NCIS’s New York Spinoff W/ Franchise Legend Has A Plot Hole Already Derailing Its Success

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The popular NCIS universe is growing with a new show set in New York, but it’s facing a storyline issue even before it begins. Created by Donald Bellisario and Don McGill over two decades ago, the NCIS franchise remains a significant force on television. After some challenging years, the original series appears to be regaining its footing and finding success again as it heads into the 2025-2026 season.

As a big NCIS fan, it’s been wild to see how much the whole franchise has changed lately! They’ve been ordering spinoffs left and right, and CBS has been trying some interesting new things with shows like NCIS: Sydney, NCIS: Origins, and bringing back Tony and Ziva. But next fall, they’re going back to what feels like the classic NCIS formula with NCIS: New York, and I’m so excited LL Cool J is returning as Sam Hanna! It’s a shame though, because even before it’s aired, people are already pointing out a pretty major plot hole that could really hurt the show.

Scott Caan Returns To The NCIS Universe But As A Different Character

When Sam returns to his roots in a new installment of the NCIS franchise, NCIS: New York, he’ll be paired with a new partner played by Scott Caan. Currently, Sam and LL Cool J are the only confirmed cast members, but more actors will likely join them as the show develops. The main focus will be the relationship between these two leads. However, Caan’s previous role as Danny Williams in Hawaii Five-0—another NCIS universe show—creates a bit of a continuity puzzle.

Following the premiere of NCIS: Los Angeles in 2010, CBS introduced Hawaii Five-0 the following year. Although not a direct spin-off, a crossover event confirmed that the two shows exist within the same universe, featuring a joint operation with the Office of Special Projects. In a 2012 two-part episode called “Touch of Death,” characters from both shows—Sam and Danny—even teamed up. However, casting Scott Caan in NCIS: New York creates a continuity error. Interestingly, his new character is described as a charming, unconventional agent, similar to his role in Hawaii Five-0.

Why Caan Playing A New Character In The NCIS Universe Is Particularly Problematic

It’s true that James Caan isn’t the only actor to appear in multiple shows within the NCIS franchise. Sean Murray, for example, played different characters in JAG before becoming Timothy McGee – he’s now been with the series the longest. Katrina Law also appeared in Hawaii Five-0. Over the past 20+ years, this kind of crossover has happened a few times. However, the key difference with Caan is that his previous and current characters have very different levels of importance.

This is a first for the NCIS franchise: an actor taking on two completely different leading roles. Previously, Joe Caan played a key character alongside Steve McGarrett in Hawaii Five-0, and the two formed the heart of the show. Now, as Caan joins NCIS: New York with a new character, he’ll again be a central figure, this time opposite LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna. However, fans who enjoyed his previous role might struggle to accept him in this new part, which could hurt the spinoff’s chances of success. It remains to be seen how CBS will address this potential challenge, if they address it at all.

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2026-04-17 15:18