Three months after NCIS: Hawai’i was canceled, showrunners Jan Nash, Christopher Silber and Matt Bosack are opening up about how they were “obviously surprised” by the show’s untimely ending. The showrunners shared in a joint email Q&A with TVLine that they would have ended the island spinoff’s third season differently if they had known the show wasn’t returning to CBS.
“If we’d known it was coming, we probably wouldn’t have ended the series on a cliffhanger,” they explained. “The fact that the studio and the network didn’t stop us makes it seem like they might not have seen it coming either. We loved our show and know other people loved it, too, but the TV business is a fickle mistress and one can’t take business decisions personally. But it still stings.” Despite the surprise, the trio said there is “a lot to be proud of” from the experience of making the CBS procedural, which starred Vanessa Lachey.
“We did what we set out to do. We created a show with a strong female lead and a cast that reflected the diversity of Hawai’i and the world. We told interesting Navy crime stories,” they said. “All while maintaining a workplace where people could hopefully do their best work and be valued for it.”
As fans may recall, season 3 of NCIS: Hawai’i concluded with Maggie (Julie White) telling Jane (Lachey), “Janie, you’re probably going to need a drink for what’s coming next” in the final moments of what would become the series finale. Nash, Silber and Bosack say the conclusion of the cliffhanger was not yet “not fully fleshed out.” “We had a general idea of where the Maggie story was going,” they explained. “It would have eventually intersected with Jane Tennant’s mother, but it was also going to move back into the dark world of Tennant’s spy past, using those stories to increase our understanding of who Jane was, but also to learn more about her team in the process.”
The showrunners added that they were excited to continue telling stories on the show, saying, “We loved our repertoire of characters and we would have kept using them as much as we could. We were talking about Tennant’s mom and Ernie’s ex-wife, but other than following up on our cliffhanger, there were no ‘musts’ on the list.” “Our goals every season were the same: tells good stories with these great actors,” they added.
The unexpected cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i left fans heartbroken, and according to the showrunners, the loss is just as painful for them. In a recent interview, they opened up about their disappointment and revealed tantalizing details about what would have been in Season 4. If you’ve been wondering what could’ve happened next in the NCIS spinoff, this article dives deep into what was planned and why the cancellation still stings.
Why Was NCIS: Hawai’i Canceled?
A Sudden and Unexpected End
Despite its growing popularity, NCIS: Hawai’i was abruptly canceled, leaving many to question the decision. The show had garnered a loyal fanbase, making the cancellation all the more shocking.
Network Decisions & Ratings Decline
While CBS hasn’t provided a detailed explanation, many speculate that the decision was based on a mix of declining ratings, budget constraints, and the network’s shifting priorities.
Fan Backlash Over the Cancellation
The NCIS franchise has a strong following, and fans quickly took to social media to express their disappointment. Petitions and online campaigns emerged, urging CBS to reconsider.
Showrunners React: ‘It Still Stings’
Emotional Response from the Creative Team
Executive producers Christopher Silber and Jan Nash admitted in an interview that the cancellation was devastating. “It still stings,” Nash confessed. “We had so many stories left to tell.”
The Challenges of Saying Goodbye
Ending a show prematurely means characters’ arcs remain incomplete, and major cliffhangers are left unresolved. The showrunners shared their frustration over not being able to give the series a proper sendoff.
What Would’ve Happened in NCIS: Hawai’i Season 4?
1. Jane Tennant’s Future in the NCIS Team
One of the biggest lingering questions is what would have happened to Special Agent Jane Tennant (played by Vanessa Lachey). Season 4 was expected to explore deeper conflicts between Tennant’s professional and personal life.
2. More Crossovers with the NCIS Universe
Showrunners had hinted at a possible NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS crossover. The cancellation cut short these exciting possibilities.
3. A Shocking Character Exit
Rumors suggest that a major character was set to leave the show in Season 4. This unexpected twist would have added an emotional punch to the series.
4. A New Big Bad in Hawai’i
Every NCIS series thrives on high-stakes cases. Season 4 was going to introduce a powerful antagonist who would have shaken things up for the team.
5. More Focus on Lucy and Kate’s Relationship
Lucy Tara and Kate Whistler’s relationship was a fan-favorite storyline. Showrunners confirmed that Season 4 would have dived deeper into their challenges and growth as a couple.
The Impact of NCIS: Hawai’i’s Cancellation
1. What It Means for the NCIS Franchise
The NCIS universe remains strong with NCIS and NCIS: Sydney, but the loss of NCIS: Hawai’i raises concerns about the future of the franchise.
2. Fans Still Fighting for a Revival
Even after the show ended, dedicated fans continue to push for a revival, hoping another network or streaming platform will pick it up.
3. The Cast’s Next Moves
Many actors have already started working on new projects, but some have hinted at being open to reprising their roles if given the chance.
Could NCIS: Hawai’i Return?
1. The Possibility of a Limited Series Revival
Some fans speculate that CBS might revisit the series for a short run or a special, similar to what happened with Criminal Minds: Evolution.
2. Streaming Services to the Rescue?
If another network doesn’t revive the show, streaming platforms like Paramount+ or Netflix could be a potential home for future episodes.
3. A Future Cameo in Another NCIS Show?
While a full revival isn’t guaranteed, characters from NCIS: Hawai’i could still make guest appearances in other NCIS series.
Conclusion
The cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i is still fresh in the minds of both the showrunners and its devoted fans. Though the series was cut short, its impact remains strong, and the possibilities for a revival aren’t completely off the table. While we may never get to see what Season 4 had in store, the show’s legacy will continue to thrive in the NCIS universe.
