Aloha Again — The Strike Is Over, What’s Next for NCIS: Hawaiʻi?
Hey there, TV lovers! Big news just dropped: the actors’ strike has officially ended, and that means NCIS: Hawaiʻi fans can finally breathe. Among the first to speak up is Noah Mills, who plays Jesse Boone. He’s sharing some juicy updates about Season 3 now that production can (tentatively) resume. Let’s dive deep into what he’s saying, what it means for the show, and what fans should keep an eye on going forward.
The Strike’s End — What’s the Impact on NCIS: Hawaiʻi?
Strike Background & How It Affected TV Productions
Let’s not forget how we got here. The SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike, along with the writers’ strike earlier, threw Hollywood into chaos. Many productions were delayed, scripts were left unfinished, and cast availability became a nightmare. NCIS: Hawaiʻi was among the affected shows.
How Long Was NCIS: Hawaiʻi on Hiatus?
The writers’ rooms reopened first, but filming had to wait. Because of that, Season 3 got pushed back and had to be restructured.
Noah Mills Breaks the Silence — What He Revealed
Filming Start Date: The Tentative Countdown
Noah Mills told Entertainment Tonight that the cast might return to set by December 4, 2023.
That could still shift depending on logistics, but it’s a strong signal they’re ready to move.
Excitement, Gratitude & Getting Ready
He didn’t just announce dates—he shared his emotional reaction:
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He was walking his dog when he found out the strike ended.
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He emphasized how much he missed his castmates and getting back to work.
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He praised how tight the crew is, saying they can “get up pretty quick” because of their experience.
Stunts, Action & Island Vibes
Mills hinted that Season 3 will lean hard into action, stunts, and use Hawaii’s natural backdrop. The water scenes, aerial work, and daring sequences seem to be in for an upgrade.
LL Cool J Joins the Ohana
One standout reveal: LL Cool J is coming onboard as a recurring guest star. Mills is clearly pumped about it and anticipates big things.
Production Realities — Challenges & Expectations
Condensed Episode Count
Due to delays from the strike, the show trimmed down. Season 3 is officially ten episodes long—the shortest in the series’ history.
Compare that to past seasons (which spanned 22 episodes), and you can see how adjustments had to be made.
Budget Constraints & Network Decisions
CBS cited financial pressures and viewership when ultimately canceling NCIS: Hawaiʻi after Season 3.
So while Mills was publicly optimistic, there were behind-the-scenes forces at play.
Casting Continuity & Departures
Despite speculation, most of the main cast is expected to return:
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Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant
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Alex Tarrant as Kai Holman
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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
There was concern about Yasmine Al-Bustami’s availability, but that seems to have resolved.
Timeline & Milestones to Watch
Writers’ Rooms Reopened Early
Before filming resumed, scripts and storylines needed shaping. Writers’ rooms opened ahead of schedule for procedural shows like NCIS.
When Cameras Roll Again
If all goes smoothly, filming began in December 2023 and continued into early 2024.
Because of the late start, production schedules will have to be streamlined.
The Season 3 Rollout
Season 3 aired from February 12, 2024 to May 6, 2024. It launched under the shadow of delays and uncertainty.
Cancellation & Final Curtain
On April 26, 2024, CBS officially announced NCIS: Hawaiʻi would not return beyond Season 3.
Thus, Mills’ updates became the last major behind-the-scenes window fans got before the show’s conclusion.
Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz
Relief, Hope & Skepticism
Fans initially cheered Mills’ enthusiasm. Many took to X and Instagram to express how much they missed the show. Some were cautious, remembering how many series were axed mid-run.
The Cancellation Backlash
When the cancellation hit, fans were heartbroken. Many criticized the network for not giving the show a proper chance after the disruptions.
Some even launched petitions to revive the show or continue it on streaming platforms.
Legacy & Representation Impact
NCIS: Hawaiʻi holds a special place—it was the first NCIS spinoff led by a female special agent and included LGBTQ+ representation via Lucy Tara. Its premature end felt like a loss to many communities.
What Could Have Been — Season 4 Dreams That Never Materialized
Unresolved Storylines & Cliffhangers
The show ended on a cliffhanger, which upset many creators. They admitted that if they’d known Season 3 was final, they would’ve ended differently.
Key threads — like Jane Tennant’s spy past, Jesse Boone’s family, and team dynamics — were left open.
Jesse Boone’s Family, Jane’s Past & The Ohana
Showrunners had planned for Jesse’s wife and child to be introduced in later seasons. They also intended to dig deeper into Tennant’s backstory and how it intersects with her team.
You can imagine the tension, drama, and character arcs that never got their chance.
Final Takeaways — What Noah Mills’ Update Really Means
A Bittersweet Return
Mills’ words reminded us how much passion the cast and crew invested in NCIS: Hawaiʻi. But even the strongest comeback can be derailed by network politics and economics.
The Reality of TV in the Union Era
Even though strikes end, their ripple effects linger. Delayed schedules, truncated seasons, and financial recalibrations become the new norm.
A Show That Still Resonates
Despite its cancellation, NCIS: Hawaiʻi left an impact. Its representation, setting, and cast have earned it a devoted fanbase. And Mills’ transparent, hopeful update gave fans a rare glimpse into how much everyone involved cared.
Conclusion
When the actors’ strike concluded, Noah Mills didn’t just say “we’re back” — he gave fans hope. He reminded us how much NCIS: Hawaiʻi meant to those on and off the screen. Though Season 3 became the show’s final chapter, Mills’ update offered a moment of optimism and a look behind the curtain.
In the end, the drama behind how Season 3 was made might be just as compelling as the stories the show told on screen.
