LL Cool J to Star in New 'NCIS' Spinoff Set in New York

The latest addition to the 'NCIS' franchise will feature the 'NCIS: Los Angeles' actor in a lead role.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:59am

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A minimalist, abstract illustration featuring bold black silhouettes and high-contrast red and white geometric shapes, conceptually representing the 'NCIS' franchise and its move to New York City.The 'NCIS' franchise continues its expansion with a new New York-based spinoff starring LL Cool J.NYC Today

CBS has announced a new spinoff of the hit crime drama series 'NCIS' that will be set in New York City and star LL Cool J, who previously played Sam Hanna on 'NCIS: Los Angeles'. The new show is set to premiere this fall as the latest expansion of the popular 'NCIS' franchise.

Why it matters

The 'NCIS' franchise has been a consistent ratings draw for CBS, and the addition of a New York-based spinoff featuring a familiar character from the 'NCIS' universe is likely to further expand the show's fanbase and continue the brand's success.

The details

LL Cool J, who played Sam Hanna on the recently concluded 'NCIS: Los Angeles', will reprise his role as the lead in the new 'NCIS' spinoff set in New York City. The new show will mark the fourth installment in the 'NCIS' franchise, following the original 'NCIS', 'NCIS: Los Angeles', and 'NCIS: Hawai'i'.

  • The new 'NCIS' spinoff is set to premiere this fall.

The players

LL Cool J

An American rapper, actor, and entrepreneur who is best known for his role as Sam Hanna on the 'NCIS: Los Angeles' series.

CBS

A major American commercial broadcast television and radio network.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to be expanding the 'NCIS' universe with a new show set in the Big Apple, and there's no better actor to lead the charge than LL Cool J.”

— Kelly Kahl, President of CBS Entertainment

What’s next

Casting for the supporting roles in the new 'NCIS: New York' spinoff is currently underway, with production expected to begin in the coming months ahead of the fall premiere.

The takeaway

The continued expansion of the successful 'NCIS' franchise, now with a New York-based spinoff led by a familiar face in LL Cool J, demonstrates CBS's commitment to the brand and its ability to attract top talent to anchor new installments.