Three whole months have passed since CBS canceled one of the best NCIS series, and fans still mourn this unexpected loss. In April 2024, NCIS: Hawai’i was canceled after three seasons, which surprised not only the ever-dedicated viewers but also showrunners Jan Nash and Christopher Silber, who recently opened up about it to TVLine. NCIS: Hawai’i is a spin-off of the long-running series NCIS and the fourth show in the entire NCIS franchise.
According to the creators, NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 finale would not have ended the way it did if they had known a cancelation was coming. They said, “We were obviously surprised. If we’d known it was coming, we probably wouldn’t have ended the series on a cliffhanger. The fact that the studio and the network didn’t stop us makes it seem like they might not have seen it coming, either. We loved our show and know other people loved it, too, but the TV business is a fickle mistress, and one can’t take business decisions personally. But it still stings.”
At the same time, the series’ execs also shared a few details about plans for a fourth season if NCIS: Hawai’i had not been scratched, saying, “While not fully fleshed out, we had a general idea of where the Maggie story was going. It would have eventually intersected with Jane Tennant’s mother, but it was also going to move back into the dark world of Tennant’s spy past, using those stories to increase our understanding of who Jane was, but also to learn more about her team in the process.”
The cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i left fans reeling, and with good reason. The third season ended on major cliffhangers that begged for resolution. If you’re one of the countless fans wondering what Season 4 might’ve looked like—good news. We’re breaking down the planned storylines, character arcs, and shocking twists that would have happened if CBS had given this spinoff one more ride.
What Led to the NCIS: Hawai’i Cancellation?
Before we dive into the juicy what-ifs, let’s set the stage.
A Surprise Exit That Shocked Fans
Despite decent ratings and a loyal fanbase, CBS pulled the plug in early 2024. The network cited “scheduling adjustments” and “franchise restructuring”—but fans weren’t buying it.
The Fallout From CBS’s Decision
Social media exploded. Cast members expressed heartbreak. Viewers demanded answers. But one thing became clear—people cared about this show.
What Could’ve Happened in NCIS: Hawai’i Season 4?
Let’s explore the key storylines that were reportedly in development for Season 4—and yes, there were some big ones.
Lucy and Kate’s Next Chapter
Wedding Bells or Breaking Point?
Lucy and Kate were finally in sync by the end of Season 3. Season 4 would’ve explored their next step: an engagement—or even a wedding. But things weren’t going to be smooth sailing.
A Secret From Lucy’s Past
Writers were planning a dramatic twist involving Lucy’s former mission in Seoul. An enemy from her past was poised to resurface, putting everything—her relationship and her safety—at risk.
Jane Tennant Faces a New Enemy
Tennant’s Career on the Line
After walking a fine line with Navy command, Jane was facing backlash for decisions made during her most recent missions. Season 4 would’ve thrown her leadership into question.
A Political Showdown in Paradise
Enter a new adversary: a high-ranking DoD official sent to investigate Tennant’s operations. The goal? Shut down the Hawai’i office entirely.
The Return of Maggie Shaw
Is She Friend or Foe?
After her previous betrayal, Maggie Shaw’s reappearance was meant to be explosive. Reports hinted she was returning under witness protection, but with unclear motives.
A Web of Lies
Maggie’s past connections to foreign intelligence agencies were going to unravel further, drawing Jane Tennant into a deep and personal espionage mystery.
Jesse Boone’s Family Crisis
Trouble at Home
Jesse’s teenage son was headed down a dangerous path—dabbling with hacking and cybercrime. His home life was about to become a new battlefield.
H3: Father vs. Agent
Season 4 was going to test Jesse’s boundaries between being a father and being an NCIS agent.
Kai Holman’s Undercover Operation
Back Into the Dark
Kai was about to be pulled into his most dangerous mission yet—undercover in a criminal syndicate tied to the Pacific drug trade.
Betrayal Within the Ranks
Someone inside NCIS would’ve compromised his identity, putting him at deadly risk. The twist? It may have been someone he trusted.
A New Cast Member Joins the Team
The Arrival of Agent Marlow
Season 4 was set to introduce a mysterious new transfer, Agent Jordan Marlow, a cybersecurity expert with a hidden agenda.
A Connection to Jane’s Past
Turns out, Marlow had ties to Jane from a previous mission gone wrong. Their history was going to add emotional complexity—and suspense.
A Season-Wide Conspiracy Arc
The Island Under Siege
Season 4’s overarching plot involved a coordinated cyberattack on military infrastructure across Hawai’i.
A Shadowy Organization
A new villainous group—possibly linked to international terrorism—would emerge, challenging the team on all fronts.
Crossovers With NCIS and NCIS: Sydney
Sydney Meets Hawai’i
A planned crossover with NCIS: Sydney would have seen the Hawai’i team travel Down Under to collaborate on a global arms case.
Gibbs and Torres Return?
There were whispers of a surprise cameo by Leroy Jethro Gibbs or Nick Torres—tying the storyline back to the flagship series in epic fashion.
Behind-the-Scenes Buzz
Writers Were Already Plotting Season 4
Insiders confirmed that scripts for at least the first three episodes had been drafted. They included a major death, a mole inside the NCIS office, and a massive attack on Pearl Harbor’s cybersecurity hub.
Fans Tried to Save the Show
From Change.org petitions to trending hashtags like #SaveNCISHawaii, the fanbase fought hard—but sadly, CBS didn’t budge.
The Emotional Fallout
Cast Reactions Broke Hearts
Vanessa Lachey (Jane Tennant) shared a tearful video thanking fans. Yasmine Al-Bustami (Lucy) wrote a heartfelt letter. Their emotions showed just how deeply this show mattered.
Why It Still Hurts
Because this wasn’t just a procedural. It was a rare, inclusive, diverse portrayal of military service, leadership, and family. And that’s not easy to replace.
Will NCIS: Hawai’i Ever Return?
There’s Still Hope (Kind Of)
While unlikely, there’s still a chance that streaming platforms like Paramount+ could revive the series for a miniseries or movie wrap-up.
The Fans Deserve It
With storylines this strong and a cast this beloved, it’s hard not to imagine a future where we get some kind of closure.
Conclusion
NCIS: Hawai’i Season 4 wasn’t just going to be more of the same. It was shaping up to be bold, emotional, and high-stakes. From character growth to global conspiracies, this season had the potential to be one of the best in the NCIS franchise. While the cancellation stings, fans can take comfort in the depth of what could’ve been—and hold onto hope that one day, these stories will get the screen time they deserve.
