NCIS: Hawaii fans are lamenting the show’s cancellation after seeing how the series ended.
Last month, it was revealed that CBS, shortly after cancelling long-running series Blue Bloods, had decided to axe the NCIS spin-off. The decision was not met lightly by viewers. The timing of the cancellation – two weeks before the show’s third season was due to end – has particularly irked fans who were left concerned that the show would not provide a satisfying conclusion.
As the police procedural series’ finale aired on Monday (7 May), these fears were realised when the episode ended on a giant cliffhanger. All seemed to be going well when the episode featured a send-off of sorts for the main ensemble, in the form of a surprise party thrown for Jane (Vanessa Lachey).
The characters, including Sam (LL Cool J), Ernie (Jason Antoon), Jesse (Noah Mills), Lucy (Yasmine Al-Bustami) and Kai (Alex Tarrant, are all seen making a toast before getting back to work. An additional scene sees Jane returning home to find her old mentor Maggie (Julie White) waiting for her with an ominous message: “Janie, you’re probably going to need a drink for what’s coming next.”
This cliffhanger angered fans who were already upset over the show’s cancellation, as they will never find out what Maggie was about to tell Jane. “Not #NCISHawaii ending like that after a strike shortened season and the cancellation,” one frustrated fan wrote, with another adding: “WTH kind of ending was that!!! That is so cruel to the fans.
NCIS: Hawaii fans were blindsided. One moment, we were watching Special Agent Jane Tennant and her team tackle high-stakes missions in paradise. The next, CBS pulled the plug—and left viewers hanging off a cliff, literally and emotionally. If you’re one of the many fans feeling betrayed, you’re not alone. The cancellation of NCIS: Hawaii has stirred a storm of outrage online, and today, we’re breaking down exactly why this show’s ending hit so hard—and so unfairly.
What Happened to NCIS: Hawaii?
The Unexpected Cancellation
Fans expected another season. CBS had renewed other NCIS shows—but not Hawaii. Instead, they announced the series wouldn’t return, despite its solid ratings and growing fanbase. Talk about a curveball.
How the Final Episode Ended
Let’s talk about that ending. There was no resolution. Major plotlines were left dangling—particularly involving Lucy and Kate’s future, Tennant’s career trajectory, and unfinished case arcs. The episode felt more like a mid-season cliffhanger than a finale.
The Fan Backlash Was Immediate and Loud
Social Media Exploded
Within minutes of the cancellation announcement, Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit lit up with angry posts. Hashtags like #SaveNCISHawaii and #JusticeForTennant began trending. Fans felt blindsided and hurt.
Fans Called the Ending ‘Cruel’
Many compared it to having your favorite book torn in half before you could read the final chapter. Others called it disrespectful—especially considering how underrepresented characters and storylines were finally getting the spotlight.
Why NCIS: Hawaii Meant So Much
Representation Mattered
This wasn’t just another procedural. It was the first NCIS series to feature a female lead from the start, and one that included LGBTQ+ representation in meaningful, non-tokenized ways.
A Diverse Cast in a Unique Setting
Hawaii wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a character. The culture, the scenery, the stories rooted in local issues made it feel alive and different from other shows in the franchise.
The Business Behind the Decision
CBS’s Ratings Logic
While not breaking records, NCIS: Hawaii consistently held strong viewership. The cancellation wasn’t due to poor performance—but more likely a reshuffling of budgets and priorities.
Streaming Wars and Studio Politics
In today’s streaming-centric world, shows are often cut to save costs or make room for new content. Fans, unfortunately, are collateral damage in these decisions.
A Missed Opportunity for the NCIS Franchise
The Spin-Off That Could Have Gone the Distance
NCIS: Hawaii brought fresh energy to a long-running franchise. Many believe it had at least 2–3 more seasons of strong storytelling potential left.
Abandoning Growth Mid-Flight
Instead of nurturing what was working, CBS pulled out the rug. That hurts, especially when you’ve invested emotionally in a story.
Cast Reactions and Behind-the-Scenes Rumors
The Cast Wasn’t Ready Either
Many cast members, including Vanessa Lachey, shared emotional farewells online. Their posts echoed fan sentiment—shock, sadness, and deep disappointment.
Writers Had Plans for More
Insiders revealed the writers had already mapped out future storylines. A big Lucy-Kate moment? Gone. A major betrayal arc? Scrapped.
Fans Fighting Back – Will It Work?
Petitions and Campaigns Begin
Thousands have signed petitions asking CBS—or even another platform like Paramount+—to pick up NCIS: Hawaii for a proper ending or wrap-up movie.
Will Fan Power Be Enough?
While it’s rare, it’s not impossible. Remember Lucifer and Brooklyn Nine-Nine? Fan movements brought them back. So there’s hope.
What Should Have Happened Instead
Give Us Closure
If cancellation was inevitable, CBS could have at least greenlit a finale episode or mini-season to wrap up key storylines.
A Send-Off Fans Deserved
A proper farewell would’ve honored not just the characters, but the viewers who supported the show since day one.
Comparing Other Franchise Endings
NCIS: New Orleans Did It Right
When NCIS: New Orleans ended, it tied up loose ends and gave the characters a heartfelt goodbye. Hawaii deserved the same.
Lessons from Other Procedurals
Successful long-running shows understand the value of closure. Rushing out the door leaves a sour taste—and a lot of frustration.
The Emotional Toll on Viewers
More Than Just a Show
For many, NCIS: Hawaii was a comfort series. A way to unwind, to feel seen, to escape. Having it yanked away so abruptly felt personal.
Characters Fans Grew Attached To
From Tennant’s strength to Lucy and Kate’s love story, viewers weren’t just watching—they were connecting deeply with these characters.
