Behind the Scenes of NCIS: Hawaiʻi Season 3: Filming Update from the Cast After the Actors’ Strike
If you’re a fan of the NCIS: Hawaiʻi franchise (and who isn’t?), you’ve likely been waiting with bated breath for news about Season 3’s production — especially after the disruptions caused by the actors’ strike. Well, the good news is: filming is back in motion, and stars of the show are sharing upbeat updates. Let’s dive into everything we know so far — from the strike’s impact, to the set returning to action, to what lies ahead for the team in Hawaii.
The Strike That Shook Hollywood — And NCIS: Hawaiʻi
When the actors’ strike (led by SAG‑AFTRA) and the writers’ strike halted productions across the U.S., many shows were forced into pause or delay — and NCIS: Hawaiʻi was no exception. Filming timelines were upended, scripts were delayed, and production teams had to pivot. According to Wikipedia’s production notes, the show’s third season filming began on December 4, 2023 — suggesting that the strike disruptions did delay the original schedule.
The “pause” effect wasn’t just about cameras rolling or not — it sent ripples through location scouting, crew scheduling, and even the storytelling plan.
Why the Set Went Quiet — The Impact on the Show
Delayed Filming, Truncated Episodes
Because of the strike, Season 3 of NCIS: Hawaiʻi ended up being shorter than originally planned. One source states Season 3 produced only 10 episodes.
That means tighter story arcs, fewer side-plots, and a production team trying to make every minute count.
Cast & Crew Uncertainty
When filming halts, morale can dip. Cast members and crew suddenly faced open windows in their calendars, contract uncertainties, and shifting timelines. It’s one thing to pause a show temporarily — it’s another to not know when you’ll resume. For a location like Hawaii, with its own logistical costs and complexities, that kind of disruption can be substantial.
Budget, Location and Logistics Shock
Filming in Hawaii is beautiful — but expensive. The strikes raised costs further through scheduling inefficiencies and longer production timelines. The show had to weigh those costs while keeping the magic of the islands intact.
Good News — Filming for Season 3 Is Back Underway
Date Confirmed
According to Hidden Remote, filming for Season 3 started on Monday, December 4, 2023 in Hawaii.
The production kicked off with a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony — a sign that the team was committed to getting back into full swing.
Actors Returning & Surprise Guest Stars
The main cast — including Vanessa Lachey (as Jane Tennant), Alex Tarrant, Noah Mills, and others — were confirmed to return for Season 3.
Plus, a big addition: LL Cool J reprises his role as Sam Hanna from NCIS: LA for this season.
Location: Still Oahu, Still Authentic
Filming returned to Oahu, Hawaii — and according to Wikipedia, production utilised the facilities originally built for another Hawaii-based show.
Keeping the show’s island vibe intact seems to be a priority despite the strike disruptions.
What the Stars Are Saying — On-Set Vibes & Updates
While many productions issue formal press releases, some behind-the-scenes moments leak from the cast. For example, there’s a message by actor Jason Antoon (who plays Ernie Malik) posting images of the Hawaii film studio location.
These updates give fans a sense that — despite the strike’s shadow — the team is back, energized, and ready to tell more stories.
In interviews, cast members have expressed excitement about returning to work, resuming schedules, and reconnecting with their co-stars and crew. The informal tone suggests the production team is trying to recapture momentum and reassure viewers.
Storyline Hints & What the Filming Update Might Mean for Fans
Shorter Season, Bigger Punch
With fewer episodes (10 in Season 3) the writing team apparently had to condense arcs.
That often means faster pacing, less filler, and a “go-for-it” attitude — which can be a win for engaged fans.
Character Returns & New Dynamics
With returning cast and the arrival of LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna, expect some cross-franchise sparks. These kinds of guest appearances can boost excitement and viewership. It also shows the show isn’t just picking up filming — it’s making moves.
Location Has its Own Story
Filming in Hawaii isn’t just backdrop — the setting becomes a character. Returning to Oahu for production means watchers will still get that island authenticity: beaches, sunsets, island culture, and a sense of place that sets NCIS: Hawaiʻi apart.
Why the Filming Update Matters for the Franchise
The broader franchise — the original NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Sydney — always watches what each new series does. A production hiccup in one show can ripple across the brand.
Production Confidence
When one show navigates the strike and resumes with a strong start, it demonstrates to networks and studios that despite disruptions, values like quality, crew loyalty, and location brand matter. That can influence renewals and budgets.
Viewer Retention
Telling fans “we’re back in production” helps maintain enthusiasm. Viewers waiting for Season 3 are reassured that the wait was productive, not indefinite.
Location Economic Impact
Filming in Hawaii supports local jobs, crews, and infrastructure. The resumption of production sends positive signals to local stakeholders and helps keep the island on the map for future filming. Wikipedia notes the series used previously built Hawaii facilities.
Challenges That Remain — What Could Still Be a Hurdle
Budget Constraints
Even with filming resumed, tighter budgets are likely. The strike may have eaten into allocated funds, and the shorter season suggests decisions were made to adjust. That could affect special effects, locations, or the number of guest stars.
Schedule Pressures
Starting late (December for filming) means less margin for error. Weather delays, logistic issues in Hawaii, or other disruptions could compress the timeframe. The crew will need to be efficient.
Fan Expectations
After waiting, fans expect a strong payoff. If the show stumbles in pacing or storytelling because of the strike impact, viewer disappointment could rise. The “back-in-action” message raises the bar for what follows.
What the Filming Update Tells Us About the Future of NCIS: Hawaiʻi
Commitment to Quality
The fact that filming restarted with the traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony (a cultural nod and production ritual) suggests the team values both tradition and morale.
This may hint at a production that’s invested, not just ticking boxes.
Possible Career Moves for Cast & Crew
When a show navigates disruptions successfully, it can open doors for cast and crew. Upward momentum could attract bigger guest stars, crossover events, or innovative filming techniques.
Endgame or Reset?
While the filming update is positive, industry sources hint at underlying pressures. Some Wikipedia details suggest the show was canceled after three seasons — though that may have been after this filming period.
If the goal is longevity, this filming effort is crucial. If it’s a final season push, then it’s also about making a memorable impact.
How Fans Can Stay Connected During Production
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Follow cast members on social media for behind-the-scenes photos and updates (e.g., Jason Antoon’s posts).
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Look out for press releases from the network and production company for filming milestones (wrap parties, location moves, guest stars).
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Engage with fan forums — strikes and schedule shifts often lead to production updates being shared informally before official announcements.
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Watch for trailers or teaser footage: resuming filming often triggers promotional builds.
Key Takeaways — What This Means in Simple Terms
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The production of Season 3 of NCIS: Hawaiʻi has resumed after the strike disruptions.
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Filming began December 4, 2023, on Oahu, Hawaii.
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The main cast is back, and guest star LL Cool J is on board.
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The season will be shorter (10 episodes) likely due to the delays.
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While the show appears to be bouncing back, budget, scheduling, and fan-expectation pressures remain.
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For fans, this is a signal to get excited — but also to stay tuned for how everything plays out onscreen.
Final Thoughts
Imagine a ship caught in a sudden storm. Production for NCIS: Hawaiʻi found itself in that storm — the industry strikes created big waves. But now the skies are clearing, the crew’s back on deck, and the cameras are rolling again. There’s still work ahead, and there are still hidden reefs to navigate, but the island horizon promises something good.
If you’re a fan, gear up: the filming update signals momentum. And while shorter seasons sometimes mean less on-screen time, they also often lead to tighter storytelling and more intense episodes. The island backdrop? Still stunning. The cast? Still committed. The script? Well, here’s hoping it draws back with the energy and drama we’ve come to expect.
Conclusion
In short: yes — production for Season 3 of NCIS: Hawaiʻi is back on track after the actors’ strike delay. The filming update shows the team is back in action, but with a new set of constraints and opportunities. If everything lines up, this season could be a rejuvenation for the show — a fresh start after turbulence. For die-hard fans and casual viewers alike, it’s a moment worth paying attention to. The island cameras are rolling again. Let’s see what they capture.
