A year after NCIS: Hawai’i ended its three-season run on CBS, the state’s film and TV industry continues to suffer a decline in business. Jason Antoon, who played cyber intelligence specialist Ernie Malik on the police procedural spin-off, recently shared a video of the series’ vacant and overgrown Hollywood Film Studio, where shows like Lost (2004-’10), Hawaii Five-0 (2010-’20) and Magnum P.I. (2018-’24) also filmed.
“Hawaii Film Studios – Empty and full of weeds,” wrote Antoon, sharing the clip Friday on X. Hawaii is an expensive location that is harder to fit into continuously trimmed TV budgets, especially in linear TV. Cost was among the factors for CBS’ decision to cancel NCIS: Hawai’i after three seasons, despite being the #12 most watched non-sports program on broadcast, averaging 7.8 million linear viewers and 10M multi-platform viewers (Live+35).
After the cancelation last April, Antoon wrote on Instagram, “This business is brutal and makes no sense. But we had soooo much fun. Love you all and mahalo.” The actor’s latest post comes after Fox‘s Rescue HI-Surf, which also filmed in the Aloha State, was canceled after one season last month. Although CEO Rob Wade said the reason for the decision “certainly wasn’t the locale or the budget,” filming in Hawaii made it one of the network’s more expensive dramas, coming in at close to $4 million per episode.
Meanwhile, Hawaii was passed over as the locale for the next 9-1-1 spin-off, which is instead filming in Nashville, starring Chris O’Donnell and premiering this fall on ABC. On Friday, Gov. Josh Green, M.D. released an intent-to-veto list, which includes HB796, a bill that would sunset tax credits after five years.
In a poignant moment shared on social media, Jason Antoon, known for his role as Ernie Malik on NCIS: Hawai’i, posted a video capturing the now-deserted Hawaii Film Studio in Honolulu. The clip, showcasing overgrown weeds and empty spaces, serves as a stark reminder of the show’s abrupt end. Antoon’s caption, “Hawaii Film Studios – Empty and full of weeds,” resonated with fans and cast members alike, highlighting the emotional impact of the series’ cancellation.
The Rise and Fall of NCIS: Hawai’i
A Promising Start
Premiering in 2021, NCIS: Hawai’i quickly garnered attention for its unique setting and diverse cast. Starring Vanessa Lachey as Special Agent Jane Tennant, the series introduced viewers to a new team tackling crimes related to the military and national security in the Pacific. The show’s blend of procedural drama and island charm struck a chord with audiences, leading to its renewal for a third season.
Unexpected Cancellation
Despite its growing popularity, CBS announced the cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i in April 2024, just before the third season finale aired. The decision was met with shock and disappointment from fans and cast members. The show’s finale left viewers on a cliffhanger, intensifying the outcry over its untimely end.
Behind the Scenes: Financial Considerations
Industry insiders pointed to the high production costs associated with filming in Hawaii as a significant factor in the cancellation. Unlike other locations with more favorable tax incentives, Hawaii’s expenses made it challenging to sustain long-term productions. This financial strain, coupled with the show’s ratings, contributed to CBS’s decision to end the series.
The Impact on the Cast and Crew
Jason Antoon’s Response
Antoon, who portrayed the tech-savvy Ernie Malik, expressed his disbelief and frustration over the cancellation. He highlighted the show’s strong performance, noting that it ranked as the 16th most-watched series during the 2023-2024 season. In a pointed social media post, Antoon shared CBS’s own viewership data, sarcastically commenting, “I’ll just leave this here in case no one saw it yesterday.”
Vanessa Lachey’s Heartfelt Farewell
Vanessa Lachey, who led the series as Jane Tennant, was equally disheartened by the show’s abrupt end. She described the cancellation as “gut-wrenching” and expressed pride in representing AAPI women in a leading role. Lachey also shared a heartfelt message to fans, saying, “This show meant so much to me… and more every day I find, to lots of people.”
The Legacy of NCIS: Hawai’i
Cultural Representation
NCIS: Hawai’i was lauded for its diverse cast and portrayal of Hawaiian culture. The series broke new ground by featuring a female lead in the NCIS franchise and addressing issues pertinent to the AAPI community. Its cancellation marked a setback in the industry’s efforts toward inclusive representation.
Economic Impact on Hawaii’s Film Industry
The show’s cancellation had a ripple effect on Hawaii’s local economy. With the end of NCIS: Hawai’i, the state lost a significant production, leaving many crew members and local businesses without work. This development underscored the challenges faced by regional film industries in maintaining sustainable operations.
Conclusion: A Final Salute to NCIS: Hawai’i
As fans and cast members reflect on the journey of NCIS: Hawai’i, the shared memories and experiences continue to resonate. Jason Antoon’s recent post serves as a poignant reminder of what was lost and the enduring impact the series had on its audience. While the studio lot may be empty, the legacy of NCIS: Hawai’i lives on in the hearts of its fans and the memories of those who brought it to life.
