NCIS: Hawai’i’s cancelation already caused a major backlash against CBS, but now I’m more confused about their decision to pull the plug on the series after learning about their new in-development series. Once the flagship series was established, the network found ways to expand the NCIS franchise by launching several spinoffs. Many of them became successful, and most importantly built a solid fan base. NCIS: Hawai’i was the youngest Stateside local offshoot, only debuting in 2021. But in three years, which includes a shortened final season, even I recognize that it has a loyal and committed following.
I must admit, I’m late boarding the NCIS: Hawai’i train. I have only started watching the spinoff, after hearing great things about the offshoot. Despite this, I have been closely following the uproar that CBS has gotten since NCIS: Hawai’i was canceled. For context, the network also pulled the plug on So Help Me Todd and CSI: Las Vegas, but while I’m sure that there’s also a backlash against them, nothing comes close to the criticism they have gotten for ending the NCIS spinoff.
CBS Is Developing A Procedural Remake That Already Failed Twice
Based on what I have seen thus far from NCIS: Hawai’i, I understand the sentiment about its unceremonious ending. Jane Tennant is a brilliant leader. Beyond that, its ensemble is diverse, making for better representation and fresh storylines that couldn’t be done by other procedurals that don’t have the same cast makeup. However, CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach has defended NCIS: Hawai’i’s cancelation, predicting that their revamped lineup has a bigger chance of succeeding. Beyond that, other reports include a cost-management drive and the need for stability in light of the uncertainty of Paramount Global, which is being sold.
If CBS is really looking at growing amid a particularly tumultuous time in the company, then how is greenlighting a procedural that has failed twice to get a series order a better business decision than keeping an already established and growing show like NCIS: Hawai’i? The network is trying to get the Einstein revival remake off the ground for the third time. I’m sure it has its appeal, but it’s an odd time to keep investing in something that has been stuck in development limbo for a while, considering what’s happening business-wise to CBS and its larger company.
Continuing NCIS: Hawai’i Would Have Been A Better Business Move For CBS
I understand that filming on the island is expensive, but at the very least, CBS is already guaranteed returns, considering NCIS: Hawai’i’s success. Reisenbach revealed that they looked at the numbers, which informed their decision. That said, viewership data revealed that NCIS: Hawai’i ranked as the 16th overall most-watched series during the 2023-2024 season — a big improvement from its previous year. Moreso, Its series finale ranked at number 11 in terms of the largest 7-day lift for primetime endings airing on the key broadcast networks. That’s a solid indication that it is trending upwards.
From an outsider’s perspective, I don’t think that CBS can chalk NCIS: Hawai’i’s cancelation up to cost-cutting while also devoting resources just to launch an untested show such as Einstein .
Considering its growth, why clip its wings before it can even reach its full potential? Upon its cancelation, NCIS: Hawai’i became the shortest-running show in the famed police procedural franchise. Unless there was something else at play, it doesn’t seem like the network was in such a dire position that it had no choice but to unceremoniously end the Lachey-led project. From an outsider’s perspective, I don’t think that CBS can chalk NCIS: Hawai’i’s cancelation up to cost-cutting while also devoting resources just to launch an untested show such as Einstein.
Can CBS Walk Back On Its Cancelation Of NCIS: Hawai’i?
There is no shortage of online movement trying to petition for NCIS: Hawai’i to come back. Public petitions have become popular, and occasionally, they succeed. It’s also worth noting that CBS has a history of walking back on its initial show verdict, as seen with the backtracking of its original decision to pull the plug on SWAT. Of course, there’s no guarantee that NCIS: Hawai’i will be subjected to the same break, but it increases its chances of being uncanceled.
Assuming that CBS is somehow convinced that NCIS: Hawai’i is worth at least another season, the next challenge is deciding when it can come back. The network has already decided on its fall 2024-2025 TV schedule, and its spinoff’s old slot is being taken over by Mark Harmon and Austin Stowell’s NCIS: Origins, which tackles Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ early days in the agency. I’d rather wait longer for a mid-season comeback for NCIS: Hawai’i season 4 than not have any more of it and leave the season 3 finale cliffhanger unresolved.
