The cancellation of “NCIS: Hawai’i” sparked controversy even before the latest viewership data emerged. As the third spinoff from the renowned police procedural franchise to be axed—following “NCIS: Los Angeles” and “NCIS: New Orleans”—the Vanessa Lachey-led series had the shortest run. Its abrupt conclusion is particularly frustrating as it left viewers hanging on a cliffhanger, setting up Jane Tennant’s next case, which now remains unresolved unless CBS reverses its decision.
Networks have reversed cancellations before, as seen with CBS’s decision to revive “SWAT” following public comments from Shemar Moore advocating for the series to continue. While Jason Antoon’s criticisms of “NCIS: Hawai’i’s” unexpected end may not yield the same outcome as Moore’s efforts, they could ignite discussions among his co-stars and the show’s growing viewership. This might prompt CBS to reconsider and greenlight a fourth season to provide the series with a proper send-off instead of leaving it with a frustrating cliffhanger.
If “NCIS: Hawai’i’s” cancellation is overturned, there may be a delay before its broadcast schedule is confirmed. With “NCIS” season 22 retaining its original timeslot and the spinoff’s previous slot taken over by “NCIS: Origins,” focusing on Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ early days in the agency, CBS would need to find a new slot for Tennant’s team. Despite potential scheduling challenges, giving “NCIS: Hawai’i” another chance to conclude its story properly would be far preferable to leaving fans with lingering questions.
