In an exciting development for fans of the NCIS franchise, CBS has announced the launch of “NCIS: New York,” featuring LL Cool J as Special Agent Sam Hanna. This new series is set to debut in the 2026 CBS fall schedule, airing on Tuesday nights at 9 ET/PT.
About ‘NCIS: New York’
LL Cool J returns to his roots in New York City, where his character, a former Navy SEAL, will take on new challenges. The announcement was made on April 15, 2026, as part of CBS’s schedule unveiling for the upcoming season. Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, highlighted the rich Navy presence in the city, emphasizing the potential for compelling storytelling.
LL Cool J’s Journey with NCIS
Having starred in “NCIS: Los Angeles” for 323 episodes from 2009 to 2023, LL Cool J is well-acquainted with the NCIS universe. He has also made appearances in the original “NCIS” and “NCIS: Hawai’i,” which was canceled in 2024. To build anticipation for his new series, he will guest star in two upcoming episodes of “NCIS” on April 21 and 28.
Exclusive Partnerships
- LL Cool J will be partnered with Scott Caan’s character, a roguish special agent.
This partnership promises to deliver an engaging dynamic, as both characters navigate the complexities of their cases in New York.
Tuesdays: A Night of NCIS
The lineup for Tuesday nights will be completely dedicated to NCIS, starting with the flagship series at 8 ET/PT, followed by “NCIS: New York,” and concluding with “NCIS: Origins” at 10 ET/PT. Additionally, “NCIS: Sydney” is expected to premiere during the midseason on Tuesdays at 10 ET/PT.
Other Exciting Additions to CBS Fall Schedule
- Cupertino: A new legal drama starring Mike Colter and Rachel Keller, airing Thursdays at 10 ET/PT.
- Eternally Yours: A vampire comedy that will debut on Thursdays at 8:30 ET/PT.
This robust programming strategy reflects CBS’s commitment to delivering compelling content while expanding the NCIS brand.
Success of ‘Marshals’
The new series “Marshals,” featuring Luke Grimes and aired on Sundays, has also garnered attention. It premiered on March 1 and became the second most-watched series of the TV season, attracting 26.5 million viewers across CBS and Paramount+ within the first 28 days. The leader in this metric, Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” recorded 30.6 million viewers during the same timeframe.
As CBS gears up for an exciting fall season, the introduction of “NCIS: New York” with LL Cool J leads the charge, promising new adventures and engaging stories for loyal viewers.
