NCIS Shocker Fan Favorite Returns — Hetty Mystery Finally Solved?

NCIS Brings Back Sam Hanna—And May Finally Reveal What Happened to Hetty Lange

The NCIS franchise has slimmed down in recent years, with NCIS: Los Angeles concluding and NCIS: Hawaii unexpectedly canceled in 2024. While fans have seen crossovers—most notably a 2023 event that united characters across the franchise—there’s still one lingering mystery: the fate of Hetty Lange.

Now, a familiar face is returning. LL Cool J is reprising his role as Sam Hanna, this time on the flagship NCIS series.

When Is Sam Hanna Returning?

According to TVLine and LL Cool J’s own Instagram post, Sam Hanna will appear in NCIS Season 22, Episode 18, airing Monday, April 21. Plot details are under wraps, but Hanna is expected to assist on a high-stakes case, bringing his signature style and experience.

Fans are especially eager to see if this episode will resolve the cliffhanger from NCIS: Hawaii, where Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) confronted a dangerous figure from her past. But perhaps the bigger question surrounds another long-missing character.

The Fate of Hetty Lange

Linda Hunt’s beloved Hetty Lange has been mostly absent from NCIS: Los Angeles since the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the actress’s health concerns. In the LA series finale, a storyline teased that Callen and Hanna were preparing to search for her overseas—but the mission was never shown, and Hetty’s fate remained unclear.

Now that Hanna is reentering the fold, this guest appearance might finally offer an update. Even if Linda Hunt doesn’t appear on screen, fans are hoping for some long-overdue answers about where Hetty is—and whether she’s safe.

With NCIS continuing to honor its rich shared universe, this return could help tie up one of the franchise’s most enduring storylines. Could closure for Hetty Lange finally be on the horizon?