Fans were shocked to hear that “NCIS: Hawai’i,” the newest series in CBS‘ “NCIS” franchise, had been canceled after three seasons last week. At a press briefing in Los Angeles, CBS executives said the decision came down to a balance of cost and ratings, as well as cohesion across the network’s 2024-2025 schedule.
“It is incumbent on us to always keep the schedule fresh, keep momentum going. We had to make some really tough choices this year,” CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach told reporters. “Everything came back [from the Hollywood strikes] really strong, but ultimately we have to look at the cohesiveness of the schedule flow. We have to evaluate the financials and the performance overall, and we make tough decisions.” When asked whether there was a chance of un-cancellation, as happened when CBS reversed its decision to end “S.W.A.T.” on two separate occasions, Reisenbach said no.
Season 3 of “NCIS: Hawai’i” opened to a strong 5.6 million average viewers on Feb. 12. While the season hasn’t reached that height again, it has managed to stay above 5 million viewers with the exceptions of Episodes 6 and 7, which still hit a solid 4.8 million and 4.98 million viewers, respectively. Those achievements, however, weren’t enough against the price tag of the series, which shoots on location in Hawai’i. CBS president and CEO George Cheeks cited financial considerations again when acknowledging that while some other popular CBS series, like “S.E.A.L. Team” and “Evil,” became Paramount+ originals after no longer fitting into the network’s primetime slate.
The cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i by CBS in April 2024 left fans and cast members alike stunned. Despite strong viewership and a dedicated fanbase, the network decided to end the series after just three seasons. So, what led to this unexpected decision? Let’s dive into the reasons behind the show’s abrupt conclusion.
The Financial Dilemma: High Costs vs. Viewer Numbers
One of the primary factors contributing to the show’s cancellation was its high production costs. Filming on location in Hawaii is expensive, and while the series garnered an average of 5.6 million viewers per episode in its third season, CBS deemed the return on investment insufficient. According to industry insiders, the show cost CBS approximately $75 million per season, a significant expenditure that didn’t align with the network’s financial goals .
Performance Metrics: Ratings vs. Network Strategy
Despite its solid ratings, NCIS: Hawai’i faced challenges in maintaining viewer engagement over time. The show’s audience demographics and declining ratings in later seasons didn’t meet CBS’s expectations. Network executives, including CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach, emphasized the importance of keeping the schedule fresh and maintaining momentum. In a statement, Reisenbach noted, “We had to make some really tough choices this year… we have to evaluate the financials and the performance overall” .
Franchise Fatigue: Too Much of a Good Thing
The NCIS franchise has expanded rapidly, with multiple spin-offs and international adaptations. While this growth signifies the franchise’s popularity, it also led to oversaturation. With shows like NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans already concluded, and NCIS: Sydney gaining traction, CBS found it challenging to justify the continuation of another spin-off. The network’s decision to prioritize new content and streamline its programming lineup contributed to the cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i .
Fan Reaction: Outrage and Disappointment
The abrupt cancellation left fans heartbroken. Many took to social media to express their disappointment, with some even starting petitions to save the show. Vanessa Lachey, who portrayed Jane Tennant, the first female lead in the NCIS franchise, shared her feelings of being “gutted, confused, and blindsided” by the decision. She expressed gratitude to the show’s dedicated fanbase, acknowledging their support .
Behind the Scenes: Showrunners’ Perspective
The creative team behind NCIS: Hawai’i was equally blindsided. Showrunners Jan Nash, Christopher Silber, and Matt Bosack revealed they were surprised and upset by the unexpected cancellation, particularly since the series ended on a cliffhanger. They mentioned the challenging business decisions in the TV industry and emphasized that the show’s cancellation, despite growing viewership, came down to financial and schedule cohesiveness considerations .
Economic Impact on Hawaii
Beyond the entertainment industry, the cancellation had significant economic repercussions for Hawaii. The show employed hundreds of local workers, from actors to crew members, and contributed to the state’s economy through tourism and local spending. The Hawaii Film Studio in Honolulu, where the series was filmed, now stands abandoned, reflecting the broader impact on the local industry .
Future of the NCIS Franchise
While NCIS: Hawai’i has concluded, the NCIS franchise continues to thrive. CBS is developing a prequel series, NCIS: Origins, and has renewed NCIS: Sydney for another season. The original NCIS series remains a staple in the network’s lineup, and the franchise’s expansion into international markets indicates its enduring popularity .
Conclusion: A Difficult Decision for CBS
The cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i underscores the complex decisions networks face in balancing creative content with financial viability. While the show had a dedicated fanbase and strong viewership, the high production costs and the need to streamline programming led CBS to make the difficult choice to end the series. As the television landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the NCIS franchise will adapt and grow in the coming years.
