NCIS: New York took center stage in the city that inspired it as LL Cool J, Scott Caan and the cast gathered at New York Comic Con to discuss the newest chapter of the long-running CBS franchise.
The panel brought together LL Cool J, Caan, Jennifer Beals, Jacqueline Byers, Shane Harper and Devin Druid with showrunner Byron Balasco to talk about building a new NCIS team around New York City.
Sam Hanna starts a new chapter
LL Cool J reprises his role as Sam Hanna, the veteran agent audiences know from NCIS: Los Angeles. His return to New York is also personal: the actor and musician has described filming the spinoff in his hometown as a full-circle experience.
Caan plays Nick Schaeffer, a more roguish agent whose partnership with Hanna helps establish a different dynamic for the franchise. The ensemble is rounded out by a new field-office team facing cases tied to one of the country’s most important cities and ports.
New York becomes part of the story
The cast and producers have emphasized that the city is more than a backdrop. The production aims to use New York’s pace, neighborhoods and energy to give the series an identity distinct from earlier NCIS installments.
The Comic Con appearance arrived shortly after the series premiere, giving the cast a chance to discuss how the new team will develop over its first season.
Sources: New York Comic Con/Popverse and People, October 2026.