The series will feature LL Cool J reprising his role as Sam Hanna, partnering with Scott Caan in high-stakes missions this fall.
Category: Arts & Culture
In an exciting development for fans of the franchise, CBS has officially greenlit a new spinoff titled NCIS: New York, set to premiere this fall. The series will see the return of LL Cool J as Special Agent Sam Hanna, who will be back in his hometown of New York City, where he will partner with Scott Caan, known for his role in Hawaii Five-0, as they tackle high-stakes missions in one of the world’s most important cities and ports.
The announcement was made during CBS’s 2026-27 schedule presentation on April 15, where CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach emphasized the network’s commitment to expand the NCIS universe. "When you’re home to the number one television franchise in the world, you must build on success and keep growing the universe," Reisenbach stated. She also noted that LL Cool J has become a beloved member of the CBS family, having made guest appearances in various NCIS series over the years.
LL Cool J, who portrayed Sam Hanna for all 14 seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles until its cancellation in 2023, will reprise his role in this new series. He has also made appearances in the original NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i, where he has built a strong rapport with fans. To prepare viewers for his return, he will guest star in two upcoming episodes of NCIS on April 21 and April 28.
In NCIS: New York, Hanna will team up with Caan, who will portray a roguish special agent. This partnership is set against the backdrop of New York City, which features a substantial Navy presence and a busy port, making it a fitting location for the series. The show will air on Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT, sandwiched between the flagship NCIS at 8 p.m. and NCIS: Origins at 10 p.m. Notably, NCIS: Sydney will join the lineup in midseason, taking over the Origins time slot.
The pilot episode of NCIS: New York is being penned by R. Scott Gemmill, who has a long history with the franchise, having was the showrunner for seven seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles and contributing to all 14 seasons. Byron Balasco, known for his work on Kingdom and Without a Trace, will take on the role of showrunner for this new series. Alongside them, LL Cool J and Jason Barrett will also serve as executive producers.
Scott Caan’s involvement brings an additional layer of excitement to the series. Having played Danny “Danno” Williams in Hawaii Five-0 for ten seasons, Caan is no stranger to CBS audiences. His character in NCIS: New York will be distinct from his previous role, allowing him to explore new dynamics as he works alongside Hanna.
Reisenbach expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities that NCIS: New York presents, stating, "The opportunity for Sam Hanna — who is originally from New York but lived in LA for NCIS: LA — to send him back home felt like a really ripe creative space to play in." This sentiment reflects the network’s strategy to tap into the rich backdrop of New York City, promising thrilling storylines that resonate with the local culture and challenges.
As CBS continues to build on the success of the NCIS franchise, NCIS: New York will be the eighth show in the franchise, following the original NCIS and its various spinoffs. The franchise has proven to be a powerhouse for CBS, with NCIS celebrating its 500th episode milestone recently and gearing up for its 24th season this fall.
The lineup for Tuesday nights this fall will be a dedicated NCIS night, with the flagship series kicking off the evening at 8 p.m., followed by NCIS: New York at 9 p.m., and concluding with NCIS: Origins at 10 p.m. This strategic scheduling is expected to capture the loyal viewership of the franchise, providing a consistent block of programming for fans.
As anticipation builds for the fall premiere, CBS has positioned NCIS: New York as a key component of its strategy to attract and retain viewers. The network has also announced additional new shows for the fall, including a legal drama titled Cupertino and a vampire comedy Eternally Yours, indicating a diverse slate aimed at broadening audience appeal.
With LL Cool J’s return to the NCIS family and the introduction of Scott Caan’s new character, NCIS: New York promises to deliver the thrilling, action-packed storytelling that fans have come to expect from the franchise. As the series prepares for its launch, it how the new dynamics will resonate with audiences and contribute to the ever-expanding NCIS universe.
As the premiere date approaches, excitement is mounting for what NCIS: New York will bring to the table. With its strong cast and experienced production team, the new series is set to carve out its unique identity within the beloved franchise.