Among the shows to get canceled at CBS recently are NCIS: Hawai’i and CSI: Vegas. Both were seen as controversial, and the decision has been explained by the network.Per TheWrap, this all comes down to heavy analysis of the performance and financials of each show leading to certain titles getting axed. With multiple new shows coming to CBS, the possible renewals that could be given to the current programs have been limited. Hawai’i and Vegas were both seen as successful shows by CBS, but the axe simply had to fall somewhere. “It is incumbent on us to always keep the schedule fresh [and] keep momentum going,” CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach said at a news briefing. “We had to make some really tough choices this year, everything came back really strong.”

Confirming that neither CSI: Vegas nor NCIS: Hawai’i has a chance at getting un-canceled similar to S.W.A.T., or even moved to Paramount+, CBS CEO George Cheeks added, “Budgets are challenged, so we don’t have an unlimited amount of slots on Paramount+.” It was also hinted that the CSI franchise will continue with another show that’s currently in the early stages of development, but no additional details were shared. As for NCIS, the franchise is still going strong with the original series continuing in the 2024-25 season. NCIS: Sydney is also moving forward with another season in the spring. This fall will also see the arrival of NCIS: Origins, a prequel series diving into the beginnings of Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs. A separate spinoff following Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo and Cote de Pablo’s Ziva David is also in development for a streaming release on Paramount+.

The Shows’ Stars Were Shocked By the Cancelations
“Gutted, confused, blindsided,” series star Vanessa Lachey said when NCIS: Hawai’i was canceled after three seasons. “Grateful, confident, beloved fan! Processing this news and still being present with my family. I love you all! Maholo Nui Loa.”

Crime drama fans were hit with a double whammy: NCIS: Hawai’i and CSI: Vegas are officially canceled. Yeah, we know. It stings. These weren’t just any shows — they were part of long-standing franchises that defined a genre. So, what made CBS pull the plug? Let’s break it down.

What Really Happened? The Cancellation Bombshell

CBS confirmed that both NCIS: Hawai’i and CSI: Vegas won’t be returning for new seasons. The announcement came unexpectedly, leaving fans and even some cast members shocked. But behind the scenes, there were several signs this was coming.

Follow the Money — Budget Cuts & Corporate Restructuring

Let’s get real — TV shows live and die by their budgets. CBS, like other networks, is tightening its belt in the era of streaming. High production costs, especially for location-based shows like NCIS: Hawai’i, made them easy targets.

The Price of Paradise

NCIS: Hawai’i was shot on location in Hawaii, and that’s not cheap. The show’s exotic setting may have been a visual treat, but it came with logistical and financial headaches.

Ratings Talk — Declining Viewership Numbers

TV is a numbers game. And unfortunately, both shows saw slipping viewership, particularly in key demographics.

CSI: Vegas — A Revival That Couldn’t Revive Enough

While the revival of CSI was nostalgic, it didn’t pull in the younger audience CBS hoped for. A reboot needs more than legacy — it needs relevance.

NCIS: Hawai’i — Riding Coattails or Creating Waves?

Though it had a strong start, NCIS: Hawai’i struggled to hold onto its audience. It simply didn’t carry the same weight as the original NCIS or even NCIS: Los Angeles.

What Did CBS Executives Say?

CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach addressed the cancellations with a diplomatic but clear message: “These decisions are never easy… we thank the talented casts, crews, and creative teams.”

Translation? It’s Business, Not Personal

It’s code for: the shows weren’t performing to expectations. CBS is prioritizing “franchise refreshment,” investing in new ideas and younger-skewing content.

Streaming Wars Changed the Game

In case you haven’t noticed, we’re living in a streaming-first world. CBS is owned by Paramount Global, which is laser-focused on building Paramount+.

Paramount+ and the New Battleground

Both shows had streaming afterlives, but they didn’t rank as top-performing titles on Paramount+. That made them vulnerable.

International Sales Weren’t Enough to Save Them

Networks often justify keeping a show alive based on overseas revenue. However, neither show was a breakout international hit.

Fan Reactions — Shock, Rage, and Heartbreak

Let’s talk about the emotional toll. Fans took to Twitter, Reddit, and fan forums to vent.

“We Deserved Closure!”

One common cry? No satisfying ending. NCIS: Hawai’i ended with a cliffhanger, and fans feel robbed.

Behind the Scenes — Cast and Crew Responses

Some stars took to Instagram to thank fans. Others… stayed silent, perhaps still processing the news.

Vanessa Lachey’s Heartfelt Goodbye

Lachey, who played Jane Tennant, called the show “the honor of a lifetime.” Her post went viral within hours.

The Bigger Picture — Is the NCIS & CSI Universe Shrinking?

Yes, but not entirely disappearing. CBS still has the flagship NCIS and FBI shows. However, the era of unlimited spin-offs may be winding down.

What Could Have Saved the Shows?

Let’s dream for a sec. Could a streaming exclusive deal, better writing, or more aggressive marketing have made a difference? Possibly.

Stronger Serialized Storytelling

Both shows leaned heavily on episodic formats. Today’s viewers binge — they want arcs, suspense, and growth.

Where Do the Cast Members Go From Here?

Good news: many cast members are hot commodities. Expect them to pop up on other shows or even lead new series soon.

What’s Replacing Them? CBS’s 2025 Lineup

CBS is betting on new dramas and unscripted content. Early buzz mentions shows that cater to Gen Z sensibilities and true crime fans.

Could These Shows Come Back Someday?

Never say never in TV land. If fan demand skyrockets or a streamer decides to fund a revival, anything’s possible. Look at Criminal Minds — it came back from the dead on Paramount+.

Conclusion: The Curtain Falls, But the Legacy Lives On

Whether you were a die-hard fan of NCIS: Hawai’i, or a nostalgic viewer of CSI: Vegas, these shows left a mark. While CBS may have moved on, fans will keep the legacy alive through rewatches, fan fiction, and social media chatter. In a world of changing algorithms and corporate reshuffles, not every great show survives — but great stories always find their audience.