Among the many shows ending and being canceled in 2024, the cancellation of “NCIS: Hawai’i” was arguably one of the biggest surprises. CBS axed the procedural after just three seasons, prompting fans to start petitions and campaigns to save the series. One cast member even trolled CBS’ decision, while avid viewers have not held back their feelings, especially after the network used “Hawai’i” for further promotions. Despite how everything has played out, the executive producers are “proud” of the show for several key reasons.
“NCIS: Hawai’i” brought several firsts to the franchise. It was the first offshoot in the franchise’s history not to be initiated by a backdoor pilot, meaning fans weren’t introduced to any characters before the series premiere. The show also made franchise history with its casting, as Vanessa Lachey became the first female lead in any “NCIS” show. Co-showrunners Jan Nash, Christopher Silber, and Matt Bosack reflected on the series while speaking to TVLine following the cancellation:
“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, all while maintaining a workplace where people could hopefully do their best work and be valued for it. That gives us a lot to be proud of.”
Although “Hawai’i” didn’t last as long as most fans would have hoped, it broke new ground, particularly regarding its stars. Vanessa Lachey, for instance, credited Daniela Ruah of “NCIS: Los Angeles” for paving the way for a female lead in the franchise. With Jane Tennant leading the charge, Lucy and Whistler’s LGBTQ+ relationship, the Hawaiian culture, and much more, there is a lot to be proud of, just as the executive producers are.
Adding to the disappointment, CBS Studios President David Stapf admitted that in any other year, “Hawai’i” and “So Help Me Todd” might have survived. Fans have also criticized CBS for citing viewership as a reason for canceling the Vanessa Lachey-led show, despite reports that it had more viewers than some renewed shows. This leaves the exact reasons behind the network’s decision unclear.
Despite this, there may be a silver lining. “NCIS” is still going strong, with Season 22 arriving this fall amid the 2024 TV schedule. If LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna can return following the end of “Los Angeles,” perhaps the same can happen for the stars of “Hawai’i.” Character returns would need to make sense, but it would be exciting to explore the relationship between Jane Tennant and Nick Torres (from the flagship show) as well as other dynamics between the two teams. Even if that doesn’t happen, there is still much to be proud of in what the spinoff achieved in a short time.
“NCIS: Hawai’i’s” cancellation still stings and likely will for a while, but at least fans have three seasons they can rewatch with a Paramount+ subscription, which is certainly better than nothing.
