The expanding military drama franchise is adding a familiar face right out of the gate. CBS has confirmed that Dr. Jimmy Palmer, played by longtime cast member Brian Dietzen, will make a guest appearance on the upcoming series debut of NCIS: New York on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Unlike other recent franchise offshoots that remained isolated from the original show, the Manhattan-based spinoff is intentionally bridging the gap with the flagship series early on. Showrunner Byron Balasco announced the guest spot during CBS’s virtual press day, noting that the production wants to honor the broader universe while letting the new drama stand on its own.
A Reunion for Sam Hanna and Jimmy Palmer
The crossover brings together two characters who share an established history. NCIS: New York stars LL Cool J reprising his role as legendary NCIS Agent Sam Hanna, alongside Scott Caan as Special Agent Nick Schaeffer. Hanna returns to his hometown to help lead a New York field office team defending vital urban ports.
Jimmy Palmer and Sam Hanna previously crossed paths during major multi-show crossover events, most notably sharing screen time when they were kidnapped alongside Jane Tennant, played by Vanessa Lachey. While the circumstances of Jimmy’s trip to Manhattan are being kept under wraps, showrunners promise fans will not have to wait long to see the characters interact again.
More Familiar Faces Expected in Manhattan
Balasco hinted that Dietzen’s appearance is only the beginning when it comes to connecting the new show with the wider franchise lore. Executive producers emphasize that the core DNA of the franchise relies on a sense of family.
“So much of the DNA of this show was family, and we’re all in the same universe, so you can absolutely expect to see some familiar faces coming over to hang out with us for a while,” Balasco said during the press panel.
Cast and Premiere Details
Alongside LL Cool J and Scott Caan, the main cast of NCIS: New York features:
- Jennifer Beals as Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robyn Wells
- Jacqueline Byers as Special Agent Addy Ross
- Shane Harper as Wyatt Sellers
- Devin Druid as tech specialist Sean Sullivan
The series premiere of NCIS: New York airs on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 9 p.m. Eastern on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+.
