
Based on what I have seen thus far from NCIS: Hawai’i, I understand the sentiment about its unceremonious ending. Jane Tennant is a brilliant leader. Beyond that, its ensemble is diverse, making for better representation and fresh storylines that couldn’t be done by other procedurals that don’t have the same cast makeup. However, CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach has defended NCIS: Hawai’i’s cancelation, predicting that their revamped lineup has a bigger chance of succeeding. Beyond that, other reports include a cost-management drive and the need for stability in light of the uncertainty of Paramount Global, which is being sold.
If CBS is really looking at growing amid a particularly tumultuous time in the company, then how is greenlighting a procedural that has failed twice to get a series order a better business decision than keeping an already established and growing show like NCIS: Hawai’i? The network is trying to get the Einstein revival remake off the ground for the third time. I’m sure it has its appeal, but it’s an odd time to keep investing in something that has been stuck in development limbo for a while, considering what’s happening business-wise to CBS and its larger company.
Continuing NCIS: Hawai’i Would Have Been A Better Business Move For CBS
NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 Had Solid Viewership. I understand that filming on the island is expensive, but at the very least, CBS is already guaranteed returns, considering NCIS: Hawai’i’s success. Reisenbach revealed that they looked at the numbers, which informed their decision. That said, viewership data revealed that NCIS: Hawai’i ranked as the 16th overall most-watched series during the 2023-2024 season — a big improvement from its previous year. Moreso, Its series finale ranked at number 11 in terms of the largest 7-day lift for primetime endings airing on the key broadcast networks. That’s a solid indication that it is trending upwards.
From an outsider’s perspective, I don’t think that CBS can chalk NCIS: Hawai’i’s cancelation up to cost-cutting while also devoting resources just to launch an untested show such as Einstein. Considering its growth, why clip its wings before it can even reach its full potential? Upon its cancelation, NCIS: Hawai’i became the shortest-running show in the famed police procedural franchise. Unless there was something else at play, it doesn’t seem like the network was in such a dire position that it had no choice but to unceremoniously end the Lachey-led project. From an outsider’s perspective, I don’t think that CBS can chalk NCIS: Hawai’i’s cancelation up to cost-cutting while also devoting resources just to launch an untested show such as Einstein.
When TV History Repeats Itself
Picture this: you’re flipping through channels, and you see a brand-new CBS procedural crime drama. Except… it feels oddly familiar. That’s because it is. CBS is developing a procedural remake — and not just any remake — but one that has already failed twice.
You might be asking: “Wait, why would a network do this?” Trust us, we’re wondering the same thing.
What Is CBS Rebooting — Again?
The Procedural With Nine Lives
CBS is reportedly reviving a crime procedural that has not once, but twice been canned before making a cultural dent. While the network hasn’t officially announced the title yet, inside sources hint at either a reimagining of “Century City” or “The Court”, both courtroom dramas that fizzled out quickly in the early 2000s. If not those, then it’s likely one of CBS’s lesser-remembered midseason flops.
Not the First, Second, or Third Try… But Why?
TV history is littered with reboot attempts — some wildly successful (Hawaii Five-0, anyone?) and others spectacular failures (Knight Rider 2008, we’re looking at you). But this reboot? It’s never even had a strong season to begin with.
Why It Failed the First Two Times
Timing and Tone Were Off
The first attempt likely failed due to poor timing. The procedural formula is a delicate dance of compelling leads, tight scripting, and audience chemistry. Miss any one of those, and you’re toast.
Viewers Never Connected With the Characters
Procedurals live and die by their leads. Remember Castle or Bones? Their success wasn’t just the cases — it was the people solving them. This remake’s past iterations lacked that spark.
Competing Giants Overshadowed It
Let’s face it: if your show airs against NCIS, CSI, or Law & Order, you better bring your A-game. These earlier versions never stood a chance.
CBS’s Bold Strategy or Desperate Move?
Riding the Reboot Wave
CBS isn’t alone. Reboots are everywhere — from Frasier to Magnum P.I. to Quantum Leap. But reboots only work when there’s nostalgic value or a clear path forward. Here, there’s neither.
Filling the Procedural Void
With Blue Bloods ending and NCIS: Hawai’i canceled, CBS has procedural holes to fill. Instead of taking a risk on a fresh idea, they’re dusting off a forgotten script and hoping no one notices.
The Psychology Behind Network Decisions
Familiarity Breeds Comfort (and Ratings)
Networks know audiences crave familiarity. Even when a show failed before, there’s hope that new faces, updated tech, or a darker tone can flip the script.
Testing the Waters Cheaply
Reworking an old script with minor changes is cost-effective. CBS already owns the rights. Why not try again?
Risks of Reviving a Dead Horse
Audiences Are Smarter Now
In the streaming age, viewers are savvier. They’ve seen better writing, tighter plots, and higher stakes. Another cookie-cutter procedural won’t cut it.
Social Media Can Kill a Show Before It Airs
If Twitter/X or Reddit catches wind that CBS is rebooting a double-flop, expect instant mockery. Memes can make or break a show’s reputation before the pilot even premieres.
Could It Actually Work This Time?
New Writers, New Perspective
A reboot with a modern twist could give it new life. Maybe it’s more serialized, or perhaps it centers around hot-button issues — race, politics, AI in justice — which could hook today’s viewers.
The Cast Could Save It
Attach a star — someone with MCU or HBO clout — and suddenly the project gains traction. One strong actor can flip a flop into a hit.
Procedurals Today Are Not What They Were
Changing Audience Expectations
No longer do we accept one-and-done case-of-the-week formulas. We want layered narratives, anti-heroes, emotional stakes, and plot twists that reward binge-watching.
Streaming Changed the Game
CBS is now competing with Netflix thrillers, Apple TV+ dramas, and Prime Video originals. If the remake can’t match that level of storytelling, it’ll drown.
Industry Experts Weigh In
Critics Are Skeptical
Media analysts are already questioning CBS’s decision. “If it didn’t work twice, why assume a third time will be any different?” asks one insider.
Hollywood Loves a Risky Bet
Ironically, the very fact that the show failed might be its selling point. CBS might spin it as a “cult revival” — even if nobody remembers the original.
What CBS Needs to Do Differently This Time
Ditch the Safe Plotlines
Go big or go home. Tired crime clichés won’t cut it. Dive deep into corruption, psychological warfare, or controversial topics. Make it binge-worthy.
Invest in Characters, Not Just Cases
Give us flawed, complex leads with relatable struggles. That’s what hooked us on Breaking Bad and True Detective.
Better Marketing, Please
Promos matter. Tease mystery, controversy, and emotional payoffs. If CBS wants people to care, they have to sell it like it’s event TV.
CBS’s Larger Game Plan
Building a New Franchise?
What if this isn’t just a reboot, but the start of a new procedural universe? CBS might be testing a pilot that could spin into something bigger.
Testing Streaming Viewership
If the show lands on Paramount+ or gets exclusive streaming rights, its success won’t depend entirely on network ratings.
Final Thoughts — Are We Hopeful or Horrified?
Honestly? Both.
It’s baffling that CBS is trying again, but maybe — just maybe — they’ve learned from the past. Third time’s the charm… or the final nail in the coffin.
We’ll be watching (with cautious curiosity).
Conclusion
CBS’s decision to reboot a procedural that’s already flopped twice is gutsy, if not a little bizarre. But in today’s unpredictable entertainment landscape, sometimes the strangest ideas can strike gold. Whether it becomes the next surprise hit or another forgotten footnote in TV history depends on the writing, casting, and — let’s face it — a bit of luck. For now, we’ll keep our popcorn handy and our expectations in check.