‘NCIS: New York’ Is Already Planning Its First Crossover — Jimmy Palmer Is Coming to Town

NCIS: New York hasn't even premiered yet, and the newest member of the NCIS family is already welcoming a familiar face.

Brian Dietzen will guest-star on the upcoming CBS series, reprising his longtime role as Dr. Jimmy Palmer from NCIS. Showrunner Byron Balasco confirmed the crossover during CBS' virtual press day, revealing that Jimmy will appear early in the new show's run.

Dietzen has been part of the NCIS universe for more than two decades, first appearing as Jimmy during the original series' first season before eventually becoming a series regular. His trip to New York also won't be his first time jumping between shows in the franchise, with Jimmy previously appearing on both NCIS: New Orleans and NCIS: Hawai'i. More importantly, Jimmy already has some history with the man at the center of the newest spinoff.

Jimmy Palmer and Sam Hanna Meet Again

NCIS: New York brings LL COOL J back as Sam Hanna, the character he originated on NCIS: Los Angeles before later appearing on NCIS: Hawai'i and the original NCIS. Jimmy and Sam have previously shared the screen, including the franchise's three-show crossover that memorably ended with Jimmy, Sam and Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) getting kidnapped together.

Thankfully, we're hoping Jimmy's next visit with Sam involves slightly less kidnapping. The circumstances surrounding Jimmy's New York appearance haven't been revealed, but his arrival is apparently only the beginning when it comes to connections with the larger franchise. Balasco said the new series is designed to stand on its own while still embracing the family dynamic that has long connected the different NCIS shows.

That means viewers should expect additional familiar faces to make their way to New York as the series continues.

LL COOL J has also revealed that Sam remains in contact with his longtime NCIS: Los Angeles partner G. Callen, played by Chris O'Donnell. While that doesn't confirm a Callen appearance, it does establish that those relationships haven't disappeared just because Sam has moved across the country.

A New Team for Sam Hanna

The new series finds Sam returning to his hometown of New York City and joining its NCIS field office. He partners with Nick Schaeffer (Scott Caan) while helping lead a new team tasked with handling high-stakes cases involving one of the country's most important cities and ports.

Jennifer Beals stars as Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robyn Wells, with Jacqueline Byers as Addy Ross, Shane Harper as Wyatt Sellers and Devin Druid as tech specialist Sean Sullivan.

Jimmy's appearance gives longtime fans an immediate bridge between Sam's new chapter and the wider NCIS universe, but it sounds like CBS has no intention of stopping with him. With more familiar faces being teased and Sam's connection with Callen still very much alive, the door to the franchise is apparently wide open.

NCIS: New York premieres Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and streams on Paramount+.