'NCIS: Los Angeles' Adds Nia Long as Series Regular

08/31/2017 04:03 pm EDT

NCIS: Los Angeles is adding some serious firepower to is upcoming ninth season.

Veteran actress Nia Long has officially joined the CBS series as a series regular, and she will first appear in this September's season premiere.

More: NCIS Adds Maria Bello to Season 15 Cast

According to TVLine, Long will play a character named Shay Mosely, who is a former Secret Service agent. Now in L.A., Mosely will serve as the team's new executive assistant director.

The character is an experienced Washington Insider who will bring a bit of her East Coast flair to the Southern California team.

Up Next: Every Fall TV Premiere Date

NCIS: LA executive producer R. Scott Gemmill said, "The character was created specifically for Nia to capitalize on her strengths and personality."

"We are excited about the new opportunities and dynamics she brings to the show," he added.

Nia Long is a veteran of both film and television, having appeared in a number of memorable roles on each medium. Long became widely known for a stint on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and for a key role in Friday, opposite Ice Cube and Chris Tucker.

Recently, Long has appeared in shows like Hand of God, Dear White People and Empire.

NCIS: Los Angeles will premiere on Sunday, October 1 at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Disclosure: PopCulture. is owned by Paramount. Sign up for Paramount+ by clicking here.