NCIS is bringing back a major fan-favorite — and it could finally reveal what really happened to Hetty Lange.
The NCIS universe has gotten smaller in recent years following the end of NCIS: Los Angeles and the unexpected 2024 cancellation of NCIS: Hawaii. After a 2023 crossover reunited characters from across the franchise, another familiar face is now returning — Sam Hanna.
Sam Hanna Returns to NCIS
LL Cool J will reprise his role as Sam Hanna in NCIS Season 22, Episode 18, airing April 21.
Details about the episode are still under wraps, but Sam is expected to assist the team on a case, bringing his signature style back to the flagship series.
His return also raises questions about the unresolved storyline from NCIS: Hawaii, where Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) faced off with a dangerous former mentor in a tense cliffhanger.
Could We Finally Learn Hetty’s Fate?
The biggest mystery fans still want answered involves Hetty Lange, played by Linda Hunt.
Hetty was mostly absent during the final seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles due to health concerns during the pandemic. In the series finale, G. Callen and Sam Hanna prepared to travel overseas on a mission to rescue her — but the show ended before viewers saw what happened.
With Sam Hanna now appearing on NCIS, the franchise finally has the perfect chance to reveal where Hetty is and what became of that mission. Even if Hunt doesn’t appear on screen, a simple update could finally give longtime fans the closure they’ve been waiting for.