Vanessa Lachey is still processing the abrupt and untimely end of NCIS: Hawai’i.
Sharing a video captured by her husband, Nick Lachey, the 43-year-old actress reflected on the series that held a place in her heart. “Forever your Sweet Jane… This was the same spot where I filmed episode 1,” her May 1 Instagram post began, referencing her character on the procedural. “I sat here at 2am on June 2021 and stared into the ocean. I asked her to protect me, my family, my crew and our show. I told her we will do all we can to protect the grace and integrity of Hawai’i while also sharing her Beauty with the world. As I sat here today, knowing our show is over, I turned to her again… what do we do now….(please protect us all) She answered with ease.”
“Just as the air hits the water & the water hits the land, the waves connect to the shore, some with a huge impact, then… it goes back out,” she continued. “You see… we aren’t meant to be here forever, we are on borrowed time. We appreciate what was given to us for our use, we nurture it and then we leave it better for the next dreamer.” Vanessa said she is “wishing for my crew and my cast that we all remember the Beauty of what we had.”
“We will spread this Aloha in every direction we go. I wish we had more time, I’m sorry we don’t. I wish we had a proper good-bye, I’m sorry we didn’t. I know we ALL are connected deeper than any TV show,” she shared. “I will go to the ends of the earth for my cast & crew! If you come across ANY of them… hire them! You won’t be disappointed. Salt of the earth people!” “In Hawai’i we don’t say “Good-Bye”, we say ‘A Hui Hou’ it means ‘until we meet again’. To you all & especially the beloved fans… A Hui Hou,” she added. Closing out her post, the Love Is Blind co-host left a red heart emoji and said, “Love Always, Your Sweet Jane.”
Vanessa Lachey, the vibrant lead of NCIS: Hawai’i, recently opened up about her disappointment with how the show ended. Like many fans who were shocked by the abrupt cancellation, Lachey expressed her longing for a proper farewell—not just for herself, but for her castmates and loyal viewers. It wasn’t just a show; it was a journey that ended too soon.
What NCIS: Hawai’i Meant to Vanessa Lachey
A Groundbreaking Role in a Groundbreaking Show
Vanessa made history as the first female lead in the NCIS franchise. Portraying Jane Tennant, she brought a mix of strength, vulnerability, and aloha spirit that resonated deeply with audiences.
A Role That Felt Personal
Lachey has repeatedly said how personal the role felt. It wasn’t just about acting—it was about representing a strong woman in charge, balancing work, family, and identity on an island as culturally rich as Hawai’i.
The Cancellation Shockwave
CBS’s Decision That No One Saw Coming
When CBS canceled NCIS: Hawai’i after three seasons, it caught nearly everyone off guard. The series had a strong fanbase and solid ratings, so the network’s move sparked confusion and outrage online.
The Industry’s Ruthless Nature
TV is a business—and a brutal one. Lachey’s comments about lacking closure highlight the emotional toll that such decisions have on the cast and crew.
No Final Curtain Call: Why It Hurts
Left Without a Proper Goodbye
Vanessa shared that she didn’t get to film a finale that felt like an actual goodbye. No time to wrap up arcs. No final hugs. Just… done.
“It Deserved an Ending”
In her own words, Vanessa wished she and the team had been given the chance to craft a proper send-off. Stories deserved closure. So did the fans.
The Cast Was a Family
More Than Just Co-stars
The NCIS: Hawai’i team bonded like ohana—Hawaiian for family. The chemistry on screen came from deep off-screen friendships.
Lachey’s Tribute to the Crew
On social media and in interviews, Vanessa continues to praise the hardworking crew who made the show a visual and emotional masterpiece.
Fans Rally Behind Vanessa
Social Media Outpouring
Fans flooded Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok with hashtags like #SaveNCISHawaii and #JusticeForJaneTennant.
A Call for Spin-Offs or Movies
Many are demanding a follow-up movie, a spin-off, or even a proper finale special. They want to see the story end right.
What Made NCIS: Hawai’i Special?
A Unique Setting
Set in Hawai’i, the show offered stunning visuals and unique cases that drew on island culture and military dynamics.
Diversity and Representation
It wasn’t just another cop show. It showcased diversity in casting, leadership, and storytelling in a way few shows manage.
Vanessa Lachey’s Voice Matters
More Than Just an Actor
Lachey is also a producer and advocate. Her words carry weight in an industry often indifferent to emotional investment.
Using Her Platform for the Greater Good
She’s spoken out not just about her disappointment, but about the importance of honoring creative work—especially in underrepresented spaces.
The Bigger Picture: TV Shows and Sudden Cancellations
A Recurring TV Trend
NCIS: Hawai’i isn’t the first, and sadly won’t be the last, show to end abruptly. Networks often prioritize budget over emotional payoff.
Fan-Favorite Shows Deserve Better
From Firefly to The OA, fans have seen beloved shows cut down before their time. NCIS: Hawai’i joins that legacy.
Could There Still Be Hope?
Talks of a Revival?
Though CBS is silent, fans hope streaming platforms or even CBS Studios might revive the series for a movie or special.
Unused Scripts and Ideas
There are whispers that writers had plans for a thrilling season 4. Could we one day see those stories come to life?
Behind the Scenes: Emotional Fallout
A Gut Punch for the Cast
Lachey admitted to crying when she heard the news. And she wasn’t alone. The entire cast was blindsided.
Saying Goodbye Too Soon
The sudden ending meant no closure—no final scenes, no farewell party, no proper wrap party. Just… goodbye emails and empty sets.
Vanessa’s Emotional Farewell on Instagram
The Post That Broke Hearts
In an emotional Instagram post, Vanessa thanked fans, crew, and Hawai’i itself. Her post gathered thousands of comments within hours.
“Mahalo and A Hui Hou”
Her words meant “Thank you” and “Until we meet again”—a Hawaiian goodbye that hinted at hope, not finality.
Lessons for Hollywood
Don’t Cut Stories Midway
Hollywood needs to rethink how shows end. If you’ve built a loyal audience, respect them with closure.
Let Creators and Characters Say Goodbye
Characters, like real people, deserve arcs—not abrupt disappearances.
Vanessa’s Final Word: Gratitude & Hope
Despite the sting, Vanessa Lachey remains grateful. Grateful for the fans, for the island, and for a chance to make history. While she wishes for a better goodbye, she leaves with love in her heart—and a spark of hope for something more.
Conclusion: When Endings Feel Incomplete
TV isn’t just entertainment. It’s storytelling that connects us. And when those stories end without warning, it hurts. Vanessa Lachey’s open, heartfelt reflection reminds us that even in Hollywood, emotions run deep. NCIS: Hawai’i might be over, but its spirit—and its people—won’t be forgotten.
