The cancellation of “NCIS: Hawai’i” has been controversial, even before the latest viewership data was released. As the third spinoff from the famed police procedural franchise to end—following “NCIS: Los Angeles” and “NCIS: New Orleans”—the Vanessa Lachey-led series had the shortest run. Its abrupt end is especially frustrating as it concluded on a cliffhanger, setting up Jane Tennant’s next case, which will now remain unresolved unless CBS reverses its decision.
There is precedent for networks reversing cancellations. A notable example is CBS’s reversal of “SWAT’s” cancellation following public comments from Shemar Moore, who expressed his desire for the series to continue. While Jason Antoon’s criticisms of “NCIS: Hawai’i’s” unexpected end may not achieve the same result as Moore’s campaign, they could spark discussions among his co-stars and the show’s growing viewership. This could prompt CBS to consider greenlighting a fourth season to give the series a proper send-off instead of leaving it with an unresolved cliffhanger.
Should “NCIS: Hawai’i’s” cancellation be overturned, there might be a delay before its broadcast schedule is confirmed. While “NCIS” season 22 will retain its original timeslot, the spinoff’s previous slot will be taken over by “NCIS: Origins,” focusing on Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ early days in the agency. This means CBS would need to find a new slot for Tennant’s team. Despite a potential wait, giving “NCIS: Hawai’i” another chance to conclude its story properly would be far better than leaving fans with unanswered questions.
