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.
Vanessa Lachey Opens Up About NCIS: Hawai’i’s Abrupt Ending
When a beloved TV show ends, fans often mourn. But what happens when even the lead star feels like she never got closure? That’s exactly what happened with Vanessa Lachey, the star of NCIS: Hawai’i, who recently shared her emotional thoughts about the show’s sudden cancellation.
A Sudden Goodbye — And No Farewell
What Went Wrong Behind the Scenes
The cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i came as a surprise not just to fans, but also to the cast and crew. Vanessa Lachey, who played Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant, revealed that the ending was so abrupt that she never got the chance to properly say goodbye to her castmates or the fans.
CBS’s Unexpected Decision
CBS announced the cancellation earlier this year despite steady ratings and a loyal fanbase. The show, a spinoff of the highly successful NCIS franchise, had just wrapped up its third season. The timing felt off, and the lack of a send-off episode left many scratching their heads.
Vanessa Lachey’s Emotional Reflection
“We Didn’t Know It Was the End”
In a recent heartfelt post on social media, Vanessa wrote, “We didn’t get to say goodbye… I didn’t get to say goodbye.” Her words struck a chord with thousands of fans who also felt blindsided.
Building a Family on Set
Vanessa often referred to her co-stars as “ohana”—a Hawaiian term for family. For her, the set of NCIS: Hawai’i was more than just a workplace. It was a second home. That’s what made the lack of closure so painful.
The Impact of NCIS: Hawai’i on Representation
Breaking Barriers in Television
Vanessa Lachey made history as the first female lead in an NCIS series. Her role brought much-needed diversity and strong female representation to primetime network TV.
Highlighting Hawaiian Culture
The show also did justice to the culture of the islands. It celebrated Hawaiian traditions, language, and community in a way rarely seen on major networks.
Fans Left Hanging
No Final Episode? No Fair
Most long-running shows get a farewell season or at least a finale episode. But NCIS: Hawai’i didn’t. There was no dramatic wrap-up, no heartwarming montage, not even a final scene that hinted at the show’s end. Fans—and the cast—were left in the dark.
Viewer Reactions Across Social Media
Hashtags like #SaveNCISHawaii and #JusticeForTennant began trending within hours of the announcement. Fans begged for a proper ending, a TV movie, or even a streaming service to pick up the story.
Vanessa’s Graceful Response Amid Disappointment
Still Grateful, Still Hopeful
Despite her disappointment, Vanessa remained classy. She thanked the fans, her co-stars, and the production team for an incredible journey. Her gratitude showed her deep connection to the show and her character.
Holding Onto Hope for a Reunion
In interviews, Vanessa hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of a comeback, saying she would “love to return as Tennant if the opportunity came up.”
The Future of the NCIS Universe
Where Does NCIS Go From Here?
With NCIS: Hawai’i off the air, fans are wondering what’s next for the franchise. The original NCIS and NCIS: Sydney are still running strong, but it’s clear that the Hawaii-based team left a unique mark.
Behind the Curtain — What Hollywood Doesn’t Always Show
When Ratings Aren’t Enough
Even with decent viewership, network politics, budget cuts, or shifts in creative direction can kill a show. Sometimes, it’s not about quality but strategy.
Why Proper Endings Matter
TV shows aren’t just entertainment—they’re emotional investments. When a show ends without a goodbye, it feels like someone hung up the phone mid-conversation. Both fans and actors deserve more.
Why Vanessa’s Story Resonates
A Voice for Cast and Crew
Lachey’s emotional reaction wasn’t just personal. It spoke for the entire team behind NCIS: Hawai’i. Hundreds of crew members and local Hawaiians worked to bring each episode to life. Their work, too, deserved a proper goodbye.
Speaking Up for Closure
By opening up, Vanessa is advocating for more transparency and respect within the TV industry. She’s using her voice to call for kindness, closure, and connection—something we can all relate to.
Looking Back at the Legacy of NCIS: Hawai’i
A Short Run, But a Lasting Impact
Though its run was brief, NCIS: Hawai’i managed to carve out a place in the franchise’s legacy. It introduced fresh faces, thrilling stories, and a beautiful setting that celebrated the culture of the islands.
What’s Next for Vanessa Lachey?
More TV Projects in the Pipeline
Vanessa isn’t slowing down. With her popularity soaring, more acting and hosting gigs are already lining up. She’s expected to return to Love Is Blind and is reportedly in talks for a new drama series.
From Actress to Advocate
Vanessa may now take on a bigger role as an advocate for actors’ rights, mental health in entertainment, and respectful treatment on set. Her influence is only growing.
The Emotional Toll of Sudden Endings
More Than Just a Job
For Vanessa and many in the cast, this wasn’t just work—it was an experience filled with relationships, growth, and purpose. Sudden cancellations strip away the chance to honor that journey.
How Fans Can Support the Cast
One way to help? Keep watching the show on streaming. Share your love for it online. The more noise fans make, the more likely networks are to listen.
Conclusion: Saying Goodbye the Right Way
In a world that moves too fast, Vanessa Lachey’s emotional reflection on the end of NCIS: Hawai’i is a reminder of how much goodbyes matter. Her voice echoes the feelings of fans, the crew, and anyone who has ever felt their story ended too soon. While the show may not get a proper finale, her words provide some of the closure we all needed.
