The Big Question Fans Are Asking – Should More NCIS: Hawai’i Characters Make a Comeback?
Season 22 of NCIS just dropped a major bombshell – one of the NCIS: Hawai’i stars is officially returning. And now, fans are buzzing with one burning question: Should more of the team from the canceled spin-off be brought back into the fold? The answer isn’t just a yes or no—it’s layered with nostalgia, fan service, ratings strategy, and the future of the franchise.
Let’s dive deep into why this return matters, who else deserves the spotlight, and how the entire NCIS universe could benefit from a little aloha spirit.
Recap – What Happened to NCIS: Hawai’i?
The Rise and Fall of a Fan-Favorite Spin-Off
Launched in 2021, NCIS: Hawai’i brought a refreshing twist to the franchise—beaches, action, and a strong female lead in Special Agent Jane Tennant, played by Vanessa Lachey. The show carved out its own identity, even winning over skeptics with its character-driven plots.
But despite decent ratings and a loyal fanbase, CBS pulled the plug after just three seasons. The cancellation blindsided many viewers, especially after an explosive season finale that hinted at much more to come.
Season 22’s Confirmed Returning Star – Who’s Coming Back?
The Comeback That Sparked the Firestorm
While CBS has remained tight-lipped, reports confirm that Lucy Tara (Yasmine Al-Bustami) is returning for a guest arc in Season 22 of NCIS. Her return has reignited fan passion—and opened the door to some very real possibilities.
Could this be the beginning of a backdoor revival? Or is it just a one-off appearance to tie up loose ends?
Why Bringing Back More NCIS: Hawai’i Characters Makes Sense
Fan Demand Is Off the Charts
If you’ve spent five minutes on Reddit or Twitter lately, you already know—fans are still emotionally invested in the Hawai’i crew. They want closure. They want more. And, most of all, they want to see their favorite characters integrated into the larger NCIS world.
Crossovers Could Boost Ratings
Let’s be honest—NCIS crossovers are gold. Remember the NCIS–NCIS: Hawai’i–NCIS: LA triple-header? Yeah, ratings spiked. The math is simple: reunions = viewership.
H3: The NCIS Universe Needs Fresh Blood
Long-running shows like NCIS need new energy to stay fresh. Bringing in beloved faces from Hawai’i can inject exactly that—new chemistry, deeper storylines, and emotional complexity.
Who Should Return Next? Fan-Favorite Characters We’re Rooting For
Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey)
Let’s start with the queen herself. Jane was a powerhouse lead, and her story is far from finished. Whether she joins NCIS Washington or heads up a new task force, fans deserve to see her in action again.
Jesse Boone (Noah Mills)
The former Navy SEAL turned senior field agent was the team’s heart. His grounded personality and loyalty made him a fan favorite. Plus, his dynamic with Jane is storytelling gold.
Kai Holman (Alex Tarrant)
A younger agent with a rebellious streak, Kai added depth and cultural richness to the team. His backstory still has so much untapped potential.
Ernie Malik (Jason Antoon)
The quirky cyber specialist who stole hearts with his nerdy charm? Yeah, we need him back in the bullpen—stat.
Where Could These Characters Fit in Season 22?
NCIS agents travel. It’s not unrealistic to have Hawai’i alums assist in a multi-state investigation or work temporarily at HQ. It gives closure without rebooting the whole show.
Permanent Transfers
Want to really shake things up? Have someone like Jesse or Jane officially transfer to the DC team. This could open doors to fresh dynamics and meaningful arcs.
What About a Future NCIS: Hawai’i Revival or Movie?
The Streaming Factor
With CBS and Paramount+ under the same umbrella, a limited series or movie revival is totally possible. Fans are already campaigning for it, and if enough noise is made, the network might just listen.
Firefly. Veronica Mars. Justified. All shows that were resurrected years later due to fan passion and smart network decisions. Why not NCIS: Hawai’i?
What Makes NCIS: Hawai’i Characters So Memorable?
Real People with Real Struggles
Unlike some spin-offs, Hawai’i focused heavily on emotional realism. From Jane balancing motherhood and leadership, to Kai grappling with his father’s illness, the characters felt relatable.
The Ohana Vibe
The Hawaiian concept of ohana (family) was more than a catchphrase—it was the show’s heartbeat. That emotional resonance is why these characters still matter.
Counterpoint – Is It Time to Move On?
Risk of Overcrowding the Cast
Too many characters, not enough screen time. If NCIS starts piling on returning stars, existing cast members might get sidelined.
Maintaining consistent character arcs across multiple series is tricky. One misstep, and it could feel forced or inauthentic.
What Do the Actors Think?
Many Are Open to Returning
In interviews post-cancellation, several cast members expressed interest in coming back, if the story was right. That includes Vanessa Lachey, who called her role “life-changing.”
Final Thoughts – What’s Next for the NCIS Universe?
The NCIS franchise is evolving. With new spin-offs like NCIS: Sydney expanding the universe, there’s more room than ever for character crossovers, returns, and even brand-new storylines. Bringing back beloved Hawai’i characters is more than fan service—it’s smart storytelling.
Conclusion: Don’t Close the Book on Hawai’i Just Yet
The return of a single character could be the first domino in something bigger. NCIS: Hawai’i ended too soon, and Season 22 might be the perfect opportunity to right that wrong—at least in part. So, should more NCIS: Hawai’i characters return? Not just for the nostalgia trip, but because their stories are still unfinished—and fans deserve that closure. If done right, it could elevate the franchise to new heights.
