If ever a TV show felt like it came out of a focus group, it’s CBS’s latest “NCIS” spinoff. That’s not inherently a bad thing, but when you look at “NCIS: Hawaii” (Monday, 10 EDT/PDT, ★★½ out of four), it’s hard not to think someone down at ViacomCBS corporate headquarters thought, “Hey! What if we combined ‘NCIS’ and ‘Hawaii Five-0’!”
What if, indeed. The latest series in the mega-popular “NCIS” franchise, which includes the original, “LA” and the recently canceled “New Orleans,” recycles familiar parts of the Naval investigative formula against the starkly gorgeous backdrop of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Although the one major change here is that instead of a Mark Harmon-type baby boomer hunk at the center like in the original and “New Orleans” (or a Chris O’Donnell-type Gen X hunk, like in “LA”), “Hawaii” is anchored by Vanessa Lachey, a younger woman of color. It also includes LGBTQ characters in the ensemble cast.
It’s a modicum of a new direction for “NCIS,” one that might alienate some fans but also bring new ones to the franchise that has a reputation for being enjoyed by very old (and old-fashioned) viewers. But overall, “Hawaii” doesn’t change much about the core structure of “NCIS,” in which agents investigate crimes involving members of the U.S. Navy, this time in Hawaii. The first episode of the new series had all the trappings of a typical “NCIS” affair: Dramatic crime, joking NCIS agents, connections to international espionage, patriotism, an action set-piece and a predictable ending.
When a show comes from the juggernaut NCIS franchise, expectations are sky-high. NCIS: Hawaii attempts to bring something new to the table—lush landscapes, a fresh cast, and a female lead—while still clinging tightly to the familiar formula that made the original so beloved. But does this tropical spinoff really bring the heat, or does it simply play in safe waters? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about NCIS: Hawaii—the good, the predictable, and the moments that make you go, “Wait…haven’t I seen this before?”
What Makes NCIS: Hawaii Stand Out in the Franchise?
The First Female Lead in NCIS History
Meet Vanessa Lachey as Special Agent Jane Tennant—the first female lead in the NCIS universe. It’s a bold move, and one that comes with both applause and scrutiny. Lachey brings strength and empathy, though sometimes the scripts don’t fully support the depth she’s capable of delivering.
A Setting That’s More Than Just Eye Candy
Hawaii isn’t just a scenic backdrop here—it becomes a character in its own right. From military bases to beachside crime scenes, the show leverages its location for both aesthetics and storylines tied to local culture, native history, and geopolitical tensions in the Pacific.
The Struggle to Be Both Familiar and Fresh
The Classic NCIS Formula Still Rules
Despite being on a new island with a new boss, the same NCIS playbook gets dusted off: a dead body, a few red herrings, light humor, lab banter, and a final twist. Sound familiar? That’s because it is.
A Cast That’s Still Finding Its Groove
While the ensemble includes strong players—Alex Tarrant (Kai Holman) and Yasmine Al-Bustami (Lucy Tara)—the chemistry sometimes feels manufactured. It’s like they’re trying to copy the camaraderie of Gibbs’ old team but haven’t quite clicked yet.
Representation and Progress—But Is It Enough?
Diversity Without Depth
NCIS: Hawaii gets points for inclusion—featuring Asian-American and Pacific Islander characters in key roles. But too often, it feels like surface-level representation. Cultural depth gets a few nods, but rarely drives the narrative in a meaningful way.
LGBTQ+ Visibility That Feels Authentic
One bright spot is the relationship between Lucy Tara and FBI agent Kate Whistler. It’s one of the most organically developed queer relationships in mainstream procedural TV—offering real heart without turning it into a spectacle.
Crime Solving Under the Hawaiian Sun
Case-of-the-Week Still Dominates
Each episode wraps up cleanly in 42 minutes. That’s comforting for some, but in an age of bingeable, serialized content, the show’s reluctance to embrace long arcs might be its Achilles’ heel.
Military Ties Keep It Grounded
NCIS is still very much a military procedural, and NCIS: Hawaii leans into that with episodes involving Navy SEALs, intelligence officers, and cyber threats. It adds tension, but also limits creative risks.
Strengths That Keep Viewers Coming Back
Gorgeous Cinematography
From drone shots of volcanic cliffs to underwater scenes, the show is visually stunning. Even if the storyline falters, you’re rarely bored looking at the screen.
Steady Pacing That Never Lags
Despite sticking to a formula, the show rarely feels slow. The editing is crisp, the dialogue quick, and there’s always a cliffhanger to keep you hanging on for the next episode.
The NCIS Legacy—A Blessing and a Burden
Too Afraid to Break the Mold?
At times, NCIS: Hawaii feels like it’s walking on eggshells. It wants to be different, but not too different. That safe approach may help ratings in the short term, but it prevents the show from making a real cultural impact.
Fan Service vs. Risk-Taking
You’ll catch Easter eggs and references to NCIS legends like Gibbs or DiNozzo—but they often feel like safety nets. The show could benefit from taking bigger swings and leaning into serialized storytelling.
Characters Worth Watching
Jane Tennant – A New Kind of Leader
She’s not the brooding Gibbs type. Jane leads with compassion and intelligence, not intimidation. It’s refreshing—but can sometimes come across as too polished and too perfect.
Lucy & Kate – TV’s New Power Couple?
Honestly, their romantic subplot has more spark than some of the cases. Fans on social media love them, and their dynamic offers a fresh emotional layer the franchise has often lacked.
Kai Holman – The Lone Wolf Archetype
The young, hot-headed agent who’s haunted by his past? Yep, he’s here too. But actor Alex Tarrant brings unexpected vulnerability that makes him more than just another pretty face.
Final Thoughts – Should You Watch It?
NCIS: Hawaii isn’t reinventing the wheel—but maybe that’s not the point. It offers enough comfort-food procedural drama to satisfy longtime fans while nudging the franchise slowly into the future.
If you’re looking for a reliable crime drama with a stunning setting, inclusive cast, and a few standout moments, it’s absolutely worth your time. But if you’re hoping for a groundbreaking reinvention of the franchise? You might have to keep waiting.
FAQs About NCIS: Hawaii
Q1: Is NCIS: Hawaii connected to the original NCIS series?
Yes, it’s part of the same universe, and there have been crossover episodes, especially with NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS.
Q2: Who is the main character in NCIS: Hawaii?
Special Agent Jane Tennant, played by Vanessa Lachey, is the first female lead in NCIS franchise history.
Q3: Is the show filmed on location in Hawaii?
Yes, much of the show is filmed on the island of Oahu, giving it authentic tropical visuals.
Q4: Are there plans for future crossovers?
While nothing official has been announced for future seasons, the producers have hinted at more crossovers being in the works.
Q5: How does NCIS: Hawaii compare to other NCIS shows?
It’s visually more vibrant and inclusive, but it still leans heavily on traditional NCIS formulas. Think of it as the familiar meal with a tropical twist.
