Alex Tennant going into the Naval Academy may seem like an unimportant subplot, but NCIS never showed any of its main or recurring characters there. Given the characters’ ages, that makes perfect sense, but the fact that NCIS: Hawai’i is choosing to follow that plotline shows that it’s looking for ways to expand the franchise and continue to set itself apart from its predecessor. And giving Alex a major plotline of his own points out a long-running flaw in NCIS. NCIS has included children and teenagers, but never made any of them main characters. NCIS: Hawai’i, on the other hand, has chosen to take a family-centric approach.
Alex and his sister Julie make regular appearances, while Tennant serves as a motherly figure for her team. Family is also part of military life, which is something that NCIS seemed to move toward in Season 18. When Gibbs warmed up to his new neighbor Phineas — playing catch with the kid and helping with his science project — fans got to see a new side of Mark Harmon’s fan-favorite character. But when Phineas’ mother was revealed to be an assassin, the young man begged Gibbs to adopt him.
Gibbs turned him down, saying his life wasn’t tailored for taking care of children. Things worked out fine for Phineas anyway, but the idea was a missed opportunity for NCIS to develop Gibbs further. While it was different from the tone of the show and Gibbs’ strict rules that defined NCIS, it would have been great television. NCIS: Hawai’i bringing Alex into the spotlight and giving him a future at the Naval Academy is exploring that part of the military world, thanks to its unique style of storytelling.
Let’s face it—NCIS has had its highs and lows. Over the years, the long-running franchise has introduced spin-offs, killed off beloved characters, and even sparked major fan backlash. But now, something exciting is happening. NCIS: Hawai’i isn’t just another tropical spin-off—it’s redemption in motion. In this article, we’ll dive into how NCIS: Hawai’i is making up for one of the franchise’s biggest blunders, the massive course correction it has embraced, and why fans are finally feeling seen.
What Was the Big Mistake in NCIS History?
The Lack of Representation
One of the long-standing criticisms of the NCIS franchise was its failure to represent diversity—not just racial or ethnic diversity, but also gender, cultural background, and sexual orientation.
The Gender Imbalance
While NCIS featured strong female characters, leadership roles were almost always male-dominated. The glass ceiling seemed unbreakable… until now.
LGBTQ+ Erasure
Another issue? The franchise skirted around LGBTQ+ storylines, rarely diving deep or giving meaningful representation. Fans noticed—and they spoke up.
The First Female Lead in the NCIS Universe
Vanessa Lachey’s Jane Tennant is a breath of fresh ocean air. She’s not just leading the team; she’s leading a cultural shift. For the first time in franchise history, a woman is calling the shots as Special Agent in Charge—and doing it with grit, grace, and authority.
Real Representation, Real Impact
Set in Hawaii, this show doesn’t just use the island as a postcard background. It weaves local culture, language, and values into the storylines, showcasing native Hawaiian traditions and characters with real depth.
Breaking Down the Redemption Arc
Embracing Modern Storytelling
Gone are the days of procedural-by-the-numbers storytelling. NCIS: Hawai’i dares to dive into emotional depth, real-world issues, and character-driven plots.
Diversity Done Right
It’s not just about having a diverse cast—it’s about making diversity matter. NCIS: Hawai’i integrates characters of varying ethnic backgrounds, beliefs, and orientations into the heart of the story, not just as sidekicks or one-time guest stars.
Why Fans Are Loving the Shift
Strong Female Leadership That’s Relatable
Jane Tennant isn’t perfect—and that’s the point. She’s a working mom juggling high-stakes missions with parenting, making her both relatable and inspiring.
LGBTQ+ Storylines with Substance
One standout moment? The beautifully written relationship between Lucy Tara and Kate Whistler, which gave fans the representation they’ve been craving for years. No stereotypes, just a real, evolving romance.
How the Franchise is Listening to Its Audience
Social Media Reactions Matter
NCIS: Hawai’i producers have been actively engaging with fans on social media, taking notes, and implementing real change. That feedback loop is turning viewers into invested community members, not just passive watchers.
H3: Course Correction With Purpose
The show doesn’t just acknowledge past flaws—it corrects them boldly. It says, “We heard you. We’re fixing it.” That takes guts—and fans are here for it.
Comparing NCIS: Hawai’i to Past Spin-Offs
NCIS: Los Angeles and New Orleans – The Learning Curve
Both spin-offs had moments of brilliance, but neither quite nailed representation or leadership diversity. NCIS: Hawai’i builds on those lessons and takes the franchise into the future.
Why Hawai’i Feels Fresh
From the writing to the casting to the cinematography that embraces the spirit of the islands, Hawai’i doesn’t just feel like a new chapter—it feels like a new book.
Representation Isn’t Just a Buzzword actors and consultants bring authenticity and cultural accuracy to the show, a move that Hollywood has often missed in the past.
Elevating Marginalized Voices
Characters like Boom Boom and Kai Holman don’t feel like token additions—they’re layered, complex, and essential to the team dynamic.
The Show’s Impact Beyond TV
Inspiring the Next Generation
Young viewers—especially women and LGBTQ+ youth—see themselves in these characters. That kind of representation can change lives.
Pushing the Industry Forward
When a major franchise like NCIS gets representation right, it sets a standard. Other shows are taking notes—and that’s how real progress happens.
The Ratings Don’t Lie
NCIS: Hawai’i is pulling in solid viewership numbers, proving that doing the right thing can also be good for business. Authentic stories resonate, period.
What Could Be Next for NCIS: Hawai’i?
Continuing to Evolve
The show has room to grow—and fans are eager to see even more cultural stories, deeper character arcs, and expanded roles for underrepresented groups.
Potential Crossovers and Legacy Building
We’ve already seen crossovers with NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles. Could Hawai’i become the new centerpiece of the franchise’s future? Time will tell.
Conclusion – Redemption, Island-Style
NCIS: Hawai’i is more than a spin-off—it’s a statement. It’s a course correction that doesn’t just fix past mistakes; it forges a new path forward. With inclusive storytelling, authentic characters, and a real commitment to diversity, it’s winning fans back—one episode at a time.
The franchise may have fumbled in the past, but with NCIS: Hawai’i, it’s clear: the best stories are still ahead.
