Before NCIS: Hawai’i’s season 3 finale, CBS decided to cancel the series. As a result, the Aloha State-set police procedural has set a new NCIS franchise record. Much like its parent series, NCIS: Hawai’i follows a fictional team of Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents. Led by Special Agent Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey), the team operates out of the Pearl Harbor Field Office, often tackling investigations that relate to national security. The fourth series in the NCIS franchise, NCIS: Hawai’i was co-created by Christopher Silber, who also executive produced the 7-season NCIS: New Orleans.
When the first 22-episode season of NCIS: Hawai’i aired in 2021, it received mixed reviews, but it still boasts all the familiar hallmarks of an NCIS show. The first-ever Special Agent-in-Charge of the Pearl Harbor office, Jane is joined by the memorable cast of NCIS: Hawai’i, including newcomer Kai Holman (Alex Tarrant), Tennant’s second-in-command Jesse Boone (Noah Mills), junior field agent Lucy Tara (Yasmine Al-Bustami), cyber-intelligence specialist Ernie Malik (Jason Antoon), and NCIS-FBI liaison Kate Whistler (Tori Anderson). Unfortunately, the NCIS: Hawai’i team’s final outing will air on May 6, 2024.
Let’s be honest—no one expected NCIS: Hawai’i to be the black sheep of the NCIS family. With a gorgeous island backdrop, fresh characters, and a solid cast led by Vanessa Lachey, it had the perfect recipe for success. But unfortunately, it didn’t go the distance. So, what exactly happened? Why did NCIS: Hawai’i become the first show in the franchise to break an unwanted record?
The Record That No NCIS Show Ever Broke Until Now
Canceled After Just Three Seasons
Yep, you read that right. NCIS: Hawai’i has been canceled after just three seasons, making it the shortest-running series in the NCIS universe. That’s a franchise record—just not the kind you want to brag about.
The original NCIS is still going strong after 20+ seasons. NCIS: Los Angeles made it to 14 seasons. Even NCIS: New Orleans stuck around for 7. But Hawai’i? Gone in 3.
Why Did NCIS: Hawai’i Struggle to Keep Afloat?
It Wasn’t the Location—Hawai’i Was a Dream Setting
From a visual perspective, Hawai’i offered a refreshing change. Beaches, jungles, and stunning ocean views. But scenery alone doesn’t guarantee viewership.
A Cast That Deserved More
Vanessa Lachey made history as the first female lead in the franchise. She brought charisma, strength, and a new dynamic to the NCIS world. Her team, too, was diverse and engaging. So what gives?
Lack of Strong Story Arcs
Many fans felt the show lacked the compelling, long-term plots that kept other NCIS shows binge-worthy. There were fewer serialized mysteries and more one-off episodes, which didn’t help build a loyal audience.
NCIS Franchise Fatigue Might Be Real
Too Many Spin-Offs, Too Little Innovation
Let’s face it: after two decades and multiple spin-offs, the NCIS formula is showing signs of wear and tear. Viewers might be looking for something new—something more.
Competing Against Its Own Legacy
Being part of such a massive franchise can be both a blessing and a curse. Expectations were sky-high, and Hawai’i just couldn’t live up to the legacy of Gibbs, Hetty, or even Pride.
Ratings Didn’t Help Either
Declining Numbers Season Over Season
The ratings started strong but dipped over time. While not terrible, they weren’t good enough to justify continuation in a tightening TV budget climate.
The Streaming Shift
More people are streaming than watching live TV. While CBS tried to catch up with Paramount+, it wasn’t enough to save NCIS: Hawai’i from the chopping block.
Budget Constraints Played a Huge Role
Filming in Hawai’i Is Not Cheap
Shooting in paradise comes with a cost. Literally. Between travel, location permits, and housing for cast and crew, NCIS: Hawai’i was one of the most expensive series to produce.
CBS Had to Make Cuts Somewhere
With broadcast networks trimming expenses, even moderately successful shows are at risk if they’re too costly. Unfortunately, Hawai’i fell into that danger zone.
Missed Opportunities with Crossovers
Crossovers Could’ve Boosted Interest
Fans love a good crossover—just look at how Marvel and One Chicago dominate. NCIS: Hawai’i had limited crossover opportunities with the mothership or other spin-offs. That was a mistake.
Wasted Potential with Legacy Characters
Imagine if Tony DiNozzo or Ziva dropped by for an episode. It could’ve created buzz and drawn nostalgic fans back in. But those moments were few and far between.
Writing Was Hit or Miss
Sometimes Sharp, Often Generic
Episodes occasionally hit emotional or suspenseful highs. But too many felt like recycled plots from older NCIS shows. And in the age of prestige TV, that just doesn’t cut it.
Fans Weren’t Ready to Say Goodbye
The Cliffhanger Ending Left Viewers Hanging
Adding salt to the wound, the show ended with a cliffhanger, with storylines unresolved. No closure. No proper farewell. Just a sudden stop.
Online Petitions and Social Media Outcry
Thousands of fans have taken to X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook to beg CBS and Paramount+ for a revival, or at least a wrap-up movie.
Could NCIS: Hawai’i Still Come Back?
A Possible Future on Streaming?
Don’t count it out just yet. Shows like Manifest and Lucifer were resurrected after cancellation due to fan outcry. If there’s enough noise, Paramount+ might give it a second chance.
The Characters Deserve Closure
Even a limited series or TV movie could provide the ending fans deserve. The story of Jane Tennant and her team isn’t over until CBS says it’s over—for good.
What NCIS: Hawai’i Taught the Franchise
Change Is Risky—But Necessary
Not every spin-off will be a hit. But trying new things (like a female lead and a tropical setting) is still a step in the right direction.
Franchises Need to Evolve or Die
To stay relevant, NCIS needs to refresh its storytelling style, add richer arcs, and adapt to how people watch TV today. Otherwise, it risks more early cancellations.
Final Thoughts: The Unwanted Record, But a Show Worth Remembering
NCIS: Hawai’i may not have broken records for longevity, but it certainly made an impact. It proved that the franchise can evolve and take bold steps. While it didn’t last as long as its predecessors, it brought diversity, energy, and a fresh setting into the mix. And for many fans, those three seasons will always hold a special place.
