CBS turned Tuesday into an all-NCIS night, debuting its newest spinoff NCIS: New York between the Season 24 premiere of the flagship NCIS and the Season 3 premiere of NCIS: Origins on October 6, 2026. The launch expands one of television's longest-running crime franchises with a new East Coast outpost for its team of federal agents.
A familiar face leads a new team
The centerpiece of the new series is LL Cool J, who officially rejoins the NCIS universe as Special Agent Sam Hanna, a role he has played for close to two decades since his days on NCIS: Los Angeles. He told PEOPLE at the premiere that he is still finding new layers to the character, calling the experience familiar in one sense and full of surprises in another.
He is paired with Scott Caan as new partner Nick Schaeffer. The pilot follows Sam back to his hometown of New York City, where the pair investigates the death of his friend, Navy reservist Jack Halloway. Showrunner Byron Balasco said the first case needed a personal connection to the character, describing it as a hero returning home to make things right.
The premiere also featured a familiar face for longtime viewers, with Brian Dietzen guest starring as Dr. Jimmy Palmer. Jennifer Beals, Devin Druid and Sean Sullivan round out the principal cast.
Release schedule and where to watch
NCIS: New York airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS and streams on Paramount+, with NCIS at 8 p.m. and NCIS: Origins at 10 p.m. completing the three-hour block. Deadline reported in April 2026 that the spinoff received a 20-episode order, though CBS has not formally confirmed that number. Confirmed upcoming episodes include "Family Business" on October 13 and "Carousel" on October 20.
For CBS, the gamble is that a grittier New York entry can stand apart from its siblings while the franchise leans on the 24-season mothership as its anchor. If the pairing delivers, Tuesday nights will remain the network's strongest procedural territory for another season.
Sources: PEOPLE: 'NCIS: New York' Release Schedule
A familiar face leads a new team
The centerpiece of the new series is LL Cool J, who officially rejoins the NCIS universe as Special Agent Sam Hanna, a role he has played for close to two decades since his days on NCIS: Los Angeles. He told PEOPLE at the premiere that he is still finding new layers to the character, calling the experience familiar in one sense and full of surprises in another.
He is paired with Scott Caan as new partner Nick Schaeffer. The pilot follows Sam back to his hometown of New York City, where the pair investigates the death of his friend, Navy reservist Jack Halloway. Showrunner Byron Balasco said the first case needed a personal connection to the character, describing it as a hero returning home to make things right.
The premiere also featured a familiar face for longtime viewers, with Brian Dietzen guest starring as Dr. Jimmy Palmer. Jennifer Beals, Devin Druid and Sean Sullivan round out the principal cast.
Release schedule and where to watch
NCIS: New York airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS and streams on Paramount+, with NCIS at 8 p.m. and NCIS: Origins at 10 p.m. completing the three-hour block. Deadline reported in April 2026 that the spinoff received a 20-episode order, though CBS has not formally confirmed that number. Confirmed upcoming episodes include "Family Business" on October 13 and "Carousel" on October 20.
For CBS, the gamble is that a grittier New York entry can stand apart from its siblings while the franchise leans on the 24-season mothership as its anchor. If the pairing delivers, Tuesday nights will remain the network's strongest procedural territory for another season.
Sources: PEOPLE: 'NCIS: New York' Release Schedule
