If you’ve been following NCIS: Hawai’i, you might be scratching your head—“Season 23?” is that even real? While the show officially wrapped in 2024, rumors, fan campaigns, and franchise expansions have kept hope alive. In this article, we’ll dig into everything we do know (and what we don’t) about the possibility of NCIS: Hawai’i Season 23—or a spiritual successor.
The Status Quo — NCIS: Hawai’i’s Past & Present
A Quick History — From Launch to Cancellation
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NCIS: Hawai’i debuted in September 2021 as a spinoff of the NCIS universe, with Vanessa Lachey as Special Agent Jane Tennant leading the team.
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It ran for 3 seasons, totaling 54 episodes, before CBS officially canceled the series in April 2024.
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The final episode aired on May 6, 2024.
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CBS cited financial pressures, ratings, and scheduling priorities as key reasons for cancellation.
So when someone says Season 23, they’re speaking more in the realm of fantasy, revival, or alternate branding than reality. But that doesn’t mean speculation should stop.
Why the Show Ended — Behind the Curtain
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Production in Hawai’i has unique costs, and series with exotic settings often carry premium budgets.
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Ratings declined somewhat over time, and CBS was reworking its procedural line-up for 2024–25.
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The network also wanted to limit the number of NCIS-branded properties it aired concurrently to avoid brand dilution.
Even as the fans tried to rally for more seasons, the decision appeared final.
So, What Does “Season 23” Even Mean?
Revival vs. Reboot vs. Spin-off
Let’s break down possible interpretations:
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Revival: Bringing NCIS: Hawai’i back under the same name and concept, picking up where it left off.
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Reboot: Reimagine the franchise with new characters or altered premise in Hawai’i.
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Spin-off: Use parts of NCIS: Hawai’i cast or setting in a new NCIS series (e.g. NCIS: Origins, NCIS: Tony & Ziva) and perhaps treat that as “Season 23” in spirit.
Because the show was canceled in 2024, “Season 23” would likely refer to a revival or renovation rather than a direct continuation.
Fan Campaigns & Industry Buzz
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After the cancellation, fans launched petitions like “Save NCIS: Hawai’i,” but they didn’t change CBS’s decision.
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Some media outlets and entertainment watchers speculated that CBS could license or resurrect the IP elsewhere.
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Meanwhile, the rest of the NCIS universe continues evolving: NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Tony & Ziva (a newer spinoff) have drawn attention.
If NCIS: Hawai’i ever returns, it likely won’t come from CBS’ original decisions alone—but from streaming players, co-productions, or fan-driven revival movements.
What We’d Want to See in a Revival (AKA “Season 23”)
Return of Jane Tennant & Core Team
Vanessa Lachey’s Jane Tennant was groundbreaking as the first female Special Agent-in-Charge in the franchise. Any revival would almost certainly lean on her return.
Other key cast members from season 3 include:
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Alex Tarrant as Kai Holman
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Noah Mills as Jesse Boone
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Yasmine Al-Bustami as Lucy Tara
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Jason Antoon as Ernie Malik
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Tori Anderson as Kate Whistler
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LL Cool J reprised Sam Hanna from NCIS: LA as a guest recurring role in season 3
A revival would likely lean heavily on those established connections and relationships to maintain continuity and fan trust.
Strong Story Arcs & Character Growth
Viewers would expect:
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New high-stakes cases tied to national security or military intrigue (typical for NCIS).
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Personal struggles for Tennant and team—loss, career crossroads, moral dilemmas.
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Crossovers with other NCIS series (remember how prior seasons touched NCIS, NCIS: LA).
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New villains and recurring threats—not ones rehashed from previous seasons.
Budget, Production & Filming Location
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Filming in Hawai’i is part of the show’s visual identity, but it’s expensive.
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A revival could offset costs by partial location or hybrid shooting.
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Partnering with streaming platforms or local governments might attract incentives.
The Challenges & Roadblocks to Revival
Network Hesitation & Franchise Saturation
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CBS already argued that having too many NCIS-branded shows strains brand identity.
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Ratings risk: a revival might not reach prior viewership levels, especially after cancellation.
Cast Availability & Contracts
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Securing the original cast can be tough—some actors may have moved on.
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Union, scheduling, and compensation demands can push budgets high.
Audience Trust & Narrative Reset
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Some fans expressed frustration about how season 3 ended—multiple character losses, dramatic twists that felt final.
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Overcoming that dissatisfaction is critical for any return to feel legitimate.
Indicators That Revival Might Happen
Interest in the NCIS Brand
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CBS continues investing in other spinoffs (e.g. NCIS: Sydney, Origins, Tony & Ziva).
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The NCIS universe has resilience: fans remain devoted.
Streaming or International Platforms
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A network pass doesn’t mean “never.” A streaming service might revive the title under a licensing deal.
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International co-productions might breathe new life, using regional markets to fund seasons.
Fan Pressure & Social Momentum
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With enough social media attention and petitions, revival campaigns could influence executives or acquire funding.
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Some shows have returned years later due to fandom (e.g. Veronica Mars, Arrested Development).
What If There Isn’t a True Season 23?
The Legacy Lives On in the NCIS Universe
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Story elements or characters from NCIS: Hawai’i may be absorbed into other shows.
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Jane Tennant could appear in crossover episodes or guest arcs in NCIS proper or Origins.
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The visual tone, procedural style, or themes could inspire future Hawai’i-based narratives.
Fan Art, Fiction & Extended Universe
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Fan theories, fan fiction, podcasts, YouTube reimaginings—the show has a second life in creators’ communities.
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Online communities keep the spirit alive even without new episodes.
Key Speculations & Fan Theories
Could “Season 23” Be a Code Name or Alternate Route?
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Some fans wonder if the phrase “Season 23” is speculative shorthand for “NCIS Universe Year 23,” including new spin-offs.
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Others think a revived Hawai’i might be integrated into a future unified NCIS timeline labeled Season 23.
The Return of Sam Hanna—More Than Guest Star?
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Since LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna appeared in season 3, some believe he could anchor a revival, either in Hawai’i or as bridge between NCIS locales.
A “Season 23” That’s Actually NCIS: Hawai’i — Origins
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Perhaps a new origin-centric series set in Hawai’i, showing how the team was formed, or key backstories.
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This format could bypass some challenges while preserving the brand.
What to Watch For — Clues of a Comeback
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Official statements from CBS or Paramount about renewing NCIS brands.
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Trademark renewals, domain registrations, or production permits in Hawai’i.
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Social media posts from stars (Vanessa Lachey, Alex Tarrant, etc.) hinting at returns.
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Espionage or military-themed series announcements tied to Hawai’i or Pacific settings.
Hypothetical Timeline for “Season 23”
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Proposal Phase — scripts pitched, budgets proposed, platform talks
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Green-light & Casting — deals with stars, contracts, pre-production
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Filming & Location Scouting — Hawai’i (or hybrid), local partnerships
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Post-production & Teases — trailers, promos, fan reveals
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Premiere & Reception — first episodes drop, reviews and viewership determine continuation
It’s a long road—but not an impossible one.
Conclusion
To be crystal clear: there is no confirmed “NCIS: Hawai’i Season 23.” The show was canceled in 2024 after three seasons. But the realm of TV revivals is full of surprises. Whether through a full resurrection, a reboot, or a spin-off, the legacy of NCIS: Hawai’i remains alive in fan hearts and NCIS lore.
If a revival ever happens, it will need to overcome budget hurdles, narrative skepticism, and logistical challenges. But given the strength of its cast, setting, and fan loyalty, the possibility is never completely off the table.
Until then, we wait, speculate, and hope that one day, we’ll hear the words: “Back to Hawai’i.”
