Things We Expect to See in NCIS: NY Premiere Episode

Photo via sandrarose.com

SPOILER ALERT: This post reveals details from the NCIS: New York series premiere, including plot points and a guest-star appearance. If you'd rather watch it fresh, come back after you've seen the episode.

When Does NCIS: New York Premiere?

The new series debuts in October 2026, premiering Tuesday, October 6 at 9/8c on CBS as the middle chapter of a full night of NCIS programming — the flagship series launches its 24th season at 8 p.m., and NCIS: Origins returns for season 3 at 10 p.m. New episodes will air weekly on Tuesdays and stream on Paramount+, where Premium subscribers can watch live and on demand and Essential subscribers get each episode the day after it airs.

Sam Hanna Gets His Own Team

At the heart of the show is Sam Hanna, once again played by LL Cool J, who embodied the special agent for 14 seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles. This time, Sam heads home to New York City to take charge of a brand-new NCIS field office team. The premiere, titled "Pilot," turns personal right away: Sam's friend and Navy reservist Jack Halloway is found dead, and Sam gets Robyn Wells' permission to investigate the death himself. Wells pairs him with Nick Schaeffer, played by Scott Caan, and the fledgling team begins to come together around the case.

Meet the New York Cast

Alongside LL Cool J and Scott Caan, the ensemble includes Jennifer Beals and Devin Druid. The premiere also introduces fellow team members Robyn Wells, Wyatt Sellers, Addy Ross, and Sean Sullivan. It's a fresh lineup, but not a reboot — the series builds directly on Sam Hanna's established history and expands the existing NCIS universe into a new city.

A Surprise Crossover in the Very First Episode

Here's the most exciting part of the debut: Brian Dietzen guest-stars as Dr. Jimmy Palmer, giving NCIS: New York its first franchise crossover before a single episode has even aired. Palmer reunites with Sam Hanna, and the two share history from an earlier three-show crossover spanning NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and NCIS: Hawai'i, during which both characters were kidnapped alongside Vanessa Lachey's Jane Tennant. Dietzen has played Palmer since the flagship's first season and became a series regular in season 10 — this is his third spinoff appearance in the role, following NCIS: New Orleans and NCIS: Hawai'i. Showrunner Byron Balasco has said the door is open for more familiar franchise faces to stop by, so Palmer may just be the beginning.

Why New York Changes the Formula

The franchise has already taken viewers to Los Angeles, New Orleans, Hawai'i, Sydney, and back in time with Origins. New York offers something different: one of the world's busiest ports, major transportation hubs, a massive population, and endless institutions and neighborhoods for stories to grow out of. The city itself is being positioned as almost another character on the show, giving the writers a huge new playground while keeping the franchise's familiar mix of investigation, action, teamwork, and personal stakes that define its crime drama identity.

What Comes Next

The second episode, titled "Family Business" and airing October 13, follows stolen military explosives with deadly consequences. With a personal mystery driving the premiere, a beloved crossover character in episode one, and the promise of more familiar faces, NCIS: New York is launching with real momentum. The question now is whether Sam Hanna's new team can carve out its own identity — and if the premiere is any indication, fans have a lot to look forward to.

Why Does Hal Jordan Die in the Pilot Episode of 'Lanterns' on HBO Max?

 The following blog will discuss spoilers from the pilot episode of Lanterns on HBO Max.

Green Lantern; credit: DC Comics

9.3 million people viewed Lanterns during the first three days it was available on HBO Max, with 6.6 million of those viewers coming from the U.S. This is the biggest premiere for a DC Studios show on HBO Max. In this respect, it was a big deal.

Opinion: Pilot Episode of Lanterns was Lackluster

The pilot episode of Lanterns did not get off to a great start. The show has a gloomy and darker tone, and we don't see Hal Jordan get into his suit one time. Instead, we meet a kid who is in training from a young age to seek out Hal Jordan (to be his trainee) and a pessimistic and alcoholic Hal Jordan, who is jaded about the world. Hal Jordan's identity is revealed.

In my opinion, it's not a great start for one of Earth's greatest superheroes.

Spoilers coming...

The show fast-forwards to 2016, and the boy is now an adult John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre and he is now learning from Hal Jordan, who tests him in various ways. Most of the tests involve leaving the ring in plain sight to see what John Stewart will do. One of those times, John Stewart leaves the ring on the dashboard of a car and drives it off a cliff, leaving John to figure out how to survive in deadly situations.

Hal Jordan is Found Dead at the end of the Lanterns Pilot Episode

What's even crazier is that we find the titular hero (played by Kyle Chandler) dead by the end of the episode, with a gunshot to his head (see image below). 

Who killed Hal Jordan in Lanterns TV show on HBO Max?

Hal Jordan in pilot episode of Lanterns on HBO Max

What Happens in the Pilot Episode

In the pilot episode, Hal Jordan goes to investigate murders at a football game and suspects that aliens were murdered because there is no one making a fuss. Hal and John investigate. Hal gets to interrogate one of the aliens and postulates that since he has no clue who Harry Potter is, he must be an alien. The alien is only able to recite facts about events in sports and history, but has no real knowledge of pop culture.

Therefore, he must be an alien!

Meanwhile, Hal and John are invited to a cookout at the sheriff's home, and her husband reveals that he is aware that John had slept with his wife. 

The episode finally ends in 2026, where the sheriff and John go back to the football bleachers to find Hal with a gunshot to his head.

What a way to end the episode with a bang.

The action was not spectacular in this pilot episode, and I wasn't very impressed.

The placement of a dead Hal Jordan 10 years into the future suggests that he upset a powerful alien, or that he died at the hands of someone connected to the alien he questions earlier in the episode.

What did you think of the pilot episode?

Why Chef Katsuji Tanabe Abruptly Left the NBC Cooking Show 'Yes, Chef!'

What Happened to Chef Katsuji in Yes, Chef?

Chef Katsuji Tanabe abruptly exited NBC's cooking competition Yes, Chef! midway through episode five, vanishing from the kitchen after only a few minutes on screen. The hosts acknowledged his sudden departure during the episode, and later reports indicated that the decision to leave was his own. The rest of this post walks through his polarizing run on the show and exactly how his exit played out.

Many viewers of the show, Yes, Chef!, airing on NBC want to know why Chef Katsuji Tanabe was seen at the beginning of episode 5, "Chefs Rank," for about 3 minutes and 30 seconds, and then in the next scene you hear Peter say, "and  then there were eight." This post will tell you why he left abruptly mid-episode.

Chef Katsuji on Yes, Chef! (credit: NBC)

Background: Chef Katsuji's Polarizing Run on the Show

Was Chef Katsuji a Villain in the NBC Show, 'Yes, Chef?'

Chef Katsuji Tanabe on NBC's cooking competition Yes, Chef! was very much a polarizing character to the point of doing selfish things that made him a reality show villain. He frequently labeled himself as the "best chef in the kitchen" several times in the 4 complete episodes he was in, but something happened to him at the beginning of episode 5, titled "Chefs Rank."

Episode-by-Episode Breakdown

Play-by-Play of What Happened to Chef Katsuji By Episode

This was very unexpected, because in many ways Chef Katsuji was very much the villain at times, such as the infamous episode where he takes all of the eggs during episode 3, "What's in the Box?" where Chef Katsuji is given the hardest task of making spheres via "Spherification," and fails miserably at the task, despite ten style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: 19px;">José Andrés that he can play around with it and essentially figure it out, but he is unable to achieve the task. Lee successfully wins the Spherification challenge, and gains admiration from Chef José Andrés for this win.

*Spherification is a culinary process that involves using sodium alginate to form liquid into spheres.

At the end of the episode 3, Chef Katsuji maintains that he is playing the game by taking all of the eggs, while other chefs desperately need eggs to make their dish, but the move was purely out of gameplay to keep others from using the eggs in a pure villainous move.

In episode 4, Peter was in charge, but could not cook, and Chef Katsuji was placed on Peter's team with Christopher. Chef Katsuji was clearly annoyed that neither of his dishes was selected by Peter, but their team still won the challenge thanks to Christopher's skilled dishes, elevating first a hot dog and then nachos.

Chef Peter, Christopher, and Katsuji in Yes, Chef! episode 4 (credit: NBC)

The Abrupt Exit in Episode 5

Chef Katsuji is Seen at the Beginning of Episode 5, Chefs Rank

He was seen with the group at the beginning of episode 5 as they listened to co-host José Andrés, but this scene is cut about 3 minutes and 30 seconds in, and when the competition resumes, Chef Katsuji is no longer in the competition. He was last seen in episode 5 patting Peter on the shoulder, considering that Peter had the guts to not put out either of Katsuji's dishes in the challenge the just took place in episode 4.

At the 4:40 into the episode José Andrés says, "We are starting with one less chef than expected, and that "Chef Katsuji had to leave the competition."

Distractify reported that "Martha Stewart said that Katsuji decided to self eliminate."

Did you notice that Chef Katsuji disappeared in episode 5 of 'Yes, Chef'?

UPDATE (October 2026)

In March 2026, NBC canceled Yes, Chef! after a single season, as reported by Deadline; the Martha Stewart and José Andrés-hosted competition had premiered in April 2025. 

Chef Katsuji Tanabe has stayed busy in the restaurant world: he co-owns KatSushi Bar, a sushi concept at Boxyard RTP in Durham, North Carolina, which opened in August 2026 according to the News & Observer and Axios. 

Earlier in 2026, Atlanta News First and the Atlanta Business Chronicle reported that Tanabe was opening three dining concepts — High Horse, Big Shots, and AJ's Pizzeria — at You42 Studios in Roswell, Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Chef Katsuji in Yes, Chef?

Chef Katsuji Tanabe was visible at the beginning of episode five, "Chefs Rank," for about three minutes and thirty seconds before disappearing mid-episode; the next scene opens with Peter saying, "and then there were eight." At 4:40 into the episode, José Andrés tells the remaining chefs, "We are starting with one less chef than expected," and announces that Chef Katsuji had to leave the competition. He was last seen patting Peter on the shoulder.

Why did Chef Katsuji leave Yes, Chef?

According to the post, the decision to leave was his own: José Andrés announced on air that "Chef Katsuji had to leave the competition," and Martha Stewart said, as reported by Distractify, that Katsuji decided to self-eliminate. The post gives no other official reason beyond his choice to walk away.

Where is Chef Katsuji now?

As of the post's October 2026 update, Chef Katsuji Tanabe has stayed busy in the restaurant world: he co-owns KatSushi Bar, a sushi concept at Boxyard RTP in Durham, North Carolina, which opened in August 2026. Earlier in 2026, he was also opening three dining concepts — High Horse, Big Shots, and AJ's Pizzeria — at You42 Studios in Roswell, Georgia.

Related: Katsuji's Yes, Chef! Exit Wasn't the First: 6 Food Network Stars Who Left Abruptly

How Does Joel Die in The Last of Us, Season 2, Episode 2?

Not everyone was happy with what happened in the second episode of Season 2 of The Last of Us, titled "Through the Valley." The fan favorite character, Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) has a run-in with the Fireflies and doesn't survive. Find out what happens to Joel in this heart-wrenching episode. (Caution: There are spoilers ahead about what happens to Joel.)

Joel played by Pedro Pascal in The Last of Us

Fans of Joel in The Last of Us were probably saddened by what happened in episode two of Season 2,  titled "Through the Valley."

Those familiar with the video games know that Joel dies in the game, and could probably surmise that the same would happen to him in the show, but fans of the game know that Joel was a fighter, and would not go down without a fight. That is why some fans are not happy with his ending in the Season 2 episode 2.

Spoilers about what happens in the episode are ahead.

The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2: Through the Valley

Why does Joel die in The Last of Us, Season 2, episode 2?

This episode had a group of outsiders known as "the fireflies" watching the Jackson Hole community, plotting a way to find Joel. The leader of this group is Abby, who has a reason why she wants to find Joel -- he murdered her father, and she wants revenge. 

Joel and Dina are on horseback on patrol, while Ellie and Jesse are inside a former 7 Eleven gas station that contains dried-up marijuana plants.

Joel helps save Abby as she is being chased down by infected, and she brings Joel back to her camp, where he is tortured. Abby reveals to Joel that the fireflies have a code not to kill those who are not able to defend themselves, but she reveals to Joel that he killed her father in cold blood. Her rage takes over, and she shoots Joel in the leg. One of the fireflies applies a tourniquet to Joe's leg, and Abby continues to torture Joel.

Joel does not attempt to fight back as he has nowhere to go, surrounded by the fireflies.

Ellie watches the final moments when Abby stabs Joel with a golf club, and he dies. Ellie is devastated and promises to kill her.

Jesse, Dina and Ellie Return back to Jackson Hole

Afterwards, Jesse, Dina, and Ellie ride back on horseback to their community, with the body of Joel being dragged behind them. 

Jesse, Dina & Ellie ride back with Joe's body

While they were away, Joel's brother Tommy was in charge of protecting the town. He had to go one-on-one with a large bloater (seen below) and his flamethrower pack almost overheated. 

Tommy is fighting a bloater in The Last of Us

As this episode ends, it is clear that the character dynamic is changing with the departure of Joel. That is not to say that there won't be flashbacks of Joel, but it will certainly be different as Joel was a father-type of figure for Ellie as she is going through her own rebellious phase.

Ellie and Joel on a car ride in The Last of Us

The Last of Us Season 2 airs new episodes on HBO or on the Max streaming app on Sunday nights.

Duck Dynasty Season 2 Christmas Episode

Santa Willie and Elf Si with Elf ears in Duck Dynasty Christmas episode

DuckDynasty’s Season 2 special Christmas episode (#28) first aired on Wednesday (12/05/12). This episode is titled: "I'm Dreaming of a Redneck Christmas"

Spoilers ahead.

Hey! Uncle Si is an elf, not a mind reader!

Here are the highlights from this episode:

Crazy Uncle Si (pronounced “Cy”) was talked into dressing up like one of Santa’s elves. He was hesitant at first, but finally gave in. This included wearing green pointy shoes, and pointy ears. Si said he didn't mind dressing up like Spock from Star Wars and destroying the Death Star. Plus, he said he was good at doing the Volkswagon Death Grip, and gave his version of the Live Long and Prosper hand sign from Star Trek.

Uncle Si with Christmas tinsel

Jase Robertson explaining he is into the true meaning of Christmas

Jase Robertson says he is into the true meaning of Christmas, best stated with the three F's: Faith, Family, and Facial hair. Jase further explains that he doesn't understand about all of the work that is put into decorating for Christmas.

Uncle Si admits that he is lazy and that Jase is just making excuses

Si indicates that the last time he dress up was in a sheep outfit, while in rice patties during the Vietnam War. He said he only dresses up when it is something he wants to wear. But Si eventually gives in to wearing the Elf outfit.

Willie, CEO of Duck Commander, gave Si orders to bring the gifts for the kids. Uncle Si went to the Duck Commander Warehouse, and loaded a black garbage back with office supplies.

Santa Willie giving office supplies (tape dispenser) to kids

Then when Santa Willie reached in the gift back for a toy, he first pulled out a duck call. He then pulled out a tape roller, a dust pan, a sleeve of cups, and a printer cartridge. The kids were less than impressed. They didn’t want their “Christmas toys.” Santa Willie finally ended up giving the last child a $20 dollar bill, and Uncle Si was in shock, because he didn't feel that the kids deserved it.

Santa Willie and Uncle Si elf giving a sleeve of cups to a little boy

Uncle Si wearing Elf costume saying that kids are "spoiled rotten"

Willie in Santa costume giving little girl $20

Willie said that Uncle Si was like out of a horror movie because he was scaring the kids. Uncle Si said they deserved to be on the naughty list. He said that kids would tape up two items anyway and make a home-made toy out of non-toy items. He then attempted to give a ball of twine to a kid. The child just looked quizzically at Santa Willie and Elf Si because he didn’t know what to do with it.

Meanwhile, COO Jase Robertson and the other Duck Commander workers were asked to hang Christmas lights from the elder Robertson house, in exchange for some homemade Sweet Potato Pies. They wind up breaking many sets of lights because Jase “can’t catch” on the roof.

They are later instructed by Miss Kay (“Momma”) Robertson to lose the extension cord dangling from the roof. This means they have to re-do their lighting job, which takes far longer to do than the original job. After this is completed, Miss Kay says that she wanted “all” of the lights hung, and pointed the boys to the storage shed with boxes upon boxes of more Christmas lights. She retorts that the boys wouldn’t want “half a pie, would they?” insinuating that they only did half of a job, and half of a sweet potato pie would be the equivalent compensation of their work.

Miss Kay also reminds her husband, Phil Robertson – the patriarch of the family – that he needs to cut her down a Christmas tree. After searching high and low on the Robertson land, Miss Kay does not find anything suitable to bring home. She then tells Phil they need to go to a Christmas tree farm. Phil is not fond of buying anything that he can get from his own land, but agrees to buy a “Yuppie tree” to satisfy Miss Kay. They get to the Christmas tree farm and Miss Kay ruminates on the right tree for a while. Phil sits down on the ground. Miss Kay finally settles on the perfect one, and Phil slices it down with a chainsaw. 

They get home with the tree and it is touching the ceiling, so Phil makes a last minute adjustment to the base of the tree trunk with his chainsaw – in the living room.

Miss Kay hinted to Phil that the tree needed decorating. He was happy with the tree being au natural. Then CEO Willie Robertson started stringing lights in a sloppy manner on the tree. The women of the family did not approve, so they took over, decorating the tree with the children.

Willie then said that it wasn’t important how good the tree looked, as much as it was creating memories with the family at Christmas.

Uncle Si pouring himself a cup of sweet tea in elf costume

This episode was full of transition shots that included: Christmas lights breaking, crushed peppermint sprinkled into a bearded mouth, Elf Si pouring himself a glass of tea, Christmas ornaments breaking on the ground, and other Christmas-themed slow motion shots. Very cool.

Uncle Si quote about his ninja skills

Duck Dynasty has aired news episodes on Wednesday nights, and has broken cable television records for viewers watching. This includes beating out shows like “American Horror Story” on FX, “Chicago Fire” on NBC, and “Nashville” on ABC.

Uncle Si wearing his elf ears in Christmas episode

More posts on Duck Dynasty:
Read Duck Dynasty Returns for Season 4 With Vow Renewal Ceremony
Read Duck Commander Phil Robertson is Speaker at SoCal Harvest 2013