As we endure the summer network TV hiatus, it’s hard not to reflect on the shows that were canceled or ended in 2024. One of the biggest surprises was the cancellation of “NCIS: Hawai’i,” which left fans and even lead actress Vanessa Lachey blindsided. CBS axed the spinoff after three seasons, leaving it on a cliffhanger. Season 3 was packed with key developments, including the addition of LL Cool J following the “NCIS: Los Angeles” series finale. Now, the executive producers are revealing why LL was brought in before the show’s untimely end.
After LL Cool J made a surprise appearance in the Season 2 finale of “Hawai’i,” it was announced that he would join the cast in a recurring guest capacity. His character, Sam Hanna, was in Hawai’i to assist Jane Tennant and her team while working with a new unit, adding significant depth to the two-hour finale. Co-showrunners Jan Nash, Christopher Silber, and Matt Bosack explained to TVLine that the decision to add the veteran actor was pitched by the studio/network after “LA” ended:
“The idea of Sam joining our show was pitched by the studio/network after ‘LA’ ended. We were fully on-board, both because Sam was a great character, but also because LL COOL J is a wonderful human. The chemistry he shared with our amazing lead, Vanessa Lachey, was so compelling, we had hoped to keep it going for many seasons to come.”
Even before “NCIS: Los Angeles” ended, fans likely hoped their favorite OSP agents would make appearances in other shows within the larger franchise. So it was a pleasant surprise when LL Cool J was confirmed to be joining “Hawai’i.” The unpredictability of his inclusion kept the storyline engaging. The fact that the network and studio pitched the idea highlights that anything can happen, and just because a series ends doesn’t mean it’s the last time we see a character.
Ahead of “NCIS: Hawai’i” Season 3, Vanessa Lachey spoke candidly about having Sam Hanna back in the NCIS universe. She shared that he would evolve the team “into a different layer and level,” and she was right. His initial secrecy added to the excitement, and when it was revealed that he was working on a new team, the storyline intensified, making it fun to watch them all collaborate.
LL Cool J was not the only “NCIS: LA” star to make an appearance in the franchise after the finale. Daniela Ruah made a brief cameo in the 1,000th episode of “NCIS” and also directed episodes of both the Mothership and “Hawai’i.” Whether more characters from “LA” or even “Hawai’i” could make future appearances on “NCIS” or other spinoffs is unknown. However, it seems possible, especially given how LL Cool J ended up on the now-canceled spinoff.
It is a shame that fans won’t see more of Sam, Tennant, or the rest of her team following “NCIS: Hawai’i’s” cancellation and cliffhanger. While fans have started petitions to save “Hawai’i,” there is no indication that the show will return. Nonetheless, as long as the franchise continues, there’s always a chance for beloved characters to make a comeback.
