If you feel like there aren’t enough crime dramas on network TV these days, then you’re in luck: CBS just released the official trailer for NCIS: Hawai’i. This is the fourth iteration of the NCIS series from CBS. It features a brand new team and cast located on beautiful Hawaii and its surrounding Islands solving crimes directly related to the US Naval Forces.
The trailer starts with beautiful aerial shots of the Hawaiian landscape. A few seconds in, tourists witness what looks like a small fighter jet flying straight into the side of a mountain and exploding. Before you know it, Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) shows up on the scene, ready to investigate the crime. Shortly thereafter we see her discussing evening plans with her two children, hinting that her struggle with work-life balance may be a recurring theme in the first season of the series.
The trailer gradually introduces the audience to the other two main members of her team. There’s the tech guy Ernie Malik (Jason Antoon) who specializes in solving crime with his vast IT and computer knowledge. Then there’s Kai Holman (Alex Terrant), the local cop who can infiltrate people and places that the haoles can’t. Lastly, there’s also Navy Captain Joe Milius (Enver Gjokaj) who spends the entire trailer following Tennant around in a khaki suit making vague threats with a smarmy look on his face. If they’re planning to make him the heel of the show, they’re already doing a great job!
The buzz is real. The NCIS: Hawaii trailer just dropped, and Vanessa Lachey’s return as Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant is already sending shockwaves through the fandom. From breathtaking tropical backdrops to heart-pounding action, this sneak peek teases an adrenaline-filled season ahead. But beyond the high-stakes missions and island drama, the trailer spotlights something even more exciting: a powerful, layered female lead who commands every frame she’s in. Let’s unpack everything you need to know about the NCIS: Hawaii trailer and what Vanessa Lachey’s Jane Tennant brings to the table in the newest chapter of the NCIS universe.
Who Is SAC Jane Tennant?
Breaking Barriers in a Man’s World
Jane Tennant isn’t just another NCIS agent. She’s the first female Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor—and she owns that title. Leading with strength, compassion, and strategic brilliance, Jane shatters expectations and navigates the pressures of leadership in a high-stakes, male-dominated world.
Balancing Career and Family
What makes her stand out even more? She’s not just a boss at work—she’s a mom, too. The trailer hints at her struggles and triumphs in balancing family life with her demanding career, giving the character an authenticity that hits home with many viewers.
Trailer Breakdown: What to Expect
Action-Packed Openings
Within the first few seconds, we get a taste of high-speed chases, explosions, and intense standoffs. Jane Tennant leads from the front, often putting herself in harm’s way to protect her team and the mission.
The Island’s Dark Underbelly
Don’t let the palm trees and ocean breeze fool you. The trailer reveals that danger is lurking beneath the beauty of paradise. From cyber crimes to global espionage, the threats are as diverse as the Hawaiian landscape.
Mind Games & Strategic Warfare
Expect less brute force and more brains this season. Jane uses strategy, intuition, and intellect to outsmart enemies. The trailer teases psychological warfare and plenty of “gotcha” moments.
Character Evolution: Jane Tennant 2.0
From Leader to Legend
This isn’t the same Tennant we met in Season 1. The trailer shows a more hardened, resilient version of her. Experience has sharpened her instincts, and she’s even more decisive, daring, and determined.
Team Loyalty & Conflict
She commands respect—but not without friction. The trailer hints at some internal conflict within the NCIS Hawaii team. Tensions rise, lines are drawn, and loyalties are tested. It’s going to get emotional.
Why Vanessa Lachey Is Perfect for the Role
Natural Commanding Presence
Vanessa Lachey brings warmth, intensity, and credibility to Jane. She doesn’t just act the role—she lives it. Every glance and every line she delivers feels grounded and real.
Representation That Matters
As the first female lead of an NCIS franchise, Lachey carries a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly. Her performance uplifts representation and gives viewers, especially women of color, a hero they can see themselves in.
Hawaii As A Character
Not Just a Backdrop
The location is more than pretty scenery—it’s a character itself. The trailer uses Hawaii’s geography, culture, and history to deepen the plotlines and ground the series in real-world issues.
Crime with Cultural Context
From smuggling rings using the Pacific trade routes to cases rooted in native Hawaiian history, the trailer promises episodes that blend crime-solving with cultural exploration.
Trailer Reactions: Fans Are All In
Social Media Eruption
Twitter and Reddit lit up the moment the trailer dropped. Fans praised the fast-paced editing, character teases, and the powerful presence of Lachey.
“Jane Tennant is the real boss. Move over, Gibbs.” — One fan tweeted.
Critics’ Early Impressions
Critics say the trailer hints at a more focused, intense, and emotionally rich season. Some even call it the most promising NCIS spin-off yet.
Plot Hints & Theories
A New Shadowy Villain
Blink and you might miss it—but the trailer briefly flashes a mysterious figure watching Tennant from afar. A new antagonist? Possibly someone with a personal vendetta?
Classified Missions Incoming
There are references to “black ops” and “unauthorized surveillance,” suggesting Tennant’s team may be dragged into morally gray territory.
What This Season Promises
High-Stakes Cases
Terrorism, cyber threats, and military cover-ups are all in play.
Character-Driven Drama
Backstories unfold, secrets come to light, and personal relationships get more complicated.
Unrelenting Pacing
There’s barely time to breathe—just how NCIS fans like it.
Final Word from Vanessa Lachey
In a behind-the-scenes snippet, Vanessa Lachey shares:
“This season dives deeper into who Jane is—both as a leader and as a woman navigating real challenges. I can’t wait for fans to see her journey.”
That says it all.
Conclusion: Buckle Up, NCIS Fans—Jane Tennant Means Business
If the trailer is any indication, NCIS: Hawaii is about to deliver its strongest season yet. Vanessa Lachey’s Jane Tennant is a force to be reckoned with, and this next chapter promises emotional intensity, explosive action, and storytelling with real heart. Whether you’re a long-time NCIS fan or just diving in, you’ll want to watch every second.
