I understand that filming on the island is expensive, but at the very least, CBS is already guaranteed returns, considering NCIS: Hawai’i’s success. Reisenbach revealed that they looked at the numbers, which informed their decision. That said, viewership data revealed that NCIS: Hawai’i ranked as the 16th overall most-watched series during the 2023-2024 season — a big improvement from its previous year. Moreso, Its series finale ranked at number 11 in terms of the largest 7-day lift for primetime endings airing on the key broadcast networks. That’s a solid indication that it is trending upwards.
From an outsider’s perspective, I don’t think that CBS can chalk NCIS: Hawai’i’s cancelation up to cost-cutting while also devoting resources just to launch an untested show such as Einstein. Considering its growth, why clip its wings before it can even reach its full potential? Upon its cancelation, NCIS: Hawai’i became the shortest-running show in the famed police procedural franchise. Unless there was something else at play, it doesn’t seem like the network was in such a dire position that it had no choice but to unceremoniously end the Lachey-led project. From an outsider’s perspective, I don’t think that CBS can chalk NCIS: Hawai’i’s cancelation up to cost-cutting while also devoting resources just to launch an untested show such as Einstein.
CBS Canceling NCIS: Hawai’i — A Risky Business Decision
When CBS made the shocking decision to cancel NCIS: Hawai’i after just three seasons, fans weren’t the only ones left scratching their heads. While the network cited “business reasons,” it’s hard to ignore that continuing the show could have made more financial sense. Let’s break down why this was a potentially costly mistake for CBS.
The NCIS Franchise Is a Proven Powerhouse
A Legacy of Success Across Decades
The NCIS brand has been CBS’s golden goose since 2003. With a loyal global audience and record-breaking syndication deals, each spin-off has brought in major ad revenue, international licensing profits, and strong digital viewership numbers. So why stop now?
A Safe Bet in an Uncertain Market
With unpredictable new shows and streaming competition growing daily, continuing a reliable franchise like NCIS: Hawai’i should’ve been a no-brainer. It was already established and steadily growing.
Ratings Didn’t Justify Cancellation
Solid Viewership Numbers
NCIS: Hawai’i consistently held decent ratings, especially in delayed viewership and streaming. While not the top performer, it was by no means a flop. In fact, its performance outpaced several other CBS shows that were renewed.
Strong Demographics and Fan Engagement
The show pulled in key demographics—particularly adults aged 25-54—which are gold for advertisers. And let’s not forget the incredibly vocal and engaged fanbase on social media. That kind of buzz is marketing gold.
Revenue Potential Was Far From Tapped Out
Global Syndication Opportunities
CBS could have continued to cash in on international syndication. Shows like NCIS are global hits, and Hawai’i had barely scratched the surface of overseas deals.
Streaming Deals and On-Demand Revenue
With platforms like Paramount+, there’s a major opportunity for monetizing archived episodes. More seasons = more bingeable content = more subscribers.
Brand Loyalty and Franchise Continuity
Cutting It Hurt the NCIS Ecosystem
Every NCIS series has helped feed interest in the others. Removing Hawai’i broke the synergy, especially since it often crossed over with the original show. That’s lost potential for cross-promotion.
Disrupting Viewer Habits
Audiences get into rhythms. Cancelling a spin-off mid-run sends a signal that even beloved shows aren’t safe. That kind of instability can backfire on future launches.
Representation and Inclusivity Were Key Selling Points
Vanessa Lachey’s Role Was Groundbreaking
Vanessa Lachey made history as the first female lead in an NCIS series. Her character inspired viewers, especially women and people of color. CBS had the chance to lead in diverse storytelling—and dropped the ball.
Hawaii as a Unique Setting
The vibrant backdrop of Hawai’i wasn’t just beautiful—it brought cultural depth and fresh storylines. It was a rare setting that stood out from the usual big-city crime dramas.
Merchandising and Fan Events
A Missed Marketing Goldmine
From branded gear to comic con appearances, CBS could have leaned into the merchandising opportunities that Hawai’i offered. Fan enthusiasm was high—and that means they were ready to buy.
Live Events and Tourism Tie-Ins
Hawai’i is a travel destination. CBS could’ve partnered with local tourism boards, sponsored events, and boosted interest in both the show and the island.
The Streaming Wars Are All About Content
CBS Needs Every Hit It Can Get
With Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon spending billions on original content, CBS needs to defend its turf. Cancelling a good-performing series during this fight? It weakens their library when they need strength.
Paramount+ Needed It More Than Ever
More episodes mean more hours of content, which means more reasons for people to subscribe or stay subscribed to Paramount+. Ending NCIS: Hawai’i cut a valuable source of stickiness.
Fan Backlash Could Damage CBS’s Brand
Online Petitions, Trends, and Hashtags
Fans didn’t take this cancellation lightly. Hashtags like #SaveNCISHawaii trended for days. That type of negative buzz can snowball and tarnish the network’s reputation.
Future Viewers May Think Twice
If CBS is seen as trigger-happy with cancellations, viewers might hesitate to emotionally invest in new series. That fear hurts future ratings and loyalty.
Comparing to Other Network Moves
NBC and ABC Play the Long Game
Other networks have stuck by modestly performing shows and seen long-term success. NBC nurtured The Blacklist for ten seasons. ABC gave The Rookie room to grow. CBS may have acted too soon.
Streaming Giants Value Library Content
Just look at how Netflix thrives off its library shows. CBS cutting Hawai’i means fewer hours of content to license, stream, or repackage.
Cast and Crew Were Hitting Their Stride
Chemistry Was Just Getting Good
By Season 3, the actors had developed serious on-screen chemistry. Storylines were evolving, and momentum was building. Pulling the plug then was like stopping a song before the chorus.
Momentum Builds Over Time
Crime dramas often peak after a few seasons. CBS knew this from experience. Why not let NCIS: Hawai’i hit its stride?
A Spin-Off of a Spin-Off? The Potential Was There
More Characters Meant More Possibilities
There was room for spin-offs within the spin-off. Several side characters had enough depth to carry their own stories, which could’ve expanded the NCIS universe even more.
Opportunity Cost Is Real
What Will Replace It?
New shows cost more to launch and are far more likely to fail. NCIS: Hawai’i was a known entity with a steady audience—replacing that will cost CBS more in the long run.
Conclusion: CBS Cut the Wrong Cord
In an era where content is king and franchises are the crown jewels, CBS made a surprising misstep by canceling NCIS: Hawai’i. The numbers, the fan engagement, and the long-term growth potential all point to one conclusion: keeping it alive would’ve been a smarter business move. Maybe hindsight is 20/20—but in this case, it was as clear as crystal before they pulled the plug.
