The Ongoing Fallout from the Cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i
The cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i—which was among CBS’s top dramas during the strike-abbreviated 2023-2024 season—continues to be a major public relations challenge for the network as it prepares for the 2024-2025 rollout. CBS has stood firm on its decision to cancel the series, similar to other popular shows like Blue Bloods, but CBS Studios head David Stapf claims the network attempted to secure another season for the spin-off. Unfortunately, the show’s passionate fanbase is not convinced.
“It’s always sad, and those shows were great. Probably in any other year, they would have stuck around, but there just aren’t as many midseason slots anymore,” Stapf told Deadline. He added that efforts were made to find new homes for NCIS: Hawai’i and other canceled shows, but those attempts were unsuccessful.
In response to Stapf’s comments, fans took to social media, making #SaveNCISHawaii trend on X (formerly Twitter), expressing their skepticism. One user questioned, “Really? Who did they ask, as they hadn’t decided on renewal or not in March and then canceled in April. If another company will #SaveNCISHawaii, will you take it, @CBS?” Many others echoed similar outrage.
Fans of NCIS: Hawai’i are refusing to give up, hoping to ensure the show’s revival. Some have accused CBS of homophobia for canceling a rare procedural featuring two queer female leads, while others argue that the economic rationale behind the decision doesn’t add up. Stapf’s interview did little to instill confidence, with fans accusing him of being dishonest.
“This makes no sense at all. Saying they shopped NCIS: Hawai’i? When did they do that? They waited until the very last second to cancel without notifying the cast and crew. If it were being shopped, they would have heard about it,” one user wrote on X. Another pointed out that the network could have simply moved NCIS: Hawai’i to Paramount+, despite previous statements from CBS about why that option was off the table.
Despite the network’s silence on the matter, fans continue to rally for the revival of NCIS: Hawai’i, threatening to boycott the upcoming NCIS: Origins, which they blame for the cancellation of their beloved show. Only time will tell if their efforts will be successful.
