Three whole months have passed since CBS canceled one of the best NCIS series, and fans still mourn this unexpected loss. In April 2024, NCIS: Hawai’i was canceled after three seasons, which surprised not only the ever-dedicated viewers but also showrunners Jan Nash and Christopher Silber, who recently opened up about it to TVLine. NCIS: Hawai’i is a spin-off of the long-running series NCIS and the fourth show in the entire NCIS franchise.
According to the creators, NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 finale would not have ended the way it did if they had known a cancelation was coming. They said, “We were obviously surprised. If we’d known it was coming, we probably wouldn’t have ended the series on a cliffhanger. The fact that the studio and the network didn’t stop us makes it seem like they might not have seen it coming, either. We loved our show and know other people loved it, too, but the TV business is a fickle mistress, and one can’t take business decisions personally. But it still stings.”
At the same time, the series’ execs also shared a few details about plans for a fourth season if NCIS: Hawai’i had not been scratched, saying, “While not fully fleshed out, we had a general idea of where the Maggie story was going. It would have eventually intersected with Jane Tennant’s mother, but it was also going to move back into the dark world of Tennant’s spy past, using those stories to increase our understanding of who Jane was, but also to learn more about her team in the process.”
Fans of NCIS: Hawai’i were left heartbroken when CBS pulled the plug on the show after its gripping Season 3 finale. With a shocking cliffhanger and unresolved character arcs, many wondered — what was supposed to happen next? Let’s dive deep into the unrealized Season 4 storyline, exploring the twists, character developments, and emotional payoffs that fans never got to experience.
The Unexpected Cancellation That Shocked Fans
When NCIS: Hawai’i was canceled in 2024, fans were stunned. The show had strong ratings, a loyal audience, and one of the most diverse casts on television. The finale left key questions hanging — particularly about Jane Tennant’s fate and the possible betrayal inside the team. Season 4 was supposed to give us those answers — and more.
What Season 4 Would Have Focused On
Season 4 was designed to shift the tone — darker, more personal, and emotionally charged. The writers aimed to explore deeper storylines involving trust, family, and the blurred line between justice and revenge.
1. Jane Tennant’s Fight for Redemption
After being accused of going rogue in the Season 3 finale, Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) would have started Season 4 on the run. Her goal? Clear her name while uncovering a shadowy operation within the government that framed her. This season was meant to show a more vulnerable, isolated side of Jane — but also her fierce resilience.
2. The Secret Within the NCIS Team
A key arc would have revolved around an internal mole. The writers planned to reveal that one of the team members was secretly feeding information to an unknown source. Fans speculated it could’ve been a shock betrayal — possibly someone close to Lucy or Kai.
3. Lucy Tara and Kate Whistler’s Relationship Tested
Lucy (Yasmine Al-Bustami) and Kate (Tori Anderson) were finally in a good place in Season 3 — but that peace wouldn’t have lasted. Season 4 was set to explore the strain on their relationship as Lucy got pulled into Jane’s covert mission. Kate’s loyalty to the agency would clash with her love for Lucy, creating heart-wrenching tension.
4. Kai Holman’s Loyalty Questioned
Kai (Alex Tarrant) had one of the most intriguing arcs ahead. His loyalty to Jane and NCIS would have been tested as he discovered his family’s past ties to the criminal organization Jane was accused of aiding. Season 4 would have forced Kai to choose between blood and badge.
5. Ernie’s Big Secret
Ernie (Jason Antoon) — the lovable tech wizard — would have taken center stage in Season 4. The writers hinted that Ernie’s past in cyber-intelligence wasn’t as clean as it seemed. He was hiding something — something that could have been key to clearing Jane’s name but also put him in grave danger.
A New Villain in Paradise
Season 4 was supposed to introduce a new antagonist — a mysterious arms dealer known only as “The Broker.” This villain was designed to be the Moriarty to Jane’s Sherlock, always one step ahead and connected to multiple international operations. The Broker’s identity was going to shock fans — someone tied to Tennant’s military past.
The Broker’s Master Plan
The Broker wasn’t just running weapons — they were manipulating government agencies from within, orchestrating chaos to profit from conflict. Jane’s discovery of this global conspiracy would’ve formed the backbone of the season’s main plotline.
Crossover with ‘NCIS’ Universe
One of the most exciting developments planned for Season 4 was a crossover event. Jane was going to seek help from Special Agent Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) after going rogue. This collaboration was supposed to bring emotional closure and bridge the gap between NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i, reinforcing the shared universe fans love.
Gibbs’ Legacy Returns
There were whispers of a cameo — a letter or message from Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) offering Jane guidance in her darkest moment. This symbolic connection would have tied the spin-off back to its original roots.
The Themes That Would’ve Defined Season 4
Season 4 wasn’t just about action — it was about identity, loyalty, and justice. The writers wanted to explore what happens when the system you serve turns against you, and how far you’re willing to go to uncover the truth.
Trust and Betrayal
Each episode was structured to peel back another layer of deception. The team would have faced impossible choices — betraying orders to do what’s right, or following rules that lead to injustice.
Family and Forgiveness
Jane’s family story would have taken center stage. Her relationship with her daughter Julie would have been rebuilt after a season apart, showing how forgiveness and love can anchor even the most broken heroes.
Redemption and Sacrifice
Every main character would have faced their moment of truth — from Lucy questioning duty over love to Kai choosing morality over family ties. The emotional depth of these arcs would have made Season 4 the show’s most powerful yet.
The Explosive Season 4 Finale That Never Happened
The planned finale was said to be epic. Jane was going to uncover The Broker’s true identity — a shocking reveal that tied back to her early NCIS years. The final scenes would have set up a moral dilemma: expose the truth and destroy her career, or protect her team and keep the secret buried.
Fans would have been left on the edge of their seats… again.
Why CBS Canceled It Despite Its Potential
While NCIS: Hawai’i had solid ratings, production costs and scheduling conflicts reportedly played a role. The network also wanted to make room for new projects in the NCIS franchise. Unfortunately, the decision came before Season 4 scripts were fully completed — leaving fans forever wondering “what if.”
The Cast’s Reaction to the Cancellation
Vanessa Lachey and the rest of the cast took to social media to express their heartbreak. Lachey’s emotional Instagram post captured the collective feeling: “We built something beautiful here. Hawai’i changed us forever.” The actors hinted that the story they built deserved a proper ending — something fans still hope for.
Could ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ Return Someday?
Never say never. With the NCIS universe expanding again, fans are rallying online, demanding a revival or limited-run movie to wrap up the story. Streaming platforms like Paramount+ could easily bring the show back if the fan movement gains enough traction.
The Legacy of ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’
Even though it ended too soon, NCIS: Hawai’i left a mark. It broke barriers with its strong female lead, celebrated cultural diversity, and gave fans a fresh perspective on what justice looks like in paradise. The show’s spirit — teamwork, loyalty, and heart — continues to resonate across the NCIS universe.
Final Thoughts
Season 4 of NCIS: Hawai’i would’ve been a thrilling mix of mystery, emotion, and redemption. It promised to deepen every character’s journey while expanding the universe fans have loved for decades. While we never got to see it unfold, its potential storyline keeps the fandom alive — proving that sometimes, even canceled shows never truly die.
