CBS is officially stepping into shared-universe territory — and it’s a move that could redefine procedural television. As the new year approaches, the network has quietly but decisively connected NCIS, Tracker, and Hawaii Five-0 into a single, unified TV universe, sending fans into a frenzy and opening the door to endless crossover possibilities.
This isn’t just a fun Easter egg. It’s a strategic shift. One that blends legacy franchises with newer hits, creating a storytelling ecosystem that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
So what does this shared universe really mean? Why now? And how will it impact the future of CBS dramas?
The Rise of a CBS Shared Television Universe
Why Shared Universes Are the Future of TV
Shared universes aren’t just a trend — they’re a proven formula. From the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Dick Wolf’s Chicago and Law & Order franchises, interconnected storytelling keeps audiences invested for the long haul.
CBS clearly took notes.
By linking NCIS, Tracker, and Hawaii Five-0, the network gains:
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Long-term narrative flexibility
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Built-in crossover events
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Stronger audience retention
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A sense of scale and realism
Think of it like a TV neighborhood. Each show has its own house, but they all live on the same street.
How CBS Confirmed the NCIS–Tracker–Hawaii Five-0 Connection
Subtle Clues That Sparked Fan Theories
CBS didn’t roll out a flashy press conference. Instead, the confirmation came through dialogue references, shared agencies, and overlapping timelines that eagle-eyed fans quickly picked up on.
Mentions of:
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NCIS cases impacting mainland investigations
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Tracker’s Colter Shaw referencing federal task forces
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Hawaii Five-0 legacy operations being cited in new episodes
These weren’t accidents. They were deliberate breadcrumbs.
NCIS: The Backbone of the CBS Crime Universe
Why NCIS Is the Perfect Anchor Series
With over two decades on air, NCIS isn’t just a show — it’s a television institution.
Key Strengths That Make NCIS the Centerpiece
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Established federal reach
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Multiple spinoffs with global scope
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Loyal, multi-generational audience
NCIS operates like the FBI of the CBS universe — always present, always influential, even when off-screen.
Tracker’s Role in the Expanding CBS Universe
Why Tracker Fits Perfectly Into This World
At first glance, Tracker might seem like an outlier. It’s more nomadic, more personal. But that’s exactly why it works.
Colter Shaw isn’t bound by bureaucracy. He moves between jurisdictions, filling the gaps where agencies can’t.
What Tracker Brings to the Shared Universe
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Ground-level storytelling
- Civilian perspective on federal cases
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Natural crossover opportunities
He’s the connective tissue — the freelancer who bumps into everyone.
Hawaii Five-0’s Legacy Lives On
Even After Ending, Hawaii Five-0 Still Matters
While Hawaii Five-0 wrapped its run, its universe didn’t disappear. CBS has made it clear: the task force, its methods, and its impact still exist.
References to:
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Former Five-0 operations
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Honolulu-based task forces
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McGarrett-era cases
…all confirm the show remains canon.
It’s like a retired detective whose old cases still shape the present.
Why CBS Chose to Do This Now
Strategic Timing in a Competitive TV Landscape
CBS isn’t just telling stories — it’s competing with streaming giants.
By unifying its strongest procedural brands, CBS:
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Maximizes existing IP
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Reduces audience fragmentation
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Creates binge-worthy continuity
In a world of endless content, familiarity wins.
Potential Crossovers Fans Are Already Speculating About
NCIS Meets Tracker: A Natural Collision
Imagine this:
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NCIS hunting a fugitive
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Colter Shaw tracking the same person
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Both unaware they’re on a collision course
That’s TV gold.
Hawaii Five-0 Flashbacks or Legacy Characters
Could we see:
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A former Five-0 member reappear?
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A cold case reopened?
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A Hawaii-based crossover episode?
CBS has options — and fans are ready.
How a Shared Universe Improves Storytelling
Bigger Stakes, Smaller Coincidences
When shows exist in isolation, the world can feel small. A shared universe fixes that.
Now:
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Actions have consequences across shows
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Characters feel more real
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The world feels lived-in
It’s the difference between a stage set and a real city.
What This Means for CBS’s Future Programming
More Crossovers, Fewer Reboots
Instead of constantly rebooting old shows, CBS can:
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Introduce new characters organically
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Spin off popular figures
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Test concepts within existing worlds
It’s smarter. And cheaper.
Audience Reaction: Fans Are All In
Social Media Buzz and Fan Theories
From Reddit to X, fans are connecting dots, sharing timelines, and predicting crossover events.
The consensus?
This should’ve happened sooner.
How This Shared Universe Competes With Dick Wolf’s Empire
CBS isn’t copying — it’s countering.
Dick Wolf built an empire around cities and departments. CBS is building one around cases, characters, and consequences.
Different approach. Same ambition.
Could This Lead to a Massive CBS Crossover Event?
The Possibility of a Multi-Show Event Night
Imagine:
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One crime
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Three shows
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One interconnected storyline
That’s must-watch television — and CBS knows it.
What New Viewers Need to Know
You Don’t Have to Watch Everything
The beauty of this universe? Accessibility.
Each show stands alone. The connections enhance the experience — they don’t complicate it.
Think of it like seasoning. Optional, but delicious.
Why This Move Feels Long Overdue
CBS has always excelled at procedurals. The only missing piece was cohesion.
Now? The puzzle is complete.
Conclusion: CBS Just Built Its Most Powerful TV World Yet
By placing NCIS, Tracker, and Hawaii Five-0 in the same universe, CBS didn’t just connect shows — it connected audiences, timelines, and storytelling potential.
This move signals a new era for the network. One where legacy and innovation coexist. Where characters can cross paths naturally. And where viewers feel like they’re watching a world, not just a show.
The CBS universe has officially begun — and it’s only getting bigger.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are NCIS, Tracker, and Hawaii Five-0 officially in the same universe?
Yes. CBS has confirmed the connection through shared references, timelines, and canon acknowledgments.
2. Will there be crossover episodes between these shows?
While not officially announced, the shared universe makes crossovers highly likely.
3. Is Hawaii Five-0 still canon even though it ended?
Absolutely. Its characters, cases, and legacy remain part of the CBS universe.
4. Do I need to watch all three shows to understand the storylines?
No. Each show works independently, with shared elements serving as enhancements.
5. Could CBS expand this universe with new shows?
Yes. This setup makes it easy to introduce new series within the same world.
