**NCIS: Hawai’i Finale Marks LL Cool J’s Last Appearance Amid Series Cancellation**
The NCIS: Hawai’i season three finale aired on Monday night, marking the final appearance of LL Cool J’s Special Agent Sam Hanna in the popular spin-off drama following its cancellation by CBS. The rapper-turned-actor joined the Hawai’i-set show as a recurring guest star after NCIS: Los Angeles was axed last year.
LL Cool J, who has portrayed the iconic role of Sam Hanna since 2009, won’t be reprising his character anytime soon. However, fans can look forward to seeing him in his latest project. The 56-year-old star has been announced as one of the headliners for Today’s 2024 Citi Concert Series, which will feature a lineup of major music acts performing at Rockefeller Plaza this summer. The 13-date concert series kicks off on May 24 with alt-rock trio Wallows and concludes on September 27 with Chris Stapleton. Other performers include Meghan Trainor, Chance the Rapper, and Bleachers. The date of LL Cool J’s performance has yet to be announced.
The cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i was announced in April, coinciding with CBS’s renewal of both NCIS and its new Australia-set spin-off, NCIS: Sydney, for their respective 22nd and second seasons. Addressing the decision, CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach explained the network’s need to keep the schedule fresh and maintain momentum. “We had to make some really tough choices this year,” she told Variety. “Everything came back [from the Hollywood strikes] really strong, but ultimately we have to look at the cohesiveness of the schedule flow. We have to evaluate the financials and the performance overall, and we make tough decisions.”
The cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i is undoubtedly a disappointment for LL Cool J, who had quickly become a beloved member of the cast. In an exclusive interview with HELLO! earlier this year, Jason Antoon and Seana Kofoed, who play Ernie Malik and Commander Carla Chase respectively, shared insights into LL’s enthusiasm for joining the show. After visiting Hawai’i following the 2023 crossover event, LL was eager to be a part of the spin-off.
“LL loves being here,” said Jason. “When he guest-starred in the crossovers with Chris O’Donnell and Wilmer Valderrama, LL really loved the vibe. He talked about loving what he saw with the cast and the island, and he really loved being part of that. I think that’s why he joined our show.”
Jason also praised LL’s contribution to the series, saying, “He’s cool. He’s a different vibe. It’s like throwing a wrench into something in a way that’s only good for our show and as a group of people outside of being actors.”
Seana echoed these sentiments, commending LL’s “really fun energy” and describing him as a “talented guy.” Despite the show’s cancellation, LL Cool J’s presence on NCIS: Hawai’i left a lasting impression on both the cast and fans.
