Jason Antoon, who played cyber intelligence specialist Ernie Malik on the police procedural spin-off, recently shared a video of the series’ vacant and overgrown Hollywood Film Studio, where shows like Lost (2004-’10), Hawaii Five-0 (2010-’20) and Magnum P.I. (2018-’24) also filmed. “Hawaii Film Studios – Empty and full of weeds,” wrote Antoon, sharing the clip Friday on X. Hawaii is an expensive location that is harder to fit into continuously trimmed TV budgets, especially in linear TV. Cost was among the factors for CBS’ decision to cancel NCIS: Hawai’i after three seasons, despite being the #12 most watched non-sports program on broadcast, averaging 7.8 million linear viewers and 10M multi-platform viewers (Live+35).
When CBS announced the cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i in April 2024, fans were left in shock. The series, which had garnered a dedicated following, was abruptly ended after its third season. Among the cast, Jason Antoon, who portrayed cyber intelligence analyst Ernie Malik, expressed his emotions through a poignant video shared on social media. In the clip, Antoon walks through the now-empty studio lot, offering fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at the show’s end.
The Impact of ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’
A Groundbreaking Series
Premiering in 2021, NCIS: Hawai’i was a significant addition to the NCIS franchise. It introduced Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant, the first female lead in the NCIS universe. The show was praised for its diverse cast and its portrayal of Hawaiian culture, setting it apart from its predecessors.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Support
Despite its acclaim, the series faced challenges. Viewership numbers fluctuated, and the show’s future became uncertain. Fans rallied behind the series, creating petitions and social media campaigns in an attempt to save it. However, CBS decided to cancel the show after three seasons, citing financial considerations and the network’s evolving programming strategy.
Jason Antoon’s Emotional Tribute
A Personal Goodbye
In the wake of the cancellation, Jason Antoon shared a video on social media, walking through the vacant studio lot. The clip resonated with fans, capturing the emptiness left behind by the show’s conclusion. Antoon’s message, “This business is brutal and makes no sense. But we had soooo much fun. Love you all and mahalo,” reflected the bittersweet emotions of the cast and crew.
Reactions from Fellow Cast Members
Other cast members also expressed their feelings about the show’s end. Vanessa Lachey, who played Jane Tennant, shared her heartbreak on Instagram, stating she was “gutted, confused, blindsided.” Tori Anderson, who portrayed Kate Whistler, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the loss of representation and the show’s impact on viewers.
The Legacy of ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’
Representation Matters
One of the standout features of NCIS: Hawai’i was its commitment to representation. The show featured a diverse cast and addressed important social issues, resonating with a wide audience. Its cancellation left many feeling that a significant step forward in television representation had been undone.
Fan Reactions and Campaigns
Fans expressed their disappointment through various channels. A petition titled “Save NCIS: Hawai’i on CBS” garnered thousands of signatures, and the hashtag #SaveNCISHawaii trended on social media platforms. Despite these efforts, CBS remained firm in its decision to cancel the series.
The Future of the Cast
Jason Antoon’s Next Steps
Following the end of NCIS: Hawai’i, Jason Antoon has remained active in the entertainment industry. He continues to engage with his fans on social media and has expressed interest in future projects. His dedication to his craft and his connection with fans ensure that he will remain a prominent figure in the industry.
Other Cast Members’ Endeavors
Other cast members have also moved on to new opportunities. Vanessa Lachey has continued her work in television, while Tori Anderson has taken on new roles in both television and film. The ensemble cast’s talent and versatility suggest that they will continue to make significant contributions to the entertainment world.
Conclusion
The cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i marked the end of an era for both the NCIS franchise and the Hawaiian entertainment industry. Jason Antoon’s heartfelt tribute to the show’s abandoned studio lot serves as a poignant reminder of the impact the series had on its cast, crew, and fans. While the show may have concluded, its legacy continues through the memories and the careers it helped shape.
FAQs
1. Why was ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ canceled?
The cancellation was due to financial considerations and the network’s evolving programming strategy. Despite its dedicated fanbase, the series faced challenges in viewership numbers.
2. What was Jason Antoon’s role in ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’?
Jason Antoon portrayed Ernie Malik, a cyber intelligence analyst, in the series.
3. How did fans react to the cancellation?
Fans expressed their disappointment through petitions and social media campaigns, including the hashtag #SaveNCISHawaii.
4. What are the future plans for the cast?
The cast members have continued their careers in the entertainment industry, taking on new roles in television and film.
5. Will there be a revival of ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’?
As of now, there are no official plans for a revival. The series concluded with its third season.
