t seem all that ready to face everything he went through with the team. He wants to focus on his new task.

“Serve and Protect” – NCIS is tasked to protect the daughter of a Russian oligarch carrying a deadly secret. Meanwhile, Sam asks Tennant for a favor, on the CBS Original series NCIS: HAWAI’I, Monday, March 25 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Pictured (L-R): Yasmine Al-Bustami as Lucy Tara. Photo: Karen

Could other NCIS appearances happen?

Sam is just the latest of crossover characters to appear. We know that an NCIS crossover with the prequel series Origins is happening, but we’re not expecting true cameo moments in each of the episodes considering the two different time periods. So, we’re looking at other potential cameos.

It’s not like the Hawaii, Los Angeles, or even New Orleans teams were shut down. And we have seen some of the characters return in some sort of way even when the shows have come to an end. So, it does open the door for a crossover moment.

My vote is on Kate or Lucy to appear in NCIS, as it would be a great way to catch up with how the two of them are doing, as well as finding out how the Hawaii team is going. I’d also be up for Ernie showing up as a way to help out with a current problem, as he was so great in being rejected by Knight and he could team up well with McGee.

However, as of right now, there are no plans for any spinoff characters—either past or present—to be in NCIS season 23.

NCIS season 23 premieres on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 8/7c on CBS.

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