When NCIS: New York was announced, it was clear that this spin-off would be a homecoming in more ways than one. Not only does it bring back fan-favorite agent Sam Hanna, but it also returns LL COOL J to the city where he became a hip-hop legend. The first two episodes leaned heavily into that Big Apple energy, with the premiere even closing on Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind." But Hanna's return hasn't been all celebration—his investigation into a friend's death pulled him away from his covert ops life and into the local NCIS fold. Now, in Episode 4, he's about to get properly reacquainted with his roots.
Titled "Homecoming," the episode follows the team as they hunt a sniper responsible for a deadly armored truck robbery near the Naval Corps Credit Union. The clues point to a group of veterans who've slipped through the cracks—people with the exact skills needed to pull off such a brazen heist. The trail leads Sam and his new partner, Nick Torres (Scott Caan), straight to Sam's old neighborhood in Queens. It's a trip down memory lane that promises to reveal more about both agents' upbringings in the city that never sleeps.
Collider has scored three exclusive images from the episode that capture Sam and Nick as they walk the streets of Sam's former stomping grounds. The first shot shows the duo on a residential sidewalk, passing by parked cars and trash bags set out for pickup—a lived-in, authentic feel that grounds the scene. The second image takes us inside a local business, where Sam sits down for a drink with a friend played by guest star Malik Yoba, known for his roles in New York Undercover and Cop Land. The scene unfolds at the real-life Nettie's Restaurant in Queens Village, a community staple that adds even more genuine New York flavor to the spin-off.
These glimpses suggest that "Homecoming" will be as much about character as it is about casework. Sam and Nick are still getting to know each other, and what better way to bond than a walk through the old neighborhood? Expect some heartfelt moments and maybe a few surprises as Sam reconnects with people and places from his past.
NCIS: New York has already made a strong impression with viewers. The series premiere drew 5.62 million viewers on October 6, a 52% jump from what NCIS: Origins Season 2 averaged in the same time slot last year. The entire NCIS franchise is riding high—the flagship series kicked off its 24th season with 6.45 million viewers, welcoming back Michael Weatherly, while NCIS: Origins Season 3 pulled in 4.39 million with Mark Harmon's return. The new spin-off is clearly tapping into something audiences want.
Beyond LL COOL J and Scott Caan, the cast includes Jennifer Beals, Jacqueline Byers, Devin Druid, and Shane Harper, rounding out a team that's quickly becoming the freshest law enforcement squad on TV. If you're a fan of the franchise or just love a good New York-set procedural, this is one episode you won't want to miss.
Episode 4 of NCIS: New York airs October 27 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Check out our exclusive images above to get a sneak peek at Sam's homecoming.
