‘NCIS: New York’ Starring LL Cool J and Scott Caan Set at CBS

CBS confirmed a fall premiere for its latest series, "NCIS: New York," featuring LL Cool J and Scott Caan, during a Los Angeles press event on Wednesday. The network also used the briefing to announce renewals, including "Beyond the Gates," and a new drama in development starring Matt LeBlanc called "Flint."

LL Cool J, the Grammy-winning rapper and actor born James Todd Smith, returns to the franchise as former Navy SEAL Sam Hanna, a role he inhabited for all 14 seasons of "NCIS: Los Angeles." His comeback will be previewed in two episodes of the main "NCIS" series in late April. "Sending Sam Hanna back to his hometown of New York after his long stint in LA presented a compelling creative direction," explained CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach, highlighting the narrative logic behind the new show.

Scott Caan, who became a household name playing Danny "Danno" Williams on CBS's "Hawaii Five-0" for ten years, joins the cast in a new, undisclosed role. His casting continues a network tradition of recycling familiar talent; Caan previously guest-starred on "NCIS: Los Angeles" in 2012. The pilot is written by Scott Gemmill, a key architect of "NCIS: LA" who served as its showrunner for seven years. Gemmill also created the HBO Max medical drama "The Pitt." Daily production will be managed by showrunner Byron Balasco, known for CBS's "Without a Trace" and creating the critically praised MMA series "Kingdom" for Audience Network.

The launch of a New York-based series reinforces the enduring strength of the "NCIS" brand, anchored by the flagship show now heading into its 24th season. It joins a growing roster that includes the prequel "NCIS: Origins" and the Australian-set "NCIS: Sydney." This move follows the cancellation of the Paramount+ spinoff "NCIS: Tony & Ziva" after one season, a decision that prompted a significant fan-led revival effort. Reisenbach clarified that the network's priority was LL Cool J's character, not reviving the canceled show for broadcast. Industry observers note this approach allows CBS to leverage a beloved existing character while injecting fresh energy into the franchise's proven formula, a strategy crucial for maintaining viewer loyalty in a competitive landscape.

The expansion also reflects a broader trend in television where successful franchises establish interconnected "universes" across different locations. By setting the new series in New York, CBS taps into a rich backdrop for crime storytelling while creating potential for future crossovers with other series in the lineup, further deepening the interconnected narrative web that keeps audiences engaged season after season.