The drama was the last scripted series at the network still in limbo for next season.
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.
In a move that has left fans stunned, CBS has officially canceled NCIS: Hawai’i after just three seasons. The spinoff, which gained a loyal following, has been axed despite solid ratings and a passionate fan base. But what led to this decision? Was it declining viewership, budget constraints, or a shift in network strategy? Let’s dive deep into why NCIS: Hawai’i was canceled and what it means for the NCIS franchise moving forward.
Why Did CBS Cancel ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’?
1. Declining Ratings and Viewership
While NCIS: Hawai’i started strong, its ratings saw a slight dip in later seasons. Despite having a dedicated fan base, CBS likely evaluated the numbers and determined that the show wasn’t bringing in the necessary viewership to justify its continuation.
2. Cost-Cutting Measures by CBS
Producing a show set in Hawaii is expensive. The stunning locations, high production costs, and logistics involved in filming outside the mainland U.S. may have contributed to CBS’s decision to cut the show to save on expenses.
3. Shifting Network Priorities
CBS has been restructuring its programming lineup. With streaming platforms like Paramount+ gaining traction, the network may be focusing on content that aligns more with digital consumption trends.
4. Franchise Fatigue?
The NCIS universe has been expanding rapidly. With multiple spinoffs, including NCIS: Los Angeles (which was also recently canceled), CBS might be consolidating its resources to strengthen the core NCIS series rather than maintaining multiple offshoots.
Fan Reactions – Outrage and Disappointment
1. Social Media Backlash
Fans took to Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit to express their disappointment. Many believe NCIS: Hawai’i had more stories to tell and were shocked by CBS’s decision.
2. Calls for a Renewal or Rescue
Like other canceled shows, some fans are pushing for another network or streaming platform to pick up NCIS: Hawai’i. Could Paramount+ or Netflix step in to save it?
3. Cast Reactions
Several cast members shared heartfelt messages on social media, thanking fans for their support. Their emotional responses show just how much the show meant to both the actors and viewers.
The Future of the ‘NCIS’ Franchise
1. The Original ‘NCIS’ Still Going Strong
Despite the cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i, the main NCIS series remains one of CBS’s strongest assets. It continues to draw millions of viewers.
2. What About ‘NCIS: Sydney’?
CBS has been experimenting with international spinoffs. NCIS: Sydney is set to debut, and its success could determine the franchise’s direction.
3. Potential for a Comeback?
Some shows have been revived after fan campaigns. If enough viewers demand it, CBS might reconsider—or another platform could step in.
What Made ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ Special?
1. First Female Lead in the Franchise
NCIS: Hawai’i broke new ground by featuring Vanessa Lachey as the first female lead in the NCIS franchise.
2. Stunning Hawaiian Backdrop
The breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii gave the show a unique visual appeal that set it apart from other crime dramas.
3. Strong Character Development
Fans appreciated the show’s deep character arcs and diverse cast, which brought fresh energy to the franchise.
Can ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ Be Saved?
1. A Move to Streaming?
With streaming services constantly looking for new content, Paramount+ could be a potential home for a revival.
2. Fan Petitions and Campaigns
If fans rally hard enough, a resurrection—similar to what happened with Brooklyn Nine-Nine—is possible.
3. Potential for a Limited Series or Spin-Off
CBS might not bring the show back in its full form, but a limited-run series focusing on the core characters could be an option.
Conclusion
The cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i is a disappointment for fans who had grown attached to the characters and setting. While CBS has its reasons, the decision has sparked significant backlash. Could there still be hope for a revival? Time will tell. For now, fans will have to say aloha to a beloved chapter in the NCIS universe.
