For fans of NCIS: Hawai‘i, there’s some bittersweet news: despite its passionate following and gripping storylines, NCIS: Hawai‘i will not have a Season 4. CBS officially canceled the series after three seasons. But even though there’s no new season coming, the journey of the show, its cast, and its legacy is worth revisiting.
In this deep-dive, we’ll cover everything you need to know — from why CBS pulled the plug, how the cast reacted, what the final season brought, and what this cancellation means for the NCIS universe.
NCIS: Hawai‘i — A Brief Overview
NCIS: Hawai‘i launched in 2021 as the fourth installment of the NCIS franchise. The show revolves around Special Agent Jane Tennant, played by Vanessa Lachey, who leads the NCIS Pearl Harbor office. Alongside her, the main team includes:
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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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Kian Talan as Alex Tennant
The series blended high-stakes NCIS investigations with the lush, vibrant backdrop of Hawai‘i — offering both procedural drama and local color.
Why There Is No Season 4 — The Cancellation Explained
CBS Pulls the Plug
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In April 2024, CBS announced that NCIS: Hawai‘i was canceled after three seasons.
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The series finale aired on May 6, 2024.
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According to CBS and reports, the decision came down to financial considerations, performance metrics, and programming strategy.
Cast Reaction & Fan Shock
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Vanessa Lachey expressed heartfelt disappointment, writing that she “wished we had a proper goodbye.”
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Alex Tarrant, Noah Mills, and other cast members reacted emotionally on social media; some described the news as “brutal.”
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A fan campaign (#SaveNCISHawaii) emerged, but despite strong support, the cancellation stood.
Cast Reunion
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Shortly after the cancellation, many of the cast reunited at a beach sunset gathering in Hawai‘i to celebrate their “ohana” (family) and reflect on their time together.
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The moment was deeply symbolic — a farewell, but also a promise of ongoing connection despite the show ending.
What Happened in Season 3 — Key Plot Points
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Season 3 consisted of 10 episodes, shorter than many network seasons.
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Reports say the final episodes contain a major twist and end on a cliffhanger, leaving some storylines unresolved.
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According to Alex Tarrant, even he was “shocked” by how the finale played out.
Cast Updates & What They’re Doing Now
Vanessa Lachey (Jane Tennant)
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After the cancellation, Lachey posted a deeply emotional Instagram message reflecting on her time in NCIS: Hawai‘i.
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She also announced she was leaving Hawai‘i to return to mainland U.S., suggesting her departure is likely permanent.
Jason Antoon (Ernie Malik)
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In mid-2025, Antoon posted a video showing the now-empty Hawaii Film Studio lot where the show was filmed — “weeds could be seen growing all around,” he said.
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His post underscored a sense of loss, not just for the series, but for the space that made it possible.
Remaining Cast
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Several cast members, including Tori Anderson and Alex Tarrant, continue to express gratitude to fans.
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Despite no confirmed new NCIS Hawai‘i project, many in the cast remain hopeful for potential reboots, revivals, or spin-offs.
Why the Cancellation Feels Short-Sighted
High Production Costs
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Hawai‘i is notoriously expensive for filming. Some fans and industry watchers assume budget was a big factor in CBS’s decision.
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The gorgeous island backdrop comes at a premium, and sustaining that for a scripted procedural is costly.
Cliffhanger Frustration
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Ending the series on a cliffhanger without resolution has upset many fans.
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Vanessa Lachey explicitly said she wished they had more time — not just to finish the story, but to properly say goodbye.
Franchise Realignment
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CBS might be refocusing on other NCIS projects.
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The cancellation coincides with new NCIS-related content (e.g., prequels or other spin-offs), suggesting a shift in franchise strategy.
Will There Ever Be an NCIS: Hawai‘i Resurrection?
Fan Campaigns Are Alive but Challenging
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Fans launched petitions to revive the show, but nothing has been officially picked up.
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Some hope it could return via streaming platforms, but as of now, no deals have been publicly confirmed.
Cast Movement Suggests Low Likelihood
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With Vanessa Lachey leaving Hawai‘i, a revival might need full cast buy-in — which could be difficult.
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Production costs remain a big barrier, especially for a location-based show.
Impact on the NCIS Franchise
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NCIS: Hawai‘i was notable for being the first female-led NCIS series (Jane Tennant).
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Its cancellation reduces the franchise’s geographic diversity and diminishes representation.
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However, the NCIS universe continues to grow in other directions (prequels, spin-offs), showing that CBS is not abandoning the brand — just possibly reshaping its strategy.
Final Thoughts
While NCIS: Hawai‘i will not see a Season 4, its three-season run left a meaningful mark. The show balanced intense naval investigations with the spirit and beauty of Hawai‘i, all under the leadership of a trailblazing female lead.
The cancellation hurts — a lot of fans and the cast themselves have said so — but the legacy of NCIS: Hawai‘i isn’t necessarily over. Between strong fan support and the emotional connection among cast and crew, the Aloha spirit of the show may yet echo in future NCIS projects.
