Los Angeles, California – Fans of the “NCIS” franchise were left in disbelief last week upon hearing the news that “NCIS: Hawai’i” had been canceled after just three seasons. The decision, announced by CBS executives at a press briefing, was attributed to a combination of cost considerations and ratings performance, as well as the need to maintain cohesion across the network’s 2024-2025 schedule.
CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach addressed reporters, emphasizing the importance of keeping the schedule fresh and making tough decisions to ensure the overall success of the network. Despite the show’s strong opening in its third season, with an average of 5.6 million viewers, the decision to cancel was ultimately based on a careful evaluation of financial factors and overall performance.
When questioned about the possibility of reversing the cancellation, similar to the case of “S.W.A.T.,” Reisenbach confirmed that there were no plans for such a turnaround. The show’s significant viewership numbers, which remained above 5 million for most episodes, were not sufficient to justify the costs associated with filming on location in Hawai’i.
CBS president and CEO George Cheeks elaborated on the financial considerations that led to the cancellation, noting that other popular series like “S.E.A.L. Team” and “Evil” had transitioned to Paramount+ originals for similar reasons. With budgetary constraints in mind, the network faced limitations in accommodating all series on its streaming platform.
Following the cancellation of “NCIS: Hawai’i,” the slot formerly occupied by the show will now be filled by “NCIS: Origins,” a new prequel series centered around a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The original series featured Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant, the first female special agent in charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor, investigating high-stakes crimes while juggling family responsibilities.
Alongside Lachey, the show boasted a talented cast including Alex Tarrant, Noah Mills, Yasmine Al-Bustami, Jason Antoon, Tori Anderson, and Kian Talan. Executive producers Matt Bosack, Jan Nash, Christopher Silber, and Larry Teng oversaw the series, which was produced by CBS Studios. Despite its cancellation, “NCIS: Hawai’i” left a mark on viewers with its unique portrayal of crime-solving against the backdrop of the picturesque Hawaiian islands.