The NCIS franchise is finally back on the 2026 TV schedule, and it’s better than ever. Tuesday night not only saw the season premieres of original and NCIS: Origins, but also the series premiere of new NCIS: New York. It also marked the return of some old fan favorites. Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, and LL Cool J are all back in the franchise, and I’m pleased to report that it was a smart idea.

Deadline reports that the NCIS franchise saw a 39% uptick in audience from last year’s Tuesday premiere, averaging 5.49 million viewers. This included Weatherly’s much-anticipated return to NCIS, which saw his character Tony DiNozzo getting a major job upgrade. The Season 24 premiere brought in 6.45 million viewers and is the series’ most-watched episode since the Season 21 finale in May 2024. That is a 21% increase year-over-year.

Meanwhile, LL Cool J’s return as Sam Hanna in the franchise’s newest spinoff also saw some pretty great numbers. The premiere of NCIS: New York reached 5.62 million viewers in the 9 p.m. hour, which is up 53% year-over-year in the time period over Origins, which occupied the timeslot during its first two seasons. It was pushed back to the 10 p.m. hour to give New York the NCIS launching pad. New York also stars Scott Caan, but instead of reprising his Hawaii Five-0 character, he plays a new character, NCIS Special Agent Nick Schaeffer, despite crossovers with NCIS: LA.

Last but certainly not least, NCIS: Origins also saw a rise in viewership from last season. The Season 3 premiere raked in 4.39 million viewers in the 10 p.m. hour, up 20% compared to its second season premiere in the 9 p.m. hour. It’s also up 56% from NCIS: Sydney’s premiere in the 10 p.m. slot last year. I’d take a good guess that it’s partly due to the fact that Harmon is once again portraying Leroy Jethro Gibbs. He’s made appearances in the first two seasons of Origins, but he’s set to be in all 10 episodes of the prequel’s third season, and fans are clearly happy.

Considering how nostalgic NCIS’ fall lineup is, I can understand why all three shows are doing so well. You have the return of three fan-favorite characters, two of whom have been around for over 20 years, and the other just kicked off a brand new series. It is really fun that all these returns are happening at the same time, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Clearly, CBS knew what it was doing.

The only thing that would make this even better is if a franchise alum were to return for NCIS: Sydney when the new season premieres early in 2027. However, you never know what could happen. Sydney has yet to have a proper crossover because of where it takes place and the show films in a different country, but it’s always possible. For now, catch NCIS, NCIS: New York, and NCIS: Origins Tuesdays on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. ET, or streaming with a Paramount+ subscription the next day.

I’m not a hater of procedurals like NCIS or anything, but I’ve never watched anything from the franchise. With the debut of NCIS: New York starring LL Cool J on the 2026 TV schedule, and being a former New Yorker who still loves visiting the city all the time, I decided to give this one a go, and there are some things I really like about it, and some other things that I think feel too formulaic. Here are my initial thoughts after watching the latest pilot episode, available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription, in the long-running franchise.

First, The Things I Liked

As a Gen Xer, LL Cool J will always be an icon to me. He might not be rapping about big ol' butts or knocking me out anymore, but he’ll always be one of the GOATs of the New York rap hip hop scene. I’ve never really watched him act, but I really liked him as Sam Hanna, a role he first played on NCIS: LA. Seeing him run around the streets of New York (and playing a character from Queens, like LL is in real life) is really fun. I like the way they brought him into the spin-offs with a personal case, as well.

I also really like Scott Caan as Sam’s new partner, Nick Schaeffer. Even though Caan grew up in LA as the son of the legendary James Caan, he really has NYC vibes, especially here. He seems way more New York than LA to me (and I don’t mean as a slight to LA). Watching the two of them build a really quick rapport in just 40 or so minutes in this pilot was encouraging. I think their chemistry really works, as there is no tension in the new partnership, which I find refreshing. Too often, shows like this portray new partners as slightly (or more) antagonistic towards each other, but not here. They like and respect each other right away.

I also really like the rest of the cast, also. It’s always good to see another Gen X legend, Jennifer Beals, in any role, and here she’s playing one I’ve never seen from her before. She’s the no-nonsense boss, Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge, Robyn Wells, orchestrating the murder investigation from the NCIS field office at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The cast also includes Jacqueline Byers and Shane Harper as Addy and Wyatt, respectively, two other members of the team working with Sam and Nick. David Druid plays Sean, the tech wizard assisting. NCIS vet Brian Dietzen also has a cameo.

Now, What I’m Nervous About

Shows like NCIS: New York really live or die by that chemistry between the leads. If that holds here, I think the show has a good future. That doesn’t mean it’s perfect. There were some things I didn’t like about the show, but no fatal flaws. First, though, I think Druid is great as Sean; the character is pretty paint-by-numbers. The computer nerd reminded me a little too much of Christopher Chung’s character, Roddy Ho, in Slow Horses. He’s not as abrasive as Ho, but he’s there under duress and not happy about his role.

Then there is just the nature of procedurals. As I said at the top, I’m not a hater, but there is a reason that the early 2000s ushered in “peak TV” by avoiding them. I like shows that start and end stories in a brisk 43 minutes, like NCIS: New York does here (and presumably will for the duration of its run), but the shows can get formulaic, of course. That’s why the characters matter so much. That’s true for other favorites of mine like the OG Law & Order and the OG CSI as well.

So far, I like the characters and think there is real potential here. Plus, I get to watch New York City on screen, something I always love to do. I wonder if long-time fans of the NCIS franchise will be as excited.

The NCIS franchise is expanding amid the 2026 TV schedule with its newest entry, NCIS: New York. Filming on the spinoff kicked off over the summer in the Big Apple, with LL Cool J back as Special Agent Sam Hanna. The rapper has remained a staple in the franchise for two decades, and while he’s always down to return, I didn’t realize why he was especially pumped that his new series would be filmed in NYC.

New York is the birthplace of LL's character, but the rapper-turned-actor himself also grew up in the city. Additionally, it’s where his music career began when he was just a kid. So, at this point, the beloved entertainer is not only back in his old stomping grounds but also able to further develop a character he’s been playing for a while, which is pretty special. The two-time Grammy winner spoke to People about this full-circle in his career:

While some fans aren’t pumped about NCIS: New York because of previous cancellations, I love that LL Cool J is excited about the concept. He’s never been one to shy away from his roots and the city he came from, often expressing his love for NYC. It’s not so surprising that he jumped at the chance to do this latest spinoff. I knew Cool J had a desire to play Sam on a more regular basis again, but honestly, in my own excitement, I didn't even consider how important it would be for him to work in the Big Apple again.

As previously mentioned, Sam Hanna is originally from Brooklyn, so the new spinoff is a homecoming for him as well. He’s going to be leading a new team alongside his roguish partner, Nick Schaeffer (Scott Caan), and there is no telling what will go down. Hopefully, one of their bonding moments will include a Knicks game, because LL Cool J has made it clear that Sam is, understandably, a fan of the 2026 NBA champions, as the rapper himself is.

Meanwhile, LL Cool J isn’t the only NCIS star heading to New York. Brian Dietzen will appear in the premiere episode and reprise his role as Dr. Jimmy Palmer. As of now, it’s unknown if we’ll be seeing Dietzen on the spinoff beyond its pilot, but it’s not out of the question, per Cool J and showrunner Byron Balasco. Additionally, it's possible that more franchise veterans will appear onNew York. Still, the show is obviously still very early in its run, so it might be a while until fans get a full-blown crossover.

At the very least, I’m happy that Sam Hanna is back, and I’m even more thrilled knowing that LL Cool J is finally back home. I'm hoping that while he takes in the comforts of home, he and his collaborators will deliver yet another thrilling entry in this franchise. Don’t miss the premiere of NCIS: New York tonight, Tuesday, October 6 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, or stream it the next day with a Paramount+ subscription.

The NCIS franchise is expanding once again on the 2026 TV schedule with the newest spinoff, NCIS: New York. Premiering in a matter of days, the series will bring back LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna along with a new crop of NCIS Special Agents. Even though it has yet to premiere, fans already know about a small crossover. Franchise OG Brian Dietzen is set to appear in the premiere episode as Dr. Jimmy Palmer, but could we be getting more from him than just a one-off episode? LL and the EP are weighing in on the possibility.

Along with the report that Dietzen would appear in New York's premiere episode, it's also been said that the spinoff will bring in more franchise stars. It’s not so surprising, considering the amount of crossovers that have happened throughout the NCIS franchise in the last two decades. While it’s unknown whether Jimmy will be making his way to the Big Apple again after the debut episode, LL Cool J told TV Insider that he's down for it to happen following his latest experience working with Dietzen:

Sam and Jimmy’s paths have crossed numerous times, most recently in Season 23 of NCIS, so it’s going to be fun to see them together again in New York. Not only that, but it will probably be nice for Sam to see a familiar face. All in all, fans have seen that Sam and Jimmy make a pretty great team, even if they only work together briefly, and LL Cool J has a take on why the characters work so well together:

This is the great thing about franchises. You never know who could pop up on what show and for how long. Now that there’s another NCIS spinoff, there are even more opportunities for crossovers to happen. Of course, with NCIS filming in Los Angeles and New York shooting in NYC, that does make collaboration a bit more difficult. However, NY showrunner Byron Balasco is not counting out another Jimmy Palmer appearance and more:

I would love nothing more than for Dietzen to pop up on New York multiple times. Obviously, the show hasn't even aired yet, but I don't think my hopes are premature. It excites me that the spinoff's team sounds like they’re all interested in having Dietzen return to the series, but we’ll just have to see how everything shakes out. At the very least, NCIS and NCIS: New York are going to be paired on Tuesday nights all season, which should make for two exciting hours of TV!

Even if Dietzen doesn’t appear on NCIS: New York again any time soon, fans will be able to watch his appearance in the series premiere, which airs on Tuesday, October 6 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, following the Season 24 premiere of NCIS. Also, new episodes will be available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription the following day.

NCIS: Tony & Ziva may have been canceled, but Michael Weatherly is not done playing Tony DiNozzo. Weatherly is set to return to the Mothership for its upcoming 24^th season and will appear in a season-long arc starting during the 2026 TV schedule. From a fan perspective, it’s so good to see the star back to work on NCIS. But, for Weatherly, there’s one weird thing that’s been happening to him since switching from T&Z.

Weatherly starred in the first 13 seasons of NCIS and was one of the original cast members from the JAG backdoor pilot. So you would think returning to his stomping grounds would be easy for him. However, after filming 10 episodes of NCIS: Tony & Ziva in Europe, he’s apparently looking at the Mothership a bit differently. Weatherly spoke to TV Insider about what it’s been like working with the Mothership's current cast. He also explained the T&Z crossover vibes he's been feeling:

I get where Weatherly is coming from. While he was on NCIS for 13 years, Tony & Ziva is the latest franchise installment he's done. So, when he gets back into Tony DiNozzo, he’s probably still feeling like he’s on the spinoff, even if it has been a year since filming it. What also doesn’t help is that there are more people in the Mothership's ensemble that that he hasn’t worked with. So there's a level of familiarity, there's also a layer of unfamiliarity for him.

That being said, despite feeling like he’s already in a mash-up of sorts, Weatherly would love nothing more than an actual crossover to happen. And it’s not with Tony & Ziva. He shared his hopes for Season 24 of NCIS and a team-up with the franchise’s newest leads, which I absolutely need to see:

Believe it or not, NCIS is already crossing over with NCIS: New York, as Brian Dietzen is set to appear on the upcoming spinoff. So I'd say an even bigger crossover is certainly possible. Weatherly had crossed over to NCIS: Los Angeles years ago, so it would be fun to see Tony and Sam reuniting. Unlike Origins and Sydney, both the OG show and New York have full seasons, so there is plenty of time for them to cross-pollinate, especially since Weatherly will be sticking around the Mothership for multiple episodes.

Regardless of the crossovers, I'm just pleased that Michael Weatherly is back on NCIS. It's been far too long since viewers saw Tony DiNozzo back at HQ, and I cannot wait to see what happens. The Season 24 premiere of NCIS airs on Tuesday, October 6 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, streaming the next day with a Paramount+ subscription.

Nearly three months have passed since Michael Weatherly's return as NCIS' Tony DiNozzo was first revealed, and we're so very close to finally seeing it play out when the Season 24 premiere hits the 2026 TV schedule. Though he won't be sharing scenes with former co-stars Mark Harmon or Cote de Pablo, the actor brought both of the franchise faves when explaining why now was the right time to bring Tony back to the mothership.

Speaking with TVInsider, Weatherly pointed out the first point of reasoning for Tony's return aligns with CBS' nostalgic approach with its other two Tuesday-night offerings bringing former leads back into the fold in major ways. In the Bull vet's words:

No matter how many NCIS spinoffs are crafted into existence the near future, Mark Harmon will always be one of the first things people think of when the franchise comes up. Understandable, since he can boast the bonkers stat that he's been part of 475 episodes as Leroy Gibbs. Then you have LL Cool J, who has portrayed Sam Hanna for more than 325 episodes across multiple franchise entries, and is now set to head up the latest offshoot, NCIS: New York.

Which isn't to take shots at NCIS leads Gary Cole, Wilmer Valderrama, Katrina Law or anyone else who joined the show after Michael Weatherly left. But it does make sense that producers would want to inject another longtimer into the mix. Plus, it's kinda fun to see Weatherly sharing the screen with the characters who only joined after DiNozzo jumped ship.

Michael Weatherly's second reason for why now is the best time for Tony to make his way back to the Washington D.C. squad. And it all has to do with what the character has lived through in the interim, particularly when it comes to his overseas adventures with his significant other and his daughter.

I'm excited to see what the connective tissue will be between Tony & Ziva and the character's return here. But for all that Tony is a more mature and professional agent now, I can't imagine he'll be totally stone-faced and free from hijinks throughout Season 24. Somebody's head needs to get smacked here.

We already know that NCIS: New York will be bringing flagship star Brian Dietzen over for Jimmy Palmer to mix it up with Sam and Scott Caan's Nick Schaeffer. Is it possible that Michael Weatherly will be one of the other guest stars planned for its first season.

NCIS will be back for its 24th season premiere on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

NCIS: New York is coming to the 2026 TV schedule, and we've since learned that NCIS actor Brian Dietzen will be in the premiere. That's not all, however, as CinemaBlend recently learned that other "familiar faces" will certainly pop up.

During a CBS press event promoting the network's Fall TV slate, CinemaBlend's Nick Venable had the chance to ask showrunner Byron Balasco about upcoming cameos in the new series and got a refreshingly honest answer. While it's not going to be the priority of NCIS: New York to bring in as many guest stars as possible, we can expect it to happen:

It would be strange for NCIS: New York to shy away from cameos right out of the gate, considering every other franchise show is adding a nostalgic player to the mix. Michael Weatherly will return as Tony DiNozzo in the flagship series, and Mark Harmon will reprise his role as Gibbs in flash-forwards in NCIS: Origins.

As for other actors who may show up, the showrunner didn't give any specifics beyond Dietzen. That said, I've seen NCIS' Diona Reasonover wish to be involved, and I'm sure other actors from the series will pop up. I want to see Nick Torres team up with Sam again, personally, as they're both the ultimate force when it comes to taking down the bad guys.

Also, let's not forget that LL Cool J's character was on NCIS: Los Angeles first, which opens the door for those characters to show up. I know there's a small army of fans who would love to see Eric Christian Olsen's Deeks show up again, as well as Chris O'Donnell and Daniela Ruah.

Of course, it's also important for NCIS: New York to establish its new core cast. Guest stars are always fun, but at the end of the day, the success of this show is going to hinge on the people we're guaranteed to see every week, and the mysteries they'll uncover in the Big Apple. It's the city that never sleeps, so I'm sure there's going to be no shortage of great stories to uncover.

I am curious to see how LL Cool J and Scott Caan work as a duo, especially with the latter being a primetime fixture but not part of the NCIS family. I'm sure Caan's time on Hawaii Five-0 will make this a smooth transition, as crime procedurals hit a lot of the same beats even if they don't share the same premise.

Catch the premiere of NCIS: New York on Tuesday, October 6th. I'm excited to see how the fans react to this new show, and if it can have as long of a run as some of the most-celebrated spinoffs of the crime series.

NCIS: New York makes its debut on the 2026 TV schedule on October 6th, and we now know LL Cool J's Sam Hanna won't be the only familiar face we see. One NCIS character will visit the Big Apple in the premiere, as Brian Dietzen announced that Jimmy Palmer is slated for the pilot.

It's a shame this couldn't be a surprise, but I get the new series wanting to give everyone watching the Season 24 premiere of NCIS a reason to stick around for the debut. I know some fans were upset to hear about this spinoff happening, but Dietzen hyping it up on Instagram is sure to change some hearts and minds. Take a look:

He's bullish on NCIS: New York, but it's not like they make actors do these posts to say negative things about the show. The main takeaway here is that Jimmy is going to be a part of the spinoff, which means his patented humor and genius will be available to Sam's team in this opening episode.

This appearance will likely revisit Sam's brief stint in NCIS Season 23, in which he first showed up to lay the groundwork for his spinoff. Jimmy and Sam teamed up, and the former confessed he planned to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro. Sam was proud of Jimmy for taking on something so big and encouraged him to share it with his coworkers, despite his fear that they might judge him for it.

I'm excited for Brian Dietzen, though a bit bummed for Diona Reasonover. The actress who plays Kasie on NCIS has been quite vocal about wanting to join the fun on NCIS: New York, but it sounds as though she won't be in the pilot. Of course, there's always an opportunity for her to pop up in a future episode, so we'll have to wait and see.

This is a big year for NCIS in general, as Michael Weatherly recently pointed out how many past alumni are headed back to the franchise. He's going to be in the Season 24 premiere of NCIS; we already know Sam Hanna is back in the New York spinoff, and Mark Harmon will return in Origins. Basically, if you're a fan of the franchise, you're going to want to make sure your Tuesday nights are wide open for the foreseeable future.

As mentioned, the fun all kicks off on CBS on October 6th, with NCIS at 8 pm ET, NCIS: New York at 9 pm ET, and NCIS: Origins at 10 pm ET. It's a late night for some, but fortunately, we live in a world in which DVR is commonplace!

NCIS will return to the 2026 TV schedule on Tuesday, October 6th, and it's bringing a big dose of nostalgia along with it. Granted, I hadn't really thought about it until Michael Weatherly brought it up and pointed out that we have returning alumni from past CBS shows appearing this season.

Weatherly, who will return as Tony DiNozzo in NCIS Season 24, is not the only familiar face we'll be seeing on Tuesday nights this fall. He laid it all out in a recent interview with TV Insider and pointed out all the legendary talent coming to primetime if you're a fan of long-running crime procedurals:

I've been writing about LL Cool J's big NCIS: New York debut and Mark Harmon appearing in NCIS: Origins all summer, but I never put this together. Each series has at least one former NCIS icon back in the saddle, so no matter which you watch, it's going to feel like a throwback.

It's not just a reunion for NCIS either, as Scott Caan will also star in NCIS: New York after his long stint in Hawaii Five-0. This Fall season feels like a love letter to longtime fans of CBS primetime, and I'm curious how many people have just set aside their entire Tuesday evening to watch it all. My guess is CBS executives are banking on people watching all night, which feels like a distinct possibility with this all-star lineup.

To speak specifically to Michael Weatherly's return as Tony DiNozzo, NCIS will waste no time getting him back in the mix. He's pictured in images for the Season 24 premiere, which will address the wild cliffhanger in which McGee's son pulled a gun on Nick Torres. I'm curious to see what Tony will have to say about all that, and how he'll factor into the adventure.

NCIS has already given fans some information on what to expect, and they may want to fire up their Paramount+ subscription. NCIS: Tony & Ziva will be acknowledged in the series, with the adventure being set about a year before DiNozzo sets up his security firm in Washington, D.C., in Season 24 of NCIS. That experience, paired with becoming a father and years of experience as an agent, will give us a more mature Tony than what we saw in previous seasons.

As mentioned, NCIS kicks off on CBS in early October, followed by the new New York spinoff and Origins as well. I can hardly contain my excitement as the weeks wind down, so it's a good thing there's plenty of other fall television popping up that's worth watching!

When NCIS: New York was announced and it was revealed that LL Cool J would be back as Sam Hanna, it was hard not to wonder whether Scott Caan would be playing a new character or reprising his role as Danny Williams from Hawaii Five-0. Ironically, the universes haven’t just crossed over; Sam has worked with Danny before. However, that will not be happening in this new spinoff that's about to premiere on the 2026 TV schedule. Instead, Caan will be playing a brand new character, and he explained why.

Now, Caan returning to CBS to play Danny Williams wasn’t totally out of the question. According to LL Cool J, it was actually “considered.” That makes sense too, because in 2012, Hawaii Five-0 and NCIS: LA crossed over. Therefore, it’s not like Danny’s return would have been coming out of nowhere, there’s history. However, apparently, Caan wanted a “fresh, clean start,” according to the Sam actor. Explaining that point further to EW, Caan said:

That certainly makes sense. Caan was on Hawaii Five-0 for ten seasons. Between 2010 and 2020, he starred in 240 episodes of Five-0 (which you can stream with a Paramount+ subscription). While it’s fun to return to certain characters, I see why he wanted to start fresh in the NCIS universe – which, to be fair, he’d only spent one episode in as Danny Williams.

So, with that being said, allow me to introduce you to Nick Schaeffer. That’s Scott Caan’s character in NCIS: New York, and he’ll be Sam’s new partner in the city that never sleeps. Per the report, the two characters will hit it off right away when Sam finds himself in the Big Apple. Based on the trailer, it looks like they work well together but also bicker like brothers. Honestly, it sounds like a match made in heaven.

Despite not wanting to reprise his role as Danny in NCIS: New York, Caan was thrilled about the series overall. In fact, he gushed about the spinoff and explained why saying yes to it was a “no-brainer”:

Now, while Caan was all for a fresh start, LL Cool J is in the opposite boat. He played Sam Hanna in 323 episodes of NCIS: LA, which ended after 14 seasons in 2023, and he’s reprised his role in various episodes of NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i. He’ll be back leading an NCIS show with New York, and he explained that he keeps returning to play Sam because he’s “a really cool character.”

Overall, I think this mix of old and new will make this new series, which premieres on CBS on Tuesday, October 6 at 9 p.m. ET, even better. I love that LL Cool J is returning as a character we know and love. I’m also super excited to be introduced to a whole new team, including Scott Caan’s character. And overall, it looks like they’re all having a blast creating this new NCIS series.

However, I can’t help but wonder if the resemblance between Nick Schaeffer and Danny Williams will come up, because they do look a whole lot alike…

LL Cool J has been part of the NCIS franchise for well over a decade. He starred as Special Agent Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles for 14 seasons and then immediately jumped over to NCIS: Hawai’i as a recurring guest star. Since Hawai’i, the rapper has appeared in a few episodes of the Mothership series. Now, he’s starring in another spinoff, NCIS: New York, premiering this fall amid the 2026 TV schedule. LL just recently explained why he's played Sam for so long and, as a fan, I love his take.

Before NCIS: New York was announced, it was hard to say wheheter LL Cool J would ever make a permanent return to the franchise or if he would just keep making guest appearances. So the new spinoff was a pleasant surprise. In a recent interview with TV Insider, LL (whose real name is James Todd Smith) was asked what he enjoys about Sam that keeps bringing him back, and I absolutely love his answer:

That’s the great thing about doing a show like NCIS. An actor can take on the role of a hero, saving lives and putting themselves in harm's way. Overall, a performer is getting the chance to step into the shoes of someone who's completely different from them. Of course, I think LL Cool J is a pretty cool person, but Sam Hanna definitely brings the action. Also, there are so many stories that can still be told about Sam. No matter how long he’s been playing this character, LL will seemingly never get tired of it:

Someone may be tempted to think that after an actor plays the same character for 14 years, the first opportunity you have to step away from the role, you’d take it. However, I'm thankful that LL Cool J immediately went to NCIS: Hawai’i after LA ended, and he’s been on a roll since. I cannot wait to see Sam Hanna regularly again once New York premieres, and I hope the show continues to build on him as a character.

Given LL Cool J has remained a staple of the NCIS franchise for almost two decades, fans may be comforted to know he has no plans to leave any time soon. Of course, it’s hard to tell how NCIS: New York will go but, either way, it seems fans still have plenty of time to spend with Sam.

Luckily, fans won’t have to wait too long for NCIS: New York. The upcoming spinoff is set to premiere on Tuesday, October 6 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, following the Season 24 premiere of NCIS. Episodes will also be available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription on Wednesdays after the show premieres.

The 2026 TV schedule is heating up, with the NCIS franchise officially returning next month. Along with new seasons of the Mothership, NCIS: Origins, and NCIS: Sydney, CBS will be airing a brand new spinoff, NCIS: New York. LL Cool J will be reprising his beloved NCIS: Los Angeles role as Special Agent Sam Hanna, but could there be other NCIS: LA characters joining him in the Big Apple? Both the rapper and his fellow co-star Scott Caan had a cryptic response when asked who should cameo, and now I have an idea.

LL Cool J And Scott Caan’s Cryptic Response

There have been plenty of crossovers across the NCIS franchise over the years. It can be assumed that NCIS: New York will have a crossover or two, even if it’s not right away. But that doesn’t mean that the stars aren’t already thinking about who could come and play. While speaking with TV Insider, LL Cool J and Caan were asked if there was anyone in the franchise they hope to have on the new series. The two have ideas, but unfortunately, they’re not saying anything:

• LL Cool J: I mean, we’re gonna leave it open. I have someone in mind, but I’m not gonna say who.
• Scott Caan: I do too.

I hate that they’re both being so secretive about their choices, and I can’t tell if it’s because they don’t want to get fans excited if it doesn’t happen or if it’s already in motion. Even if there isn’t any crossover any time soon on New York, the show is still going to be great, but you can’t help but hope for the inevitable. If anything, it seems like the doors are open for anyone to come on, as LL Cool J pointed out:

Since the door is open to just about anyone on NCIS, who knows who could swing by. It would be fun to see LL Cool J and Caan’s characters interact with other NCIS favorites. As of now, nothing has been confirmed as to who could be appearing on the new show, and what crossovers could be happening. But I have some ideas.

Who I Need To See On NCIS: New York

Considering the amount of characters that have appeared on the NCIS shows, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. At the very least, I would love for Sam to reunite with some of his OSP buddies. Aside from Daniela Ruah’s brief appearance in the franchise’s 1,000^th episode, LL Cool J is the only NCIS: LA character who has consistently continued to appear since the show ended in 2023. It would be fun to see more NCIS: LA characters, even if it’s not long.

Unfortunately, it might be hard to get Sam’s former partner in the Big Apple. Chris O’Donnell, who starred as G. Callen, is busy running a firehouse on 9-1-1: Nashville. Eric Christian Olsen, meanwhile, may not be playing Deeks anytime soon, but he’s serving as a new executive producer on NCIS: Origins. So it's not as bad.

Meanwhile, an NCIS star is already hoping to appear, with Diona Reasonover throwing her hat into the ring. What would get Kaisie Hines to go to New York is unknown, but that would be a fun crossover, especially after she and Sam worked together during his last appearance.

Whatever happens, I just need someone from the NCIS franchise to make an appearance on NCIS: New York. If and when that happens remains to be seen. At the very least, the newest NCIS series will premiere on Tuesday, October 6 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, streaming the next day with a Paramount+ subscription.

The NCIS franchise is returning this fall on the 2026 TV schedule, with a new show in tow. LL Cool J will once again be returning as Special Agent Sam Hanna for the upcoming spinoff, NCIS: New York. This will mark his third NCIS series appearance since NCIS: Los Angeles ended in 2023. And he has a surprising reason for always coming back.

On the heels of NCIS: LA’s finale, the rapper joined NCIS: Hawai’i’s third season in a recurring guest spot. Then earlier this year, he returned to the Mothership, appearing in a two-episode arc. It was hard to tell if he'd ever portray Sam Hanna again on a more permanent basis, but it surprisingly didn’t take long for CBS to formally announce NCIS: New York. The actor/rapper is now in his 17^th year of playing Sam, and still loves it, telling Deadline what brought him back for this new round, and why he's still as enthusiastic as ever:

It’s going to be fun seeing Sam in this new environment. Of course, while it’s new for the fans, it’s not new to him since he is from New York. We’ve seen him in Los Angeles, in Hawaii, overseas for several cases, and in D.C. Having him in a New York setting with a new partner and new team should be fun. It definitely keeps things fresh for someone who has played the same character for nearly two decades in mostly west-coast locations.

The stories and the context are not the only reason why LL Cool J constantly comes back to Sam Hanna. He genuinely enjoys the character and the kind of person Sam is. Knowing that LL Cool J loves the role so much that he’s up for basically anything, as long as the story makes sense, just makes it all the better:

Filming for NCIS: New York has started, and I am as excited as ever to see Sam Hanna again. While the spinoff already has some haters and passionate fans of previously canceled NCIS spinoffs, the hype is certainly there. It’s hard to tell how this new show will go, especially since the only looks we’ve gotten are behind-the-scenes photos and videos. The wait will be worth it, though, and at the very least, we’ll be reuniting with a beloved character very soon.

Fans won’t have to wait too much longer for Sam Hanna’s permanent return to the NCIS franchise. NCIS: New York will officially premiere on Tuesday, October 6 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, streaming the next day with a Paramount+ subscription. I cannot wait to see what happens and how this new show will do compared to its predecessors.

Special Agent Sam Hanna is coming back to lead the upcoming NCIS spinoff, NCIS: New York, and I couldn't be more excited. The latest series in the long-running franchise is set to make its debut on the 2026 TV schedule in October. LL Cool J will be reprising his fan-favorite role from NCIS: Los Angeles, and to hype the fans up even more, he and the crew celebrated the start of filming with a sweet BTS video.

Production kicked off on NCIS: New York in July, so already, the excitement is high. Not everyone is pumped about the new spinoff due to previous NCIS cancellations, but this show is undoubtedly a thrilling addition to the universe. So, to add to the anticipation, the official NCIS Instagram shared a fun video of LL Cool J, Scott Caan, and the rest of the cast and crew in action:

Considering NCIS: New York came as a total surprise when it was announced, getting footage from the set was extra thrilling. Of course, I’m definitely itching for an actual promo that gives us insight into what will happen on this show. However, this little peek is still wonderful. Plus, there is just something about seeing Caan and LL Cool J back on CBS that is making me very nostalgic.

Of course, LL Cool J has been back on the network numerous times since NCIS: LA ended. He was a recurring guest star on NCIS: Hawai’i and recently appeared in two episodes of NCIS. Now, it'll be amazing to see him in every single episode of his own show. Plus, honestly, it felt like it was only a matter of time before he returned to the franchise on a full-time basis.

In NCIS: New York, Sam will be returning to his hometown of New York City to NCIS’ field office, where he partners with Caan’s roguish NCIS Special Agent Nick Schaeffer. Sam will help lead a new team as they are tasked with high-stakes missions to defend one of the most vital cities and ports in the world. Along with LL Cool J and Caan, the cast also includes Jennifer Beals, Jacqueline Byers, Shane Harper, and Devin Druid.

With NCIS: New York only two months away, it shouldn’t be long until these BTS videos turn into official promo clips from the show. Hopefully, a trailer is released soon, but at the very least, knowing that the show is filming is keeping me pumped. And it's always fun to get a peek behind the curtain at how they make the series within this beloved franchise.

Now, the countdown is truly on, because NCIS: New York will premiere on Tuesday, October 6 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, streaming the next day with a Paramount+ subscription.

Three years after NCIS: Los Angeles ended, Sam Hanna is officially back on the job in a big way. While LL Cool J had a recurring guest spot on NCIS: Hawai’i and appeared in a couple of recent episodes of NCIS, his fan-favorite character is returning full-time for the new spinoff, NCIS: New York. The hype is building for the new show, which is premiering this fall on the 2026 TV schedule, and if you want a sneak peek, we’ve got you covered.

CBS announced NCIS: New York in April, and LL Cool J wasn’t the only surprise casting. Hawaii Five-0’s Scott Caan is starring alongside the rapper, so the hype for this show is understandably real. Now, the ball has finally started rolling on the series, with production starting up in New York City. Pictures from set have gotten out, and since there aren’t any formal trailers yet, this is the first look we’ve gotten at LL Cool J and Caan in New York, and I love it already:

It should be pointed out that despite NCIS: LA’s crossover with Hawaii Five-0, Caan is not reprising his role as Detective Danny “Danno” Williams for NCIS: New York. He is playing a completely new character, Sam’s roguish partner, NCIS Special Agent Nick Schaeffer. It is going to be hard to get used to, but just seeing the duo together, I can tell this is going to be a special partnership. Of course, none of Sam’s partners can replace Callen (Chris O’Donnell), but I’m excited for what they could bring. It's just good to see Sam Hanna back on a full-time basis.

Here's the full cast lineup of regulars, including the most familiar faces.

• LL Cool J as Sam Hanna
• Scott Caan as NCIS Special Agent Nick Schaeffer
• Jennifer Beals as NCIS Director Robyn Wells
• Jacqueline Byers as NCIS Special Agent Addison “Addy” Ross
• Shane Harper as NCIS Special Agent Wyatt Hill
• Devin Druid as NCIS tech specialist Sean Sullivan

Another new photo shows LL Cool J, Caan, Harper, and Byers on set together and wearing the NCIS vests that are all too familiar to viewers now:

Even though CBS had announced that a new NCIS spinoff was on the way, it was still hard to believe since there was no warning whatsoever, and I was still mourning over NCIS: Tony & Ziva’s cancellation. Seeing the cast on set and filming definitely makes it all the more real, and this has certainly made me even more stoked.

As of now, CBS has not revealed premiere dates for the fall TV schedule, but it shouldn’t be too much longer now, especially as more shows start filming. These NCIS: New York set photos will have to do for now, but the wait will certainly be worth it. In the meantime, fans can always watch most of the NCIS franchise with a Paramount+ subscription to prepare for the newest iteration. NCIS: New York will be coming this fall to CBS.

NCIS: Los Angeles debuted on CBS way back in 2009. If NCIS: New York makes it just three TV seasons, that means LL Cool J will have been with the franchise in varying capacities for 20 years, starring in LA, then hopping to Hawai’i before its cancelation, and guest-starring in the flagship series around the time New York was announced. It’s been an impressive run, and some recent comments from the rapper-turned-actor highlight exactly why he’s still around.

LL Cool J was at CBS Fest recently, answering questions about reuniting with fellow Los Angeles star Scott Caan and other franchise pals. His genuinely enthusiastic attitude to coming back for the new series is infectious, and perfectly illustrates why he’s maintained relationships with so many different people and shows in the popular franchise.

He’s giving Vin Diesel with that last bit, but I do think LL Cool J’s general chillness is a key to why he keeps coming back as Special Agent Sam Hanna on the show. His former co-stars have talked about this energy in the past. Chris O’Donnell, who starred in Los Angeles with the rapper, spoke about his co-star’s attitude a few years back, telling the TV Academy:

At the time, the actor, whose real name is James Todd Smith, confirmed he really does try to bring cheery vibes to work. It’s a philosophy that has served him well over the years.

This exchange was back before NCIS: LA had gotten canceled by CBS. Despite that hardship, you can see his positive attitude in the full clip from the more recent event below.

We don’t have to wait much longer for more cheery vibes from the longtime actor. NCIS: New York will be hitting the 2026 TV schedule when network shows make a triumphant return this fall. He’s bringing with him some old faces and new, and I hope this will end up being a second series with some major longevity in the franchise for the actor.

NCIS is one of the biggest crime procedural franchises in the world, and for as long as I've been a fan, I always assumed the flagship series was the favorite. That was up until I saw the question posed online, and learned that opinions on which is the best spinoff vary wildly from person to person.

As we wait for NCIS, NCIS: Origins, and the brand new NCIS: New York spinoff to come to the 2026 TV schedule, Reddit is in a debate on which show is the best. This includes the original series it was a spinoff of, JAG, and it feels like everyone has a different take:

• NOLA is my absolute favorite but Origins is coming for that spot tbh - RedditLeaveMeAlone2o
• NCIS origins, NCIS , Fin. The other spinoffs are lame - NotAUserNamm
• I loved the NCIS Hawaii and I was really surprised it didn’t get at least one more season. I haven’t seen many of the others, I saw the early original NCIS so I’d say that was better then Hawaii but Hawaii was better than original NCIS from after I stopped watching purely because original NCIS had lost my attention - Wild-fleurs
• NCIS, NCIS LA, Never saw the others. I think I saw a couple epsidoes of NOLA and it wasn't for me. - WhatTheJessJedi
• I feel like original NCIS needs to be broken into groups of seasons. Must see in the beginning, not so much now. - lalamarie513

Here I thought everyone was in agreement that the original NCIS was superior to all others! Speaking personally, I was never able to latch on to any of the spinoffs in the way I was the the original, and maintain it's doing things as great as ever with its latest season finale. Now I'm finding out everyone may not be on the edge of their seat waiting to see who was shot between McGee's son and Torres?

Also, for what it's worth, one the commenters above noted the absence of NCIS: Tony & Ziva, conceding that they think of it as a standalone series. But then the lone streaming series of the bunch didn't seem to land at the top of anyone's picks.

The unique thing about this thread is not that people have different favorites. Everyone has their favorite superhero movies or the order they prefer to watch Star Wars. What's interesting to me is that there doesn't appear to be a general consensus, at least in the thread, of which series is the best.

Perhaps the fact that NCIS has so many fans of different shows is evidence that it's somewhat surpassed the need to be accepted as a crime procedural series. It feels like one of those series that'll always be around, which is a good thing in the midst of this shift in how people consume television on a weekly basis. Whether you watch on CBS weekly or decide to throw in on with a Paramount+ subscription after being away for years, all these shows will be there, and still be relatively easy to follow.

As mentioned, a bunch of NCIS shows are headed back to CBS in the fall and are available to stream over on Paramount+. As long as you like seeing bad guys get arrested, you'll be right at home watching all of them and have a blast trying to figure out the killer.

Following the New York Knicks’ long-hoped-for NBA championship win, fans have been in a frenzy. This includes celebrity Knicks fans, as plenty of stars rooted on the team during their historic postseason run. Amid the buzz, though, some TV fans might wonder which fictional characters would be ecstatic about the team's victory. On that note, I never realized how much I needed to know if NCIS: Los Angeles’ Sam Hanna was rooting for the Knickbockers until LL Cool J was asked.

In honor of both the Knicks and the new NCIS spinoff, NCIS: New York, coming to CBS this fall on the 2026 TV schedule, LL Cool J repped his team and his character. In an Instagram video posted by the official NCIS account, the rapper/actor revealed the NBA team Sam regularly rooted for, and I love how the star is taking "creative license" with this part of Hanna's life:

Since LL Cool J himself is a Knicks fan, as if it wasn’t obvious by the video, it’s not surprising that he'd say Sam Hanna is one as well. However, that’s not the only reason Sam would be a Knicks fan. The character is canonically from Brooklyn and, despite living and working in LA for a long time, LL's assertion would suggest he still loves his home team.

Now that Sam will be going back to New York for the new spinoff, I wouldn’t be surprised if he started repping Knicks merch or at least referenced them once in a while. I'd imagine LL would love that amid his full-time return to the NCIS franchise.

As a Bucks fan, I admittedly love the fact that LL Cool J is confirming where Sam’s loyalties lie, and the star's enthusiasm is infectious. What I'm wondering now is if there will be any Knicks references in NCIS: New York, especially following the championship win. It would honestly feel weird if it didn't come up at all, even as part of light banter amongst characters.

Knicks references or not, fans won't have to wait too long for NCIS: New York to arrive. CBS announced in April that it had ordered the new spinoff for the 2026-2027 season, with LL Cool J returning as Sam Hanna. Additionally, Hawaii Five-0 and Alert: Missing Persons Unit star Scott Caan will be starring in the series, However, Caan will not play his Five-0 character, Detective Danny Williams, despite that crossover with NCIS: LA. A premiere date has yet to be announced for the new show, but it will air later this year.

Following LL Cool J's declaration that Sam is a Knicks' fan, I really hope the writers take that to heart and make it canon. And, hey, with Knicks star Jalen Brunson campaigning to be on Law & Order: SVU, maybe the upcoming NCIS spinoff can welcome a member of the team or two?

NCIS: New York premieres this fall on CBS and will be streamable with a Paramount+ subscription.

NCIS: Tony & Ziva was canceled at the end of 2025, but could we still see the franchise's favorite showmance on the 2026 TV schedule? I'm not ruling it out completely, especially after spotting an interview with Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo in which it was hinted that there are still more stories to tell between them.

Weatherly signaled there was more to cover with Tony and Ziva in a Reels shared by EW, as they spoke about the dynamic between the two that NCIS fans have loved for so long. While readers can revisit the one-off season with a Paramount+ subscription, Weatherly hinted there were stories beyond that adventure worth getting into beyond that:

The good news is that even if NCIS: Tony & Ziva is over, the couple always has the ability to appear in a storyline on the flagship series or even the new spinoff NCIS: New York. I know there are some people hating on the latest series on the way, so maybe bringing back Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo's characters for a guest appearance could smooth the waters.

There weren't enough Tiva fans to support a series on streaming, but surely enough to help give a boost to a new network television spinoff. At the end of the day, the show ending wasn't a result of lost chemistry between its two stars. As Cote de Pablo mentioned how their first day of shooting the spinoff went:

Having seen the two interact at San Diego Comic-Con before NCIS: Tony & Ziva premiered, I can confirm that there's something special about Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo's dynamic. I would love to see them return in future adventures, and maybe there's even room for that on Season 24 of NCIS.

The CBS procedural appears to be hinting at a romance between Nick Torres and Jessica Knight. I think Tony and Ziva would be the perfect couple to mentor two NCIS agents who are thinking about a relationship and letting them in on the ins and outs of doing dangerous work alongside your partner. Maybe they can stop by when Jessica's ex Jimmy Palmer leaves to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Season 24 of NCIS seems like it'll be a jam-packed season, with a big cliffhanger to resolve and a hint that Alden Parker may lean into his darker side. While he's flown the straight and narrow in terms of abiding by the law so far, he helped execute Director Vance's killer when he cut a deal that would've left him walking free instead. I'm curious to see how much the series will lean into that storyline, and who may need to stand in for Parker if he's put on leave. I know two former agents who would be great stand-ins!

NCIS: Tony & Ziva is available to stream on Paramount+. I'm not sure the streamer will be convinced to revive the series after its cancelation, but I'd say the odds of them showing up in another series are better than not.

Warning! The following contains spoilers for the NCIS episode "Bad Impressions." Stream the episode with a Paramount+ subscription and read at your own risk!

As LL Cool J's Sam wraps up his time on NCIS, a star of the show has signaled her interest in appearing on his upcoming New York spinoff. Diona Reasonover shared her hopes that Kasie will show up to aid Sam once in a while once the show is off and rolling on the 2026 TV schedule.

Reasonover's comments come after an episode in which Kasie and Sam teamed up in an attempt to prove she wasn't responsible for a murder. They were successful, and while the episode ended with her deleting her program that could've made her a billionaire, she seemed to have zero regrets. Sam said his goodbyes, but the actress told TVInsider she'd be open to a reunion on his New York spinoff:

While there are some haters out there regarding the NCIS spinoff, it seems Diona Reasonover is hoping her Kasie can get a bit of extra screen time on the upcoming CBS procedural. I'm right there with her in hoping, because I loved how Sam and Kasie teamed up in the latest episode.

After Kasie realized someone was using her EDNA program to try to frame her for murder, Sam smuggled her out of the area to visit her ex-girlfriend, Joanna. Sam played the role of mediator between the two, which ultimately led to them successfully getting the notebook that exonerates her. I can't wait to see if the "talking stick" he used in their meeting comes into play in the spinoff, and if Kasie can show up to speak to its effectiveness.

Even if Kasie doesn't get a chance to appear on the NCIS spinoff, I think she needs more storylines in general. Her standalone episode and others where she takes center stage are great, and I've been saying this for years. Send Diona Reasonover to the New York set!

I credit a lot of this episode's entertainment to Sam, who LL Cool J plays a big part in bringing to life. Whether it's taking Kasie to meet an ex or encouraging Jimmy Palmer to open up to the rest of the NCIS team, his positivity has left a shining mark on the team in just two episodes. He'll be a great lead of the new series, and maybe even mentor a few younger agents on that show as well.

NCIS continues with new episodes on CBS on Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET. Sam is finally done with his layover and on his way to Dubai to go help out a friend, and I can't help but wonder if that's entirely unrelated to the sideplot or it's going to factor into the New York story as well.

By now, a little birdie may have told you there’s another NCIS series coming to the 2026 TV schedule. This one will be called NCIS: New York, and it will bring LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna back. The rapper and actor has popped up in a number of NCIS properties since Los Angeles was canceled back in 2023, and now he’ll be back as a leading man again. I thought fans would be pumped, and I did not see the haters coming.

Here’s what happened. When CBS announced yet another franchise spinoff, they did so with a post on Instagram I personally thought was kind of cute.

To be fair, no one really had a problem with the post itself, but many seemed to have an issue with what it means for the franchise and the network as a whole. For example, a lot of fans are still salty about NCIS: Los Angeles being axed years later. In fact, a lot of fans were still upset about a lot of the cancelations CBS has had coming down the pipeline in recent seasons, and not just when it comes to NCIS properties.

• "We just want NCIS LA back."
• "Seriously? CBS cancels Blue Bloods because it is too expensive to film in NYC but now makes NCIS NEW YORK?!"
• "You’ve gotta be kidding me……y’all just couldn’t renew Hawaii? All of a sudden you got money for this? Make it make sense."
• "I'll bet you anything this won't reach 10+ mil viewers Hawaii had. Why can't you just admit you were wrong for cancelling it? Get over on Twitter and check how many people talk about Hawaii DAILY even now. Inventing a new spin-off instead of bringing back fan-favourite Hawaii is pure insanity."
• "Wished you had kept NCIS Hawaii though….."

I was surprised folks were still harried about the likes of Blue Bloods and Hawai’i, but one thing that perhaps I should have seen coming (I didn’t, but I should have), was the number of fans still upset about the decision that came down the pipeline more recently. That would be the cancelation of the Tony & Ziva spinoff. Season 1 can still be viewed with a Paramount+ subscription, but it is firmly canceled. The fan campaign is still going strong, however, and people really seem to want Cote De Pablo and Michael Weatherly to keep going on global adventures.

• "Making a new NCIS when they cancelled Tony & Ziva?!!! #savetonyandziva"
• "Is this why you canceled Tony and Ziva?"
• "Simply just renewing NCIS: Tony and Ziva would have made more sense then this #SaveTonyandZiva"
• "We want NCIS Tony and Ziva back! #savetonyandziva"
• "Y’all [stil]l doing anything but what the actual fans want huh?! Give us TIVA back #savetonyandziva"

They go on like this too, and many of the upset comments have dozens if not hundreds of likes. To be fair, plenty of CBS viewers had positive comments, too. Many had nice things to say about LL Cool J coming back for more than a guest stint. Others seemed excited about LL Cool J teaming up with Scott Caan, who was formerly on CBS thanks to Hawaii Five-0 (which tragically was also canceled).

To me it feels clear that CBS has gone hard in the paint when it comes to NCIS shows, and not all of those programs have come with longevity. Here's hoping New York is different, and the fans are able to finally breathe sighs of relief.

While a lot of cancelations news comes down the pipeline this time of year (Rip Law & Order: Organized Crime), unfortunately, the powers that be can make disappointing decisions at any time during the year. Such was the case with NCIS: Tony & Ziva, a globe-trotting NCIS adventure story that brought back two fan-favorite characters. Fans were enamored with it, but the audience for the franchise has been split between CBS and Paramount+, and it ultimately got canceled. Now, a CBS head honcho has been asked about it.

So, What's The Tea With NCIS: Tony & Ziva?

CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach was asked about the cancelation recently after news broke that NCIS ise getting another spinoff, this time set in New York and featuring LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna. We’ve been asking if Hanna might be back in a full time capacity, anyway, but if there’s bandwidth for the mothership NCIS, NCIS: Origins, NCIS: Sydney and now New York, why not ask Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo back? Unfortunately, Reisenbach shut that question down with Deadline really quickly. Here’s her blunt response when asked, “Did CBS consider Tony & Ziva?”

It’s a stone cold response, but I respect it, and I do think LL Cool J has done so much for the franchise in recent years. He was part of what made NCIS: Los Angeles so special. When that got canceled, he gamely helped out NCIS: Hawai’i. Most recently, he’s been signed on for an arc on NCIS. People like the Sam Hanna character a lot.

Plus, NCIS has had a glut of concepts get pitched in recent years, and it has to be mentioned that some of them are more expensive to film than others. NCIS: Hawai’i may have also gotten canceled far too soon, but it was also noted that it was really pricy to shoot. Tony & Ziva completely left the U.S. and filmed in Budapest (and other locations in Europe), and it was also doubtless more expensive to bring the veteran leads back than bring in newbies. So, unless the ratings were crazy good and led to a ton of new Paramount+ subscriptions, I’m not sure the network would have ever seriously considered it. At least that’s what I’m taking from Reisenbach not mincing words, here.

When Tony & Ziva ended earlier this year, at first I thought there might be reason to celebrate. It was a solid season of TV, and plus, Michael Weatherly had celebrated filming wrapping with a video in the tub, giving me reason to be bullish there’d be more. It sounds like, however, that was mistaken confidence.

I'm still glad we finally got to see Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David reunite onscreen. It was years in the making, and I can't be upset with CBS for giving fans their ultimate wish. I just wish it had worked out a little more magically, and we had gotten Season 2. At least they'll always have Paris.