Why ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ Was Canceled — Could It Still Be Saved?
CBS is finally offering fans of its now-canceled shows some answers about its decision to put an end to their favorite series.
Specifically, network bosses George Cheeks and Amy Reisenbach revealed to the press (via Deadline) why it decided not to renew NCIS: Hawai’i.
“We had some tough choices this year,” Reisenbach said, citing an “embarrassment of riches” when it came to original programming. However, the execs noted that they made these cuts “to keep the schedule fresh and keep the momentum going.”
The execs also confirmed that there is no chance of resurrection for NCIS: Hawai’i (nor fellow canceled shows So Help Me Todd and CSI: Vegas) at CBS or Paramount+.
NCIS: Hawai’i‘s cancellation led to an outcry of disappointment from Hawai’i lead Vanessa Lachey and NCIS star Rocky Carroll.
Lachey, for example, openly mourned the decision on social media by writing, “Gutted, confused, blindsided. Grateful, confident, beloved fans. Processing this news and still being present with my family. I Love You all!”
Later, she returned to the platform to add a lengthier statement, writing in part, “I wish we had more time, I’m sorry we don’t. I wish we had a proper good-bye, I’m sorry we didn’t. … In Hawai’i we don’t say ‘Good-Bye’ we say ‘A Hui Hou’ it means ‘until we meet again.'”
Meanwhile, Carroll told TV Insider, “I was shocked. Less than two weeks ago, I was doing a talk show with Vanessa Lachey and LL COOL J. We were all sitting around celebrating being a part of the NCIS universe. You never know what the motivating factors are, but I’m hoping that those characters, because we still have the mothership as we call it, we still have NCIS: Sydney, and who knows, those characters may turn up. I mean, LL COOL J’s character came from Los Angeles and was in Hawai’i. So who’s to say that Vanessa Lachey’s character wouldn’t show up somewhere in the NCIS universe again?”
Earlier in the day Thursday, CBS revealed its 2024-2025 schedule as well as first looks at trailers for its freshmen dramas and comedies. The network also touted a lead over competitive networks and streamers in terms of minutes watched in 2024 so far.
According to a press release from the network, Hawai’i‘s parent series NCIS earned 51.1 billion minutes, with the entire franchise pulling in 76 billion minutes.
The network revealed that its top series in the 2023-2024 season were (from top to bottom) Tracker, NCIS, Young Sheldon, FBI, Blue Bloods, 60 Minutes, Ghosts, and Equalizer, with Tracker, Elsbeth, and NCIS: Sydney topping the chart of new series.
Don’t Miss a Thing!
Get absolutely everything about NCIS: Hawai'i in your inbox!
Conversation32 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Comments are closed on this story.
-
B
The way they cancelled NCIS Hawaii and treated the cast and crew was disrespectful.
(Also - in your list of top 10 shows viewed - I think No. 10 was NCIS Hawaii not Sydney - small typo)
30
-
P
I enjoyed watching NCIS Hawaii and the crossover shows with others in the NCiSverse was interesting. I hope CBS reconsider. I am not interested in seeing how Gibbs begin. That seems to me to be a waste. Please bring NCIS Hawaii back.
25
-
O
I'm very furious that NCIS Hawaii has been canceled (It's 100x better than NCIS Sydney due to cultural differences) I don't care about NCIS Origins because it has been 20 years of showing which has been a spinoff from the JAG series. We may know the age of Gibbs (as of now ~65 ish) ... if Origins is showing, he must be 30's running just a few years till 1st episode of NICS (or 2 episodes within the JAG series. Why spend so much money on Origins -- Keep Hawaii alive ...
20
-
B
I so agree. I think it's a disgrace that CBS canceled NCIS Hawaii. NCIS Sydney is terrible. Hawaii is so much better and so re the actors. I already stopped watching all CBS'S news show because they are so one sided. May-be I'll just stop watching CBS all together.
1
-
-
G
NCIS Hawai’i should have a season 4 to tie up loose ends and end properly just like NCIS LA, NCIS New Orleans. Or let NCIS Hawai’i go to another network like Magnum P.I. did.
18
-
P
I'm still fuming about the cancellation of NCIS New Orleans!
19 1
-
O
Love NCIS Hawaii and is truly disappointed that the show has been cancelled. Another network should pick them up and it's sad how the show ended abruptly without a proper send off
17
-
O
Think I won't watch Origins..that what I think..
16
-
C
Yet another bad decision from CBS!! Why? It's a great show, take off NCIS Sydney and BRING BACK NCIS New Orleans and Hawaii!! I think CBS needs new management that can make better decisions!😠
11
-
P
CBS has undone their touted "NCISverse" and 1000 episode in just weeks after introducing them. There is only NCIS and NCIS international. It would be a school if major proportions if Sydney actually beats NCIS Hawaii in episodes. They uncanceled SWAT with the majority of those stars already moved on, but ended Hawaii. Perhaps this is how CBS falls. You cannot convince me that the Dick Wolf series are better. It is a case a paying someone for past accomplishments in a different place and time - like far too many professional athletes.
7
-
R
I can't believe Tracker is that popular. It's just a generic procedural show. The main character might as well be an FBI agent or some other law enforcement person, as that's exactly how the show plays out.
10 3
-
O
shame on y'all. You're slating NCIS Sidney in Hawaii's place. No way. Not a fan at all. Please bring back Hawaii. Great cast and great show.
5 1
-
B
Interesting that all 3 had strong FEMALE leads. Not watching NCIS SYDNEY or ORIGINS. I have no interest in these shows they are pushing. I will not watch any new CBS show.
6 2
-
P
i HATE cbs.
6 2
-
O
It's really bad when a show has a show stopper and then doesn't continue in the next season. NCIS/Hawaii was a really good show with good actors and it needs to at least one more season to have closure. Shame on you, CBS!!
3
-
R
I have never watched NCIS Sidney before. Always Hawaii, so I guess I'll stick to the original since NCSI New Orleans and Las Angeles are done. Really upset with this. The other come back actors had their chances and left. So no knew series for me.
1
-
R
Let’s be honest… CBS is keeping the pathetic Equalizer, but cancelling quality shows ( So Help Me Todd, NCIS Hawaii, Blue Bloods ). This does not make any sense.
1
-
P
I can’t believe NCIS Hawaii has been canceled and you keep Elsbeth. You also canceled CSI LV. Two very entertaining shows with great people!!! Maybe cbs doesn’t want mature viewers
1
-
C
My wife and I loved NCIS-Hawaii, but the post-strike writing was terrible. Amateurish and unbelievable. "Suspension of Disbelief" only goes so far. And the introduction of Sam and his secret team/mission/whatever totally ruined the chemistry of the Hawaii team. Get better writers, go back to the original cast, and resurrect the show.
1
-
G
Don't watch NCIS Origins. NCIS Hawaii would be more interesting than NCIS Origins. They only reason NCIS Origins is to give Mark Harmon son a job. He will play the young Gibbs.
4 3
-
N
I don't know where you get your information but Mark Harmon's son is not playing young Gibbs. An actor named Austin Stowell is.
-
-
G
I loved, loved NCIS Hawaii. The actors were mostly unknown, but they certainly grew on you. Vanessa Lachey did a good job, and she is so strong and beautiful. They deserve another season, absolutely. Why start another show when you had this beautiful gem, in Hawaii? Please bring it back.
1
-
O
Disgusting way to end this series, leaving all guessing why. I've always been an NCIS fan but this makes me furious and am now not going to follow any of the franchises.
-
T
Apparently, CBS hates Hawaii: NCIS Hawaii, Magnum, Hawaii 5️⃣0️⃣
-
C
There has to be more to this story ... makes no sense if you look at the ratings ...
-
P
One more isn’t a stateside series is so much better than NCIS Sydney be less expensive???????
-
O
I think we have to #SaveNCISHawaii. We want these great stories to continue. We don't want Sydney which is terrible, Origins so we hear the story of Gibbs for like the 1000th time. The way fans, cast and crew have been treated is insulting and upsetting. Make it right and bring it back. No one is believing the spin Amy!!
-
P
loved ncis Hawaii. That and so help me Todd.cbs is wrong in cancelling them!!!!
1
-
B
Stopped watching it after seeing her on a Love is Blind reunion show. She was no longer believable in her NCIS role. Didn't mind most of the other cast though. I still watch the original.
3
-
O
It should have benn DOA as soon as they casted VL as the lead. Horrible choice. Even LL Cool J can't save the show. Could not have been cheap to have him guest star. Then there is also the fact that it comes right after Mother ship and still can't do well enough to survive. That tells you how bad the show is.
8
-
T
Whatever. This was literally the worst show in the franchise. It won't be missed for long.
9
-
B
You clearly did not watch NCIS Sydney
1
-
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services