The NCIS franchise is growing with a new spinoff set in New York City. NCIS: New York will premiere on October 6, 2026, on CBS. The show brings back a familiar face from the NCIS universe while introducing a group of fresh characters. Here is everything you need to know about who is playing whom in the new series.
LL Cool J Returns as Sam Hanna
LL Cool J reprises his role as NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna, a character he played for 14 seasons on NCIS: Los Angeles from 2009 to 2023. Hanna is a former Navy SEAL and a senior special agent who has been a key part of the NCIS franchise for years.
In NCIS: New York, Hanna returns to his hometown of New York City to lead a new team at the NCIS field office. The actor has stayed connected to the NCIS universe even after NCIS: Los Angeles ended. He appeared in NCIS: Hawai’i as a series regular during its final season and also made guest appearances on the original NCIS show.
LL Cool J told PEOPLE in April 2026 that he has “never stepped out” of the NCIS world and has been “living and breathing” the character for years.
Scott Caan Plays Nick Schaeffer
Scott Caan joins the cast as NCIS Special Agent Nick Schaeffer. His character is described as a “roguish agent” who becomes Sam Hanna’s new partner in New York.
Caan is no stranger to CBS procedurals. He starred in all 10 seasons of Hawaii Five-0 from 2010 to 2020. He also appeared in an episode of NCIS: Los Angeles during a crossover with Hawaii Five-0. Now, he takes on a completely new role in the NCIS universe.
Jennifer Beals Is the Female Lead
Jennifer Beals, known for her roles in Flashdance, The L Word, and The Book of Boba Fett, plays Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robyn Wells. She is the director of the NCIS New York field office and the boss of both Sam Hanna and Nick Schaeffer.
Her character is described as someone who “leads with her intuition and is widely respected by her team”. Beals expressed her excitement about the role on Instagram in July 2026, writing, “Pinching myself! My heart is filled with so much G R A T I T U D E”.
Jacqueline Byers as Addison “Addy” Ross
Jacqueline Byers plays NCIS Special Agent Addison “Addy” Ross. Her character is a “rock-solid, tough and resourceful agent with something to prove”.
Byers has previously appeared in CBS’s Salvation, AMC’s Dark Winds, and Showtime’s Roadies. She also starred in films like Forbidden Fruits and Shadow of God.
Shane Harper as Wyatt Hill
Shane Harper takes on the role of NCIS Special Agent Wyatt Hill. His character is “fearless, sharp, highly skilled in the field and a hopeless romantic”.
Harper is known for his work on Starz’s Power Book IV: Force, where he had a series regular role. He has also appeared in Hightown, A Teacher, Awkward, and Disney Channel’s Good Luck Charlie.
Devin Druid as Sean Sullivan
Devin Druid plays NCIS Tech Specialist Sean Sullivan. His character is “witty and brilliant but resistant to authority”.
Druid is best known for his role as Tyler Down on the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. He has also appeared in HBO’s Olive Kitteridge and FX’s Louie. This marks his return to TV as a series regular for the first time in six years.
What the Show Is About
The series follows legendary NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna as he returns to his hometown of New York City. He partners with a roguish agent, Nick Schaeffer, and helps lead a new team. Together, they handle high-stakes missions to protect one of the most important cities and ports in the world.
The show is produced by CBS Studios and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution. Byron Balasco serves as the showrunner, with executive producers including R. Scott Gemmill, Adam Davidson, Kyle Harimoto, Joe Wilson, LL Cool J, and Jason Barrett.
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Where and When to Watch
NCIS: New York airs on Tuesdays at 9/8c on CBS. The premiere date is set for October 6, 2026. The show will also be available to stream on Paramount+. For Paramount+ Premium subscribers, episodes will be available live and on demand. For Essential subscribers, episodes will be available on demand the day after they air.
The first season will consist of 20 episodes. Filming for the series began in July 2026 in New York City.
Also Read: CBS Sets Fall 2026 Premiere Dates for Marshals, Tracker, NCIS and More Returning Shows
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