As the list of 2024 TV cancellations grows, the untimely end of NCIS: Hawai’i continues to stand out. CBS axed the procedural after just three seasons, and its star Vanessa Lachey admitted she was blindsided. Now, fans and much of the cast are rallying to save the show, with Jason Antoon, who played cyber intelligence specialist Ernie Malik, even trolling CBS on social media.
Antoon has been vocal about the cancellation, sharing a Variety post on X (formerly known as Twitter) highlighting that NCIS: Hawai’i ranked in the top 20 for the 2023-24 season. CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach had attributed the decision to “financials and performance,” but the show’s strong ranking suggests other factors might be at play.
The high costs of filming in Hawaii could be a reason, despite the success of fellow CBS Hawaii-set show Hawaii Five-0, which ended in 2020 after 10 seasons. It was also reported that NCIS: Hawai’i would have taken a big pay cut if renewed for a fourth season. Despite these factors, Antoon’s posts underscore the show’s solid performance and question the cancellation decision.
The cast was reportedly unaware of the impending cancellation, making the news more surprising. Fans have been passionately trying to save the show, and Antoon’s playful trolling serves to highlight that NCIS: Hawai’i deserved better. The show’s abrupt ending on a cliffhanger, with Jane finding Maggie Shaw at her home with urgent news, has left viewers frustrated and eager for more.
The cancellation is especially heartbreaking given the show’s success. Fans and the cast aren’t giving up, continuing efforts to save the show and increase its visibility. For now, all three seasons are available on Paramount+, potentially helping garner the support needed for another season.