CBS is shutting down one of its NCIS field offices. The network has canceled NCIS: Hawai’i after three seasons. The show’s season — and now series — finale is set to air May 6.
The series, which stars Vanessa Lachey and added former NCIS: Los Angeles star LL Cool J to its cast this season, will likely end up as the most watched show to be canceled this season — topping two other canceled CBS shows, CSI: Vegas and So Help Me Todd. NCIS: Hawai’i is averaging about 7.8 million viewers in Nielsen’s seven-day linear ratings this season, and it hits 10 million viewers over 35 days of cross-platform viewing.
Those numbers would make for easy renewals most anyplace else, but they put NCIS: Hawai’i only in the middle of the pack at CBS. The network will also introduce a new NCIS series in the 2024-25 season, a prequel subtitled Origins that follows a younger version of Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell). Flagship NCIS and the newest spinoff, NCIS: Sydney, are also set to return. (Paramount+ has also greenlit another NCIS-verse series that will see Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly reprise their roles from the original series.)
At three seasons and 54 episodes, NCIS: Hawai’i will have the shortest run of any series in the franchise so far (excluding the 1-year-old Sydney). The end of the show will also mean CBS won’t be filming a show in the state of Hawaii for the first time since 2010: NCIS: Hawai’i followed Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I. in the Aloha State.
NCIS: Hawai’i comes from CBS Studios and also stars Alex Tarrant, Noah Mills, Yasmine Al-Bustami, Jason Antoon, Tori Anderson and Kian Talan. Matt Bosack, Jan Nash, Christopher Silber and Larry Teng are the executive producers.
With the cancellation, CBS has now made decisions on all of its scripted series. Keep track of every network cancellation, renewal and new series order with THR’s broadcast scorecard.
Fans of NCIS: Hawai’i were hit with devastating news as CBS officially announced the cancellation of the beloved crime procedural after just three seasons. The decision has left many viewers heartbroken, with questions swirling about why the network decided to end the show. Let’s break down the real reasons behind the cancellation, the impact on the NCIS franchise, and what’s next for the cast and crew.
Why Did CBS Cancel ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’?
1. Declining Viewership Ratings
One of the main reasons behind the cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i is its slipping ratings. While the show had a strong start, its viewership gradually declined, making it less profitable for CBS to continue investing in the series.
2. Production Costs Were Too High
Filming in Hawaii comes with a hefty price tag. The beautiful tropical locations, combined with high production and operational costs, may have played a major role in CBS’s decision to pull the plug.
3. Shift in CBS Programming Strategy
Networks are constantly evolving their programming lineups to cater to audience preferences. CBS may have chosen to cancel NCIS: Hawai’i to make room for new projects or prioritize other NCIS spin-offs with higher ratings.
4. Franchise Fatigue?
The NCIS franchise has been around for over two decades, and some believe that audience interest in new spin-offs is starting to wane. With multiple NCIS shows already on the air, CBS may have seen NCIS: Hawai’i as the least essential.
How Fans Are Reacting to the Cancellation
1. Outrage on Social Media
Die-hard fans took to Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit to express their disappointment, with hashtags like #SaveNCISHawaii trending.
2. Petitions to Save the Show
Dedicated fans have started online petitions, hoping to convince CBS—or even another streaming service—to pick up the show for another season.
3. Cast and Crew’s Emotional Responses
Several cast members have shared heartfelt messages on social media, thanking fans for their support and expressing their sadness about the show’s end.
What Happens to the Cast After the Show Ends?
1. Vanessa Lachey’s Next Move
Vanessa Lachey, who played Special Agent Jane Tennant, has gained a loyal fanbase. Many are eager to see what projects she takes on next.
2. Will Other Cast Members Join Other NCIS Shows?
Some fans are speculating that certain NCIS: Hawai’i characters could transition to other NCIS spin-offs, similar to past crossovers within the franchise.
3. Potential Future Reboots?
There’s always a chance that, given enough demand, NCIS: Hawai’i could be revived or rebooted in the future, similar to how other TV series have made a comeback.
What This Means for the NCIS Franchise
1. The Strength of the Main Series
Despite the cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i, the original NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles (until its recent conclusion) have proven to be major successes.
2. The Future of Other Spin-offs
Will this affect other NCIS spin-offs like NCIS: Sydney? CBS may be reevaluating the entire franchise’s direction.
3. Is Another Spin-off in the Works?
With NCIS still a strong brand, CBS might already be planning another iteration in a different location.
Conclusion: Is This Really the End?
While NCIS: Hawai’i fans are heartbroken, the world of TV is unpredictable. The cancellation might not be the final chapter—revivals, spin-offs, or character crossovers could still happen in the future. For now, fans can only hope that CBS reconsiders or that another network picks up the show.
