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.
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.”
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.”
TV lovers were blindsided when CBS announced the cancellation of not one, but two major crime dramas: NCIS: Hawai’i and CSI: Vegas. Fans flooded social media with confusion, outrage, and the classic “Why?!”. In this article, we dive into the real story behind CBS’s decision—unpacking the ratings, budget battles, and the strategy shift that ended two popular franchises.
The Sudden Exit of Two Franchise Giants
When a network cancels one long-standing procedural, it’s big news. But two? On the same day? That’s a media earthquake. Let’s explore how this all unraveled.
Declining Ratings — The Silent Killer
Numbers That Couldn’t Be Ignored
NCIS: Hawai’i premiered strong but gradually saw its viewership slip. Despite solid fan loyalty, it struggled to hit the same numbers as its parent show.
CSI: Vegas faced a similar fate. Though a reboot of a beloved classic, it never quite captured the original’s spark. Ratings slowly dipped below the comfort zone.
Budget Battles — Bigger Shows, Bigger Bills
Hawaii Comes at a Price
Filming in Hawaii is paradise for the cast and crew, but not for the accountants. NCIS: Hawai’i had significantly higher production costs compared to its mainland counterparts.
High Expectations, Heavy Investments
CSI: Vegas brought back familiar faces like Marg Helgenberger. Nostalgia’s expensive, and when ratings didn’t justify the investment, CBS took a hard look at the bottom line.
CBS’s New Programming Strategy
Making Room for New Blood
CBS isn’t just cutting shows — it’s making space. The network is pivoting towards new series that align with current audience trends and streaming integration.
The Shift to Younger Demos
Let’s be real: crime procedurals often cater to older audiences. CBS is aiming to reel in younger viewers and compete with streaming giants like Netflix and Hulu.
Fan Backlash and Social Media Outcry
Twitter Meltdown Mode
Within minutes of the announcements, #SaveNCISHawaii and #SaveCSIVegas trended on X (formerly Twitter). Fans weren’t just sad—they were furious.
Online Petitions Are Everywhere
Petitions popped up demanding CBS reverse its decision. One petition hit over 50,000 signatures in less than a week. But do they actually work?
CBS Executives Explain the Move
The Official Word
CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach stated that the decision was “incredibly difficult” but necessary for the network’s long-term vision.
Reading Between the Lines
Translation? The shows just didn’t fit the evolving brand CBS is building. Nostalgia might warm hearts, but it doesn’t always drive advertising dollars.
Ratings vs. Revenue — What Really Matters?
More Than Just Viewership
Even if a show has decent ratings, it might not be profitable. Syndication deals, international sales, and streaming rights all factor in.
H3: Ad Revenue Takes Center Stage
CBS makes money through advertisers. If the shows don’t attract a lucrative demographic, their days are numbered.
Comparing with Other CBS Hits
Why FBI and NCIS Survived
These shows are still pulling strong numbers, especially in the 25-54 demographic that advertisers crave. They also cost less to produce.
A Lesson in Franchise Fatigue
Even powerhouse brands like CSI and NCIS aren’t immune to overexposure. Spin-offs risk losing the original’s magic.
What Happens to the Cast and Crew Now?
Looking for the Next Gig
Actors like Vanessa Lachey (NCIS: Hawai’i) and Paula Newsome (CSI: Vegas) are already being eyed for new roles in upcoming projects.
Behind-the-Scenes Talent on the Move
Writers, producers, and crew are being courted by other networks and streaming platforms, where crime dramas still thrive.
Could These Shows Be Revived?
Don’t Rule It Out
We’ve seen shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Lucifer saved by fan demand or streaming services. Could Netflix or Paramount+ swoop in?
Syndication and Spinoff Potential
These franchises aren’t necessarily dead. Their brand power might live on in reruns, spin-offs, or even films.
Global Reach Still Matters
Both shows had strong international audiences. While CBS focuses on U.S. strategy, studios could license out content to international platforms.
What’s Replacing Them?
CBS’s New Crime Dramas
CBS has already announced pilots and greenlights for newer, edgier procedural dramas with younger leads and modern themes.
Reality TV and Game Shows Rise Again
Budget-friendly and advertiser-friendly, reality shows are once again filling prime-time slots.
Legacy of CSI and NCIS Continues
Even though these spin-offs are canceled, the legacy of their parent shows continues with NCIS and FBI still dominating.
Conclusion — It’s Not Just Business, It’s the Future of TV
CBS’s decision to cancel NCIS: Hawai’i and CSI: Vegas wasn’t just about low ratings or high costs — it was about reshaping its identity in a fast-changing entertainment world. While painful for fans, it signals a new era of bold experimentation in prime-time television.
