By Published Apr 17, 2026, 8:17 AM EDT
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The franchise is expanding in New York, but before it even premieres, the new series is already hampered by a major plot hole. 23 years later, the franchise created by Donald Bellisario and Don McGill continues to be an important player on network TV. Following a tricky last few years, the has been mostly positive for the flagship, as it seems to finally finding itself again after a period of narrative crisis.
Aside from the mothership, the bigger has also undergone many changes in recent memory. Spinoffs continue to be ordered, but instead of the traditional approach, CBS has become more creative with shows like NCIS: Sydney, NCIS: Origins, and NCIS: Tony & Ziva. For next fall, however, the network is going back to basics with its strategy of expanding the franchise by launching NCIS: New York, which will mark the official return of LL Cool J's Sam Hanna. It hasn't even premiered yet, but it already has a crippling plot hole that could derail its success.
Scott Caan Returns To The NCIS Universe But As A Different Character
As Sam embarks on a new journey as he comes back to his hometown, NCIS: New York awards him with a fresh partner — an unnamed character played by Scott Caan. So far, he and LL Cool J are the only cast members confirmed for the project, but as with every installment in the universe, expect that they will be joined by more actors to round out the ensemble. That said, it's safe to say that the primary dynamic will be between the aforementioned lead stars. This creates a continuity issue, as Caan has already been a prominent part of the NCIS universe before, playing Danny Williams in Hawaii Five-0.
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In 2010, just a year after NCIS: Los Angeles premiered on CBS, the network debuted Hawaii Five-0. While not a traditional spinoff in the franchise, it has been confirmed that it's part of the same reality through a joint task with Office of Special Projects (OSP) via a crossover event. The two-part special event released in 2012 titled "Touch of Death" even had Sam and Danny work together. Having Caan play a different character in NCIS: New York breaks canon. What's more interesting is that his new character being described as a "roguish special agent" is reminiscent of his Hawaii Five-0 character.
Why Caan Playing A New Character In The NCIS Universe Is Particularly Problematic
Admittedly, Caan isn't the first actor to play different roles in the NCIS universe. Sean Murray portrayed Danny Walden and Ensign Terry Guitry in JAG before officially joining — now the longest-serving actor in the franchise. Katrina Law was also in Hawaii Five-0 playing Sergeant Quinn Liu in season 10. There are other instances like this in the universe's over 20-year history. The main difference, however, between these and Caan is the discrepancy in character prominence.
This is the first time that an actor will play two different lead characters in the NCIS universe. In Hawaii Five-0, Danny was paired with Steve McGarrett, and together, they were the central characters of the show despite also being an ensemble. As Caan moves to NCIS: New York with a fresh character, he will once again be front and center in the series opposite LL Cool J's Sam Hanna. Viewers who loved him in Hawaii Five-0 might have a difficult time connecting with him in the upcoming spinoff, which will be detrimental to its success. It will be interesting to see how CBS handles this issue, if they even do at all.
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