“NCIS: Los Angeles” proved to be as successful as the original series that inspired it. The show’s longevity came as a pleasant surprise to its lead star, LL Cool J, who initially underestimated the commitment required.
LL Cool J Struggled to Balance ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ with His Music
Fans saw a new side of the hip-hop icon when he took on the role of federal agent Sam Hanna on “NCIS: Los Angeles.” Although LL Cool J had experience with television from his role in the short-lived sitcom “In the House,” where he played a former football player, he expected “NCIS: Los Angeles” to have a similar brief run.
“I signed on to the show and, quite frankly, thought it’d be over in a couple of years and I’d be back doing my thing. But it took off,” he recently told The Independent.
“NCIS: Los Angeles” was a significant departure from “In the House.” Alongside co-star Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J’s character pursued various criminals in their city. The show was a ratings success, which meant LL would be involved for the long haul. While this was a positive development for LL as an actor, it posed challenges for his music career. He initially thought he could manage both careers, but the demands of “NCIS: Los Angeles” impacted his music.
“You can’t be a part-time artist,” he said. “I was on set, making creative decisions over the album by phone. It didn’t work.”
It was noted that his 2013 album “Authentic” didn’t meet expectations, partly due to his divided attention. LL learned that he couldn’t give his music the focus it deserved while working on “NCIS: Los Angeles.”
How LL Cool J Reacted to ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Ending
“NCIS: Los Angeles” may not have lasted as long as the original “NCIS,” but it enjoyed a notable run, concluding after 14 seasons in May 2023. Despite the show’s long run, LL Cool J found it relatively easy to part ways with his character, Sam Hanna.
“Well, I gotta tell you – it’s not hard at all. CBS did an amazing thing with us; it’s been an amazing run. We’re talking about 14 years,” he said in an interview with ET. “We’re not talking about two-and-a-half, three years and ‘Oh it was fun while it lasted.’ This was 14 years. So, I think that the show has done tremendous numbers. I mean, our last crossover did tremendous numbers. I couldn’t complain, I have nothing [to complain about]. All I could say is, ‘Wow, what a ride,’ you know what I’m saying?”
Despite the end of “NCIS: Los Angeles,” LL Cool J’s character continued to make appearances in the spin-off “NCIS: Hawai’i,” though that series was less successful and ended after three seasons in May 2024.
Following his departure from “NCIS: Los Angeles,” LL Cool J returned to his hip-hop roots with the release of his fourteenth studio album, “The Force,” on September 6, 2024. The album has been well-received and is considered a significant improvement over its predecessor, further enhancing the rapper’s storied legacy.
