LL Cool J's fan club just got a lot bigger -- by about 18 million people.

That's how many viewers tuned into last week's series premiere of 'NCIS: Los Angeles.' The spin-off of 'NCIS' looks on track to be one of fall's hit freshman shows. Of course, the spotlight of success brings pressure, too.

"It represents a big challenge, because the original was so loved," the rapper/actor said when he stopped by AOL recently. "[But] I'd rather have this problem than the problem of coming out with a show that no one ever heard of and none of this pressure."

LL Cool J's fan club just got a lot bigger -- by about 18 million people.

That's how many viewers tuned into last week's series premiere of 'NCIS: Los Angeles.' The spin-off of 'NCIS' looks on track to be one of fall's hit freshman shows. Of course, the spotlight of success brings pressure, too.

"It represents a big challenge, because the original was so loved," the rapper/actor said when he stopped by AOL recently. "[But] I'd rather have this problem than the problem of coming out with a show that no one ever heard of and none of this pressure."

Considering what a ratings blockbuster 'NCIS' has become, they're not attempting to overhaul its winning formula.

"It still has the same wit, the same banter," he said. "Just add a little more technology, a little more action. And Chris [O'Donnell] and I have a buddy thing we do as well."

And, he promises, "there'll be a lot of crossovers" with the original series cast.

Watch our complete interview with LL Cool J for more scoop on 'NCIS: Los Angeles.'