Of the many shows ending and canceled in 2024, one of the biggest surprises was arguably the cancellation of “NCIS: Hawai’i” by CBS after just three seasons. This decision sparked a wave of petitions and campaigns from fans trying to save the series. One cast member even poked fun at CBS’ choice, while avid viewers expressed their disappointment, especially since the network continued to use “Hawai’i” for promotions. Despite the outcome, the executive producers remain “proud” of the show for several key reasons.
“NCIS: Hawai’i” marked several firsts for the franchise. It was the first spinoff not introduced via a backdoor pilot, meaning fans met the characters for the first time in the series premiere. Additionally, Vanessa Lachey became the franchise’s first female lead. Co-showrunners Jan Nash, Christopher Silber, and Matt Bosack highlighted the show’s achievements in a statement 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 fans had hoped, it was groundbreaking, especially in terms of its cast. Vanessa Lachey expressed pride in the show, crediting Daniela Ruah of “NCIS: Los Angeles” for paving the way for a female lead in the franchise. The series featured notable elements like Jane Tennant’s leadership, Lucy and Whistler’s LGBTQ+ relationship, and the incorporation of Hawaiian culture, making it a standout addition to the franchise.
Adding to the disappointment, CBS Studios President David Stapf mentioned that in any other year, “Hawai’i” and “So Help Me Todd” might have been renewed. Fans were also frustrated by CBS’s claim that viewership influenced the cancellation, despite “Hawai’i” reportedly drawing more viewers than some renewed shows. The exact reasons for the cancellation remain unclear.
However, there may be a silver lining. The flagship “NCIS” continues strong, with Season 22 arriving this fall. There’s potential for characters from “Hawai’i” to return, similar to LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna rejoining after “Los Angeles” ended. Exploring the dynamic between Jane Tennant and Nick Torres (from the flagship show) or other inter-team relationships could be interesting. Even if these returns don’t happen, there’s still pride in what the spinoff achieved in its brief run.
While the cancellation of “NCIS: Hawai’i” is disappointing, fans can still enjoy its three seasons available on Paramount+, which is certainly better than nothing.
