NCIS: Hawai’i has stormed back onto our screens with its third season, and fans are buzzing. From edge-of-your-seat cases to heart-stopping action, this series continues to keep viewers hooked. But how is it really performing? Today, we’re diving deep into NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 ratings, fan votes, and what this all means for the show’s future.
Overview of NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3
Season 3 of NCIS: Hawai’i picks up with a bang. The team, led by Jane Tennant, faces even more high-stakes cases. With new characters and deeper storylines, it’s no wonder audiences are talking. But let’s dig into the numbers to see how well it’s really doing.
What Makes NCIS: Hawai’i Unique?
Unlike other NCIS spinoffs, Hawai’i brings a tropical twist. Beautiful landscapes, high-stakes military crime, and a tight-knit team make it stand out. Viewers don’t just watch for the cases—they watch for the characters’ growth, Hawaii’s scenery, and the drama that unfolds in every episode.
NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 Ratings – Episode by Episode
Tracking ratings is key to understanding a show’s success. Here’s a quick breakdown of Season 3 episodes and their Nielsen ratings (approximate figures from US viewership):
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Episode 1 – “Pilot Redux”: 6.1 million viewers
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Episode 2 – “Shadows in Paradise”: 5.8 million viewers
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Episode 3 – “Island Secrets”: 5.6 million viewers
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Episode 4 – “Double Lives”: 5.7 million viewers
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Episode 5 – “Breaking Points”: 5.9 million viewers
Overall, the season averages around 5.8 million viewers per episode, which is a strong performance for a network drama.
Comparing Season 3 to Previous Seasons
So, how does Season 3 stack up?
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Season 1 average: 7.2 million viewers
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Season 2 average: 6.0 million viewers
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Season 3 average: 5.8 million viewers
There’s a slight dip from Season 2, but it’s important to remember that viewership trends have shifted. Streaming, DVR, and online platforms now play a massive role, meaning live ratings aren’t the only metric that matters anymore.
Viewer Votes and Fan Feedback
Beyond raw numbers, fan votes provide insight into audience sentiment. On platforms like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 scores are:
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IMDb: 7.8/10 based on 3,400+ votes
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Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 88%
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Metacritic user score: 7.5/10
These numbers show that fans are loving the season, even if live TV ratings show minor declines.
Most Popular Episodes According to Fans
Certain episodes stood out more than others:
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“Breaking Points” – intense plot twists, top fan favorite
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“Shadows in Paradise” – character-driven drama
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“Double Lives” – surprising cliffhanger
Fans are clearly voting with their hearts, appreciating the mix of suspense, humor, and emotional depth.
Social Media Buzz and Engagement
In today’s world, social media reactions often reveal more than ratings. NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 fans are actively tweeting, posting, and discussing the show:
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#NCISHawaii trended multiple times during premiere week
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Clips of intense action sequences have gone viral on TikTok
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Fan theories dominate Reddit discussions
This engagement highlights how dedicated the fanbase is, regardless of slight dips in live ratings.
What Critics Are Saying
Critics are generally positive. While some note that “procedural plots feel familiar,” most praise the strong character dynamics and Hawaii’s stunning visuals. The combination of action, mystery, and personal drama keeps both viewers and critics interested.
Why Ratings Might Not Tell the Full Story
Let’s be real—ratings are just one piece of the puzzle. Today’s viewers:
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Watch on streaming platforms
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Catch episodes on-demand
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Engage online rather than live
So even if traditional ratings show a slight decline, NCIS: Hawai’i’s influence is growing in digital spaces.
How Viewer Votes Affect Future Seasons
High viewer votes often influence renewals and spinoffs. NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 shows strong fan loyalty, meaning CBS is likely to continue investing in:
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More character development
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Bigger, more complex cases
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Extended story arcs that encourage binge-watching
Season 3 Highlights That Fans Love
What keeps viewers coming back week after week?
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Jane Tennant’s leadership – strong, relatable, and inspiring
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Team chemistry – each character brings unique skills and personality
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Hawaii setting – cinematic backdrops that feel like a vacation
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High-stakes plots – suspenseful cases that keep hearts racing
Fans love the balance of procedural crime-solving with personal stories.
Fan Criticisms and Room for Improvement
No show is perfect. Some viewers noted:
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Occasional predictable plotlines
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Some characters need deeper development
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Limited exploration of Hawaii’s local culture
These are minor complaints, and they give the writers room to innovate in future seasons.
Streaming and On-Demand Numbers
Streaming platforms tell another story. NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3:
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Ranked in top 10 on CBS All Access within the first week
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Saw 50% more online views than Season 2 premiere week
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Episodes are being rewatched multiple times, indicating high engagement
This proves fans are watching, even if not live on TV.
How NCIS: Hawai’i Compares to Other NCIS Spinoffs
Let’s stack it up:
| Show | Average Viewers Season 3 | IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|
| NCIS (Original) | 10M | 8.3 |
| NCIS: Los Angeles | 6M | 7.5 |
| NCIS: New Orleans | 4.5M | 7.0 |
| NCIS: Hawai’i | 5.8M | 7.8 |
Not bad! Hawai’i is holding its own and even outperforms some other spinoffs.
What This Means for the Future of the Show
With consistent viewer votes, social media buzz, and streaming popularity, NCIS: Hawai’i is likely to continue beyond Season 3. Fans can expect:
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Expanded storylines
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Deeper character exploration
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Possibly more crossovers with other NCIS shows
The outlook is bright.

Tips for New Viewers to Jump In
If you’re new to NCIS: Hawai’i, here’s how to catch up:
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Start with Season 1 to understand the team dynamics
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Watch Season 2 for story arc continuity
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Keep track of fan-favorite episodes
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Engage in online fan communities for insights
Trust me—once you start, you won’t want to stop.
Conclusion
NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 proves that strong storytelling, a charismatic cast, and beautiful settings can keep a show thriving even in a changing media landscape. Ratings might show a minor dip, but viewer votes, streaming numbers, and social media engagement confirm its popularity. Fans are hooked, critics are impressed, and the future looks bright for this NCIS spinoff.
FAQs About NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 Ratings and Viewer Votes
Q1: How did NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 perform in live TV ratings?
A1: It averaged approximately 5.8 million viewers per episode, a slight dip from Season 2 but strong considering modern viewing habits.
Q2: What is the IMDb rating for Season 3?
A2: Season 3 holds a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb based on over 3,400 votes.
Q3: Which episodes are fan favorites?
A3: “Breaking Points,” “Shadows in Paradise,” and “Double Lives” are top-rated among viewers.
Q4: Does social media engagement impact the show’s success?
A4: Absolutely! Trends on Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit indicate strong fan involvement and influence the show’s future decisions.
Q5: Will NCIS: Hawai’i continue beyond Season 3?
A5: Likely yes, thanks to strong viewer votes, streaming performance, and overall fan loyalty.