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.
CBS has officially canceled NCIS: Hawai’i after three seasons, leaving fans shocked and disappointed. The decision comes as a surprise, especially given the show’s dedicated fanbase and its connection to the long-running NCIS franchise. So, what led to this abrupt cancellation? Let’s dive into the reasons behind CBS’s decision and explore what’s next for the cast and crew.
A Brief Overview of ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’
NCIS: Hawai’i debuted in September 2021 as the fourth series in the NCIS universe. Starring Vanessa Lachey as Special Agent Jane Tennant, the show brought a fresh perspective with its stunning Hawaiian backdrop and compelling storylines.
Why Did CBS Cancel ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’?
1. Ratings Decline
Despite a strong start, NCIS: Hawai’i saw a gradual dip in viewership. CBS prioritizes shows with consistently high ratings, and unfortunately, the numbers didn’t meet expectations.
2. High Production Costs
Filming in Hawaii is expensive, and the show’s budget likely played a role in the decision. When costs outweigh profitability, networks often pull the plug.
3. Network Restructuring
CBS has been making major programming changes, canceling several shows to make room for new content. NCIS: Hawai’i might have been a casualty of this shift.
4. Competition from Other Shows
With the rise of streaming platforms and a surge in high-quality crime dramas, NCIS: Hawai’i faced tough competition, which may have contributed to lower ratings.
5. Storyline Limitations
While NCIS: Hawai’i had a unique setting, some fans felt the storylines became repetitive, making it harder to keep audiences engaged.
Fan Reactions to the Cancellation
The announcement sparked an outpouring of emotions on social media. Many fans expressed their frustration, calling on CBS to reconsider. Hashtags like #SaveNCISHawaii began trending, showcasing just how much viewers loved the show.
What’s Next for the Cast?
Vanessa Lachey (Jane Tennant)
As the first female lead in the NCIS franchise, Lachey made history. She’s likely to receive new acting opportunities, possibly within the NCIS universe.
The Rest of the Cast
From Alex Tarrant (Kai Holman) to Yasmine Al-Bustami (Lucy Tara), the talented ensemble will undoubtedly land new projects soon. Some might even make guest appearances in other NCIS series.
Could ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ Get a Revival?
There’s always hope! If fan campaigns gain enough traction, CBS or another network might reconsider. Streaming platforms like Paramount+ could also pick it up.
Impact on the NCIS Franchise
The NCIS franchise remains strong, with NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and NCIS: Sydney still airing. However, the cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i could indicate a shift in CBS’s approach to expanding the universe.
Potential Spin-Offs or Crossovers
With the success of NCIS: Sydney, CBS might explore more international spin-offs. There’s also a possibility of crossover episodes featuring NCIS: Hawai’i characters in other NCIS series.
Lessons from the Cancellation
The end of NCIS: Hawai’i highlights the unpredictability of network television. Even strong franchises aren’t immune to cancellation if ratings and financials don’t align with network goals.
What Can Fans Do?
If you’re hoping for a revival, here’s what you can do:
- Sign petitions
- Use hashtags like #SaveNCISHawaii
- Stream past episodes to show interest
- Engage with CBS on social media
Conclusion
While NCIS: Hawai’i may have ended, its impact will live on in the NCIS legacy. The cancellation is disappointing, but the cast and crew will surely move on to exciting new projects. Who knows? We might see a revival in the future.
