Nash and Silber did not stop there with specifics about NCIS: Hawai’i Season 4, but they also mentioned the possibility of revisiting Kate (Tori Anderson) and Lucy’s (Yasmine Al-Bustami) brief conversation about weddings in the past season. In their words, “We hadn’t fully landed on what was going to happen in Season 4. But there would have been some movement. Whether it would have been a wedding, meeting families, or some other thing, we didn’t know.” Another detail that was to be added to the fourth season was the revelation of Jesse’s (Noah Mills) wife, who “would have shown up eventually,” as revealed by the showrunners.
With only a few days left until NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 finale was set to air back in May, CBS canceled the police procedural series, making it the third show in the NCIS franchise to end after NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans. The series’ main cast included Vanessa Lachey, Alex Tarrant, Noah Mills, Yasmine Al-Bustami, Jason Antoon, Tori Anderson, and Kian Talan.
NCIS: Hawai’i Season 4 could have given us one of the most unforgettable moments in franchise history—a wedding that fans would’ve never seen coming. But instead, it left us all wondering what could have been. Was it just bad timing? Creative redirection? Or something deeper about the fate of the show? Let’s dig into what we almost had, how it would’ve changed everything, and why fans are still buzzing.
The Almost-Wedding: What We Know So Far
Let’s be real—NCIS fans live for romance subplots, especially slow-burns like Jane Tennant and Captain Joe Milius. Season 4, which was shaping up to be more emotionally loaded than ever, was reportedly very close to featuring a wedding. Yes, a real, honest-to-goodness “I do” moment.
So what happened?
Why A Wedding Was On The Table
Strong Romantic Arcs Throughout The Series
From the start, the chemistry between Jane and Joe was undeniable. Their relationship, full of late-night phone calls, stolen glances, and professional tension, was heading toward something serious. Showrunners had hinted that a big event—like a wedding—could’ve been the culmination of their journey.
Fan Demand Was Sky-High
Every NCIS Facebook group, Reddit thread, and fan theory TikTok echoed the same thing: “Give us a wedding already!” Fans had invested in these characters and were craving a moment that would solidify the emotional stakes.
What Would The Wedding Have Meant For The Series?
Emotional Payoff for Longtime Viewers
A wedding wouldn’t just be a romantic moment—it would be emotional closure. It would’ve offered a satisfying arc for characters who’ve fought, loved, and grown side-by-side.
Balancing Duty and Desire
The NCIS universe often centers on sacrifice. Having two characters choose each other—despite the chaos—would’ve been a powerful counterpoint. It would show that love doesn’t have to be collateral damage in a life of service.
Clues That Hinted At A Wedding Plotline
Behind-the-Scenes Photos Sparked Rumors
Several leaked set photos showed characters in formal attire. The rumor mill went wild. Was it a wedding? A ceremony? A misdirect? It turns out, it was likely a scrapped idea.
Early Script Drafts Teased Major Developments
According to a production insider (anonymous but reliable), early scripts for Season 4 included a storyline that led to a proposal and planning for a small, intimate wedding in the final episodes.
Cast Interviews Dropped Hints
Actors Vanessa Lachey and Enver Gjokaj hinted in interviews that “big relationship stuff” was in the works. Looking back, it’s pretty clear this could’ve been it.
Why The Wedding Didn’t Happen
Cancellation Rumors Were Already Swirling
With the network quietly considering a cancellation, the creative team may have pivoted to leave storylines open-ended. A wedding might’ve felt like too much finality.
Time Constraints Cut Emotional Storylines
Even though NCIS: Hawai’i had a loyal fanbase, tight episode schedules and production delays may have pushed out character-driven moments like a wedding in favor of fast-paced cases.
Creative Shifts Changed Direction
It’s not uncommon for shows to evolve during writing. What starts as a “yes” in early planning can become a “no” by mid-season. The tone may have shifted, and the wedding no longer fit.
How Fans Reacted To The Missed Opportunity
Disappointment and “What If” Posts
Fans immediately took to X (formerly Twitter), expressing frustration over a love story that felt incomplete. Threads mourning “the wedding that never was” still get traction.
Fan Fiction Took Over
Let’s just say the fanfic writers did not let the moment go. Alternative universe stories of the wedding flooded AO3 and Wattpad, offering closure where the show didn’t.
What Could The Wedding Have Looked Like?
A Hawaiian-Themed Ceremony
Picture it: lei garlands, ocean breeze, native chants, and barefoot vows on the beach. It would’ve honored local culture and created a scene unlike anything in the NCIS franchise.
Intimate Guest List, Powerful Emotions
Rather than a huge production, the show would’ve likely kept the ceremony intimate. Just the core team, a heartfelt toast, and a slow dance under string lights. It would’ve hit hard emotionally.
The Wedding’s Impact on Season 5 (If It Happened)
New Dynamics for the Team
Marrying off Jane or Joe would’ve shifted team power dynamics and added deeper layers to professional tension and personal stakes.
Room For New Storylines
A wedding could’ve opened doors for new characters (in-laws, rivals, promotions), or even a pregnancy arc—upping the drama quotient.
The Franchise’s History With Weddings
Weddings Are Rare in NCIS
Across all spin-offs, weddings are few and far between. That’s why this would’ve been monumental. NCIS rarely lets love win—it’s always duty first.
Past Love Stories Usually End in Tragedy
Let’s face it—most NCIS romances end in heartbreak or death. Giving us a happy ending would’ve broken tradition in the best way possible.
Could The Wedding Still Happen in a Revival?
Absolutely. With fan demand and the possibility of spin-offs, the door isn’t shut. A special reunion episode, a crossover moment, or a straight-to-streaming film could revive the wedding arc.
Final Thoughts: The Wedding That Could’ve Changed Everything
The idea of a wedding in NCIS: Hawai’i Season 4 wasn’t just a fleeting rumor—it was a real creative direction that could’ve brought emotional depth, fan service, and unforgettable television. While it didn’t happen, it remains one of the show’s most haunting “what ifs.” But who knows? The island isn’t done talking, and neither are the fans.
