The NCIS franchise has never been afraid of crossovers, and now, as NCIS heads into its 22nd season, a fan-favorite character from NCIS: Los Angeles is making a comeback. CBS has confirmed that a major star from the recently concluded spin-off will be returning to the main series, a move that has sparked excitement and speculation among longtime viewers.
A Surprising but Welcome Return
After 14 seasons, NCIS: Los Angeles wrapped up its run in May 2023, leaving fans wondering if they would ever see some of their favorite characters again. Now, one of the show’s biggest stars is officially set to return in NCIS Season 22.
While details about the storyline remain a mystery, this character’s reappearance suggests a deeper connection between NCIS and its spin-offs. Given the nature of the NCIS franchise—where federal investigations often involve multiple agencies—it makes perfect sense to bring back a familiar face for a case that could have ties to their past work in Los Angeles.
Why This Matters for NCIS Season 22
Bringing a major NCIS: Los Angeles character back into the fold opens the door for new storytelling possibilities. Their return could mean:
- A High-Stakes Case: The character could be called in for a case involving their expertise, potentially leading to an intense and action-packed storyline.
- A Personal Connection: Perhaps their return is tied to an old case from their NCIS: Los Angeles days, forcing them to confront unfinished business.
- A Bridge Between Shows: This could be the start of more crossovers, reinforcing the interconnected nature of the NCIS universe.
The decision to bring back this character could also serve as a test for how fans respond to NCIS embracing more crossovers. If successful, we could see even more former NCIS: Los Angeles agents making appearances, or even potential spin-offs involving past characters.
Who Could It Be?
The biggest question on fans’ minds is: which NCIS: Los Angeles star is returning? The most likely candidates include:
- Sam Hanna (LL Cool J): Given his recent appearance in NCIS: Hawai’i, Sam has already proven that he can seamlessly transition into another branch of the franchise.
- G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell): As one of the central figures of NCIS: Los Angeles, Callen’s return would be a major moment for longtime viewers.
- Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) or Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen): The fan-favorite couple could be involved in an investigation that pulls them back into the NCIS world.
Whoever it is, their return is bound to make an impact, both for the storyline and for fans who have been eager to see more ties between NCIS and its spin-offs.
What Fans Are Saying
Social media has been buzzing with speculation and excitement following the casting update. Many are thrilled at the idea of seeing a familiar face return, while others are hoping that this could lead to even more NCIS crossovers in the future.
One fan tweeted, “If Sam Hanna is back, I’m all in! The NCIS universe isn’t the same without him.” Another wrote, “I miss NCIS: Los Angeles so much—this is the best news I’ve heard in a while!”
With NCIS Season 22 set to premiere later this year, the anticipation is only growing. Whoever is making their return, one thing is for sure—the NCIS universe is far from done with its beloved characters.
