The spin-off is the only female-led NCIS show
The future of NCIS: Hawai’i remains uncertain as fans continue to wait on CBS for a renewal announcement. While both NCIS and its Australia-set spin-off NCIS: Sydney have both been renewed for further seasons, the network has yet to reveal whether the Vanessa Lachey-led drama will return to our screens after season three.
While there’s no doubt that the series is popular among fans, CBS already has three new spin-off shows scheduled for next season: the flagship show, which will return with its 22nd season, the Sydney spin-off, renewed for season two, and the upcoming prequel, NCIS: Origins. The franchise is also set to expand with the Tony & Ziva NCIS spin-off for Paramount +.
According to Deadline, NCIS: Hawai’i is likely to face budget cuts in order to stay on-air, which could mean a shortened series 4 of around 13 episodes, rather than the usual 21 or 22.
Although the show’s future beyond series three is up in the air, there are some good arguments for keeping it on screens. Not only is it the only female-led NCIS spin-off, with leading lady Vanessa starring as Special Agent Jane Tennant, but it also rakes in millions of viewers and is the 12th most-watched non-sports show on linear TV.
The cast is clearly keen to return for more episodes, with Jason Antoon, who plays Ernie Malik, sharing his hopes of directing an episode in season four.
Jason Antoon as Ernie Malik in NCIS: Hawai’i© CBS Photo Archive
Jason Antoon is hoping to direct an episode of season four
“I’m going to hopefully direct an episode of next season,” the actor told HELLO! earlier this year. “There’s talks of that. I shadowed a few directors last season to be able to see the behind-the-scenes stuff. You’ve got to put in the work and show the production team that you’re serious about it.”
NCIS’ renewal for season 22 was announced earlier this month. In a statement, CBS Entertainment chief Amy Reisenbach said: “The Neighborhood” — which was also renewed on Tuesday — “and NCIS are the very best definition of a CBS comedy and drama. They embody authentic storytelling with heart, humor, and family dynamics. We are proud to bring them back next season.”