NCIS: Hawai’i’s cancelation already caused a major backlash against CBS, but now I’m more confused about their decision to pull the plug on the series after learning about their new in-development series. Once the flagship series was established, the network found ways to expand the NCIS franchise by launching several spinoffs. Many of them became successful, and most importantly built a solid fan base. NCIS: Hawai’i was the youngest Stateside local offshoot, only debuting in 2021. But in three years, which includes a shortened final season, even I recognize that it has a loyal and committed following.
I must admit, I’m late boarding the NCIS: Hawai’i train. I have only started watching the spinoff, after hearing great things about the offshoot. Despite this, I have been closely following the uproar that CBS has gotten since NCIS: Hawai’i was canceled. For context, the network also pulled the plug on So Help Me Todd and CSI: Las Vegas, but while I’m sure that there’s also a backlash against them, nothing comes close to the criticism they have gotten for ending the NCIS spinoff.
Let’s not sugarcoat this—CBS just dropped a bombshell on its loyal fans. NCIS: Hawai’i, a fresh and diverse entry in the NCIS franchise, just got canceled. Meanwhile, a procedural show that no one saw coming has been revived. And I don’t know about you, but I’m completely baffled. I’ve got questions. You probably do too. So, let’s break down this chaos and get into why NCIS: Hawai’i deserved better and why CBS’ decision has left fans scratching their heads (and blowing up social media feeds).
The Cancellation Heard Around the Island
Why Was NCIS: Hawai’i Canceled?
The show had a solid fanbase, diverse cast, and a unique location-based vibe that set it apart. It wasn’t just a procedural—it was vibes, energy, character-driven storytelling. So what gives?
Ratings Were Holding Steady
Unlike shows that dip after their premiere season, NCIS: Hawai’i was holding its own. It may not have been the network’s crown jewel, but it certainly wasn’t a flop either.
Representation Mattered
This show represented diversity in a way that most procedural dramas rarely do. From women in leadership to AAPI representation—it was modern, timely, and needed.
What’s This New Procedural CBS Is Reviving?
The Procedural That Nobody Saw Coming
Instead of investing in a growing hit, CBS decided to bring back an older procedural, hoping to reignite some past glory. But fans are asking—why now? And at what cost?
Nostalgia Over Progress
Sure, old shows come with a loyal base. But when that nostalgia sacrifices a show building something fresh, the move feels tone-deaf.
Social Media Reactions Say It All
#SaveNCISHawaii Is Trending
Twitter. TikTok. Facebook. Reddit. Fans are loud, clear, and seriously not happy. The hashtag #SaveNCISHawaii started trending within hours of the announcement.
Fan Tributes Are Flooding the Web
From montage videos to fan art, the community is showing their love and their heartbreak. Some are even writing to CBS demanding answers.
NCIS: Hawai’i Was Just Hitting Its Stride
Season 3 Set Things Up Perfectly
With cliffhangers and character arcs blooming, the series was setting up a compelling future. Pulling the plug now feels premature, even abrupt.
Character Growth Deserved More Time
Jane Tennant (played by Vanessa Lachey) was a standout character. Fans had just started to see her complexity unfold—and then it was all ripped away.
CBS’ Confusing Strategy
Playing It Safe… Or Playing It Wrong?
Bringing back an old procedural may feel like a safe bet. But in the era of streaming and evolving viewer habits, is it really the smart move?
Losing Touch With Modern Audiences
Let’s be honest—CBS has always leaned on procedural formulas. But audiences now crave depth, diversity, and daring storytelling. NCIS: Hawai’i had all of that.
What This Means for the NCIS Franchise
A Blow to the Brand
NCIS has always adapted. But this cancellation signals a disconnect between what viewers want and what CBS is betting on.
Could This Hurt Other Spin-Offs?
If CBS is quick to cut a show doing reasonably well, fans of other spin-offs like NCIS: Sydney or even the original may be feeling uneasy.
The Bigger Issue – Television’s Diversity Problem
Canceling Progress
TV shows like NCIS: Hawai’i don’t come around often. Diverse casts, non-mainland settings, women in power—it was refreshing. Canceling it feels like a step backward.
Fans Aren’t Just Watching—They’re Connecting
People didn’t just watch the show—they saw themselves in it. That’s rare. And that’s powerful. Losing that? It hurts.
Could Streaming Save NCIS: Hawai’i?
There’s Still Hope
We’ve seen it happen before. Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Lucifer, Manifest—canceled on traditional TV, revived on streaming platforms. Could the same happen here?
A Perfect Fit for Paramount+?
Since NCIS: Hawai’i already lives on Paramount+, there’s a natural opportunity to give it a second life. Fans are already there. So what’s stopping CBS?
What Fans Can Do Right Now
Keep the Hashtag Alive
#SaveNCISHawaii isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. The louder it gets, the harder it is for networks to ignore.
Write, Post, Repeat
Letters, petitions, tweets—they matter. Fan pressure has worked before. It can work again.
CBS Needs to Rethink Its Playbook
Old Doesn’t Always Mean Gold
Reviving a procedural from the past might feel safe, but it won’t win over new audiences craving fresh narratives and inclusion.
Taking Risks Shouldn’t Mean Taking Steps Back
CBS made a bold move with NCIS: Hawai’i. It worked. But pulling it back now? That’s not bold—that’s confusing.
Conclusion: I’m Still Baffled, CBS
Here’s the deal: NCIS: Hawai’i was more than just another crime drama. It was a sign of where TV was headed—diverse, dynamic, and full of heart. Canceling it while reviving a procedural that had its moment years ago? That’s like trading a surfboard for a typewriter. CBS, if you’re listening, know this: you had lightning in a bottle—and you let it go. But maybe… just maybe… it’s not over yet.
