LL COOL J is making a triumphant return to the NCIS universe and fans are getting a first look at his long-awaited cameo.

In an exclusive sneak peek from Us Weekly, LL COOL J sits inside the NCIS headquarters and teases, “Guess who’s back?” The Grammy winner is reprising his fan-favorite role as former NCIS: Los Angeles special agent Sam Hanna for the April 21 episode of NCIS, titled “After the Storm.”

The clip shows Sam popping into autopsy alongside Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen), Alden Parker (Gary Cole), and Kasie Hines (Diona Reasonover). LL COOL J calls the crossovers “cool” and “always fun,” while Wilmer Valderrama (Nick Torres) reminds viewers, “You met Sam Hanna 15 years ago on NCIS: Los Angeles.”

Katrina Law (Jessica Knight) exclaims, “He’s so much fun.” “I absolutely appreciate having him here. Footage shows Sam and Knight fighting side by side, with Sean Murray (Tim McGee) describing the case as “just fun” and “new dynamics.”

The episode follows a bloodied man found at a bus stop later revealed to be connected to Sam. “A friend of Sam’s gets tied up with a group, and the only person he’s willing to trust is Sam Hanna,” LL COOL J explains.

Sam enters to NCIS offices in a suit, sparking a lively conversation. “Even a man of steel has to dress like Clark Kent once in a while,” he informs me.

LL COOL J promises “all the same chemistry” fans love, “plus a little more action, plus a little more suspense.”

After first appearing as Sam Hanna in 2009, LL COOL J starred in NCIS: Los Angeles for 14 seasons. He later joined NCIS: Hawai’i before the show was canceled in 2024. Now, he’s back in season 22 of NCIS for a cameo that fans won’t want to miss.

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