NCIS will soon be saying “aloha” to a new spin-off, NCIS: Hawaii. As NCIS: New Orleans is set to end this season, the CBS franchise will launch a new show, which if casting reports are to be believed it will have a major difference from the NCIS shows that have preceded it.
When will NCIS: Hawaii air?
No release date for the show has been released yet. However, with NCIS: NOLA on its way out, the show would be the ideal candidate to take its timeslot at 10 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. CT on Sunday nights, directly after NCIS: Los Angeles. This also means that the show could be introduced via a crossover episode between NCIS Hawaii and Los Angeles, especially as the L.A. team previously headed to the island for a Hawaii Five-O crossover. Deadline, however, reported that a so-called “backdoor pilot” that would see the Hawaii team first appear on another show first will not happen, with the difficulties of mixing two casts during the pandemic a likely reason why.
The Hollywood Reporter wrote in February 2021 that a writers’ room was being assembled for the show, which suggests they may be aiming for a fall 2021 release—though casting for the leads has not happened yet. The show is believed to be at pilot stage, with a full season yet to be ordered. Though the show seems primed for a pick-up, a previous NCIS spin-off was not ordered to series after its pilots, so there are no guarantees.
Who is in the cast of NCIS: Hawaii?
Per TV Line, casting is currently underway for the Special Agent in Charge of the Hawaii team, which is set to be called NCIS Pearl. Unlike the three previous NCIS shows, which have as their leads Mark Harmon (NCIS), Scott Bakula (New Orleans) and LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell (Los Angeles), Hawaii looks set to be led by a woman, with the lead character currently called Jane Tennant. This will be a disappointment to many NCIS fans, who have been campaigning online for this new show to be the return to the franchise for Tony DiNozzo (played by Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo).
If you’re a fan of crime dramas that blend action, mystery, and a touch of tropical paradise, then NCIS: Hawai’i might just be your next binge-worthy show. Premiering on CBS on September 20, 2021, this series marked a significant milestone as the first female-led installment in the NCIS franchise. Starring Vanessa Lachey as Special Agent Jane Tennant, the show delves into high-stakes investigations set against the stunning backdrop of
The Premise: Crime Solving in Paradise
Set in Pearl Harbor, Oahu, NCIS: Hawai’i follows Special Agent Jane Tennant and her elite team as they tackle crimes involving military personnel and national security. The series combines the procedural elements of the NCIS universe with the unique challenges and beauty of island life.
Cast and Characters: Meet the Team
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Vanessa Lachey as Special Agent Jane Tennant
The first female Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor, Tennant is a dedicated and strategic leader -
Alex Tarrant as Kai Holman
A former Marine and native Hawaiian, Holman brings a personal connection to the island’s culture and challenges. -
Noah Mills as Jesse Boone
A former homicide detective, Boone serves as Tennant’s trusted confidant and investigator. -
Yasmine Al-Bustami as Lucy Tara
A junior field agent with a sharp mind and quick reflexes, Tara is eager to prove herself. -
Jason Antoon as Ernie Malik
The team’s cyber intelligence specialist, Malik provides crucial tech support during investigations. -
Tori Anderson as Kate Whistler
An ambitious Defense Intelligence Agency agent who collaborates with the NCIS team.
Season Overview: A Journey Through Three Seasons
Season 1: Establishing the Team
The inaugural season introduces viewers to the team dynamics and the challenges they face in their investigations. The pilot episode, “Pilot,” sets the tone with a high-stakes case involving an experimental Naval aircraft crash.
Season 2: Deepening Connections
In the second season, the team confronts more complex cases while also delving deeper into their personal lives. Notably, the crossover event with NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles in January 2023 brought together characters from all three series, showcasing the interconnectedness of the NCIS universe.
Season 3: A Bittersweet Conclusion
The third season, which premiered on February 12, 2024, concluded on May 6, 2024. Due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes, only 10 episodes were produced, making it the shortest season of the series. Despite a solid viewership of 7.78 million viewers per episode, CBS announced the show’s cancellation in April 2024, citing financial costs and performance issues.
Filming Locations: The Beauty of Hawaii
Filming took place on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, providing an authentic setting that enhances the show’s visual appeal. The series captures the island’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to serene beaches, adding depth to the storytelling.
Behind the Scenes: Creators and Producers
NCIS: Hawai’i was created by Christopher Silber, Jan Nash, and Matt Bosack, who also served as executive producers. The series was produced by CBS Studios and aired on CBS, contributing to the expansion of the NCIS franchise.
Reception: Critical and Audience Response
The series received mixed reviews, with a Metacritic score of 48% and a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 60% for Season 1. However, it garnered a dedicated fanbase and was praised for its diverse cast and the introduction of a female lead in the NCIS universe.
Cultural Impact: Representation Matters
Vanessa Lachey’s portrayal of Jane Tennant broke barriers as the first female lead in the NCIS franchise. Her performance resonated with many viewers, particularly within the AAPI community, highlighting the importance of representation in media.
Fan Reactions: A Community’s Voice
Following the cancellation announcement, fans expressed their disappointment through social media campaigns, including petitions to save the show. Despite their efforts, the series concluded with its planned finale, leaving fans to reflect on the show’s impact and legacy.
Legacy: What ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ Leaves Behind
While the series has ended, NCIS: Hawai’i set a precedent for future NCIS spin-offs, demonstrating the potential for diverse storytelling and the inclusion of varied cultural perspectives within the franchise.
Conclusion: A Show That Made Its Mark
NCIS: Hawai’i may have had a brief run, but it left an indelible mark on the NCIS franchise and television as a whole. Through its compelling characters, engaging storylines, and beautiful setting, the series showcased the richness of Hawaiian culture and the complexities of modern law enforcement.
