Summary

• Fans of NCIS: Hawai’i are rallying to save the show, launching a petition with over 27,000 signatures so far.
• The show's diverse casting and representation have touched the hearts of viewers, breaking barriers and inspiring many.
• Despite fan backlash and strong viewership numbers, CBS remains firm on the decision to cancel NCIS: Hawai’i, citing the need for a fresh schedule.

NCIS: Hawai’i fans are rallying to save the show following its unexpected cancelation. The series, a popular spinoff of the long-standing NCIS franchise, has recently fallen under the ax of network decisions, but its dedicated fans are not ready to say goodbye.

The petition launched by the series' fans on change.org, pleading for the revival of the show, has swiftly garnered significant attention. With a target of 35,000 signatures, the campaign has already attracted over 27,000 advocates, showing the spinoff's substantial impact on its audience. For fans, NCIS: Hawai’i gives more than just entertainment, the petition reads:

"NCIS: Hawaii has been more than just a television show for many of us. Over the past three years, it has become a beacon of representation and inspiration, changing lives in ways unimaginable. It's not just about the thrilling plotlines or the engaging characters; it's about what they stand for and how they've touched our hearts."

The show stars Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant, the first female lead across the NCIS spinoffs, marking a significant step in diversifying a genre often dominated by male protagonists. This inclusive casting approach extends beyond Lachey, with the show boasting the most diverse ensemble in the franchise's history. The petition continued:

"The show has broken barriers by portraying women in leading roles, inspiring countless girls and women to see themselves as leaders. The two lesbian characters have helped many viewers come to terms with their sexuality, providing much-needed representation on mainstream television. Furthermore, storylines dealing with PTSD and trauma have offered solace to those grappling with similar issues in their own lives."

CBS Stands Firm on NCIS Hawai’i Decision Despite Series Success and Strong Fan Backlash

Despite impressive viewership numbers that saw the show drawing over 10 million viewers across TV and streaming platforms, CBS decided to pull the plug on NCIS: Hawai’i after three seasons, leaving fans and series star Vanessa Lachey in dismay.

Lachey quickly took to social media to highlight the show's robust viewership, seemingly questioning the network's decision. The series finale, which aired on May 6, only intensified viewer discontent. It concluded on a suspenseful note as Lachey's character, after thwarting a dangerous bioweapon threat alongside Noah Mills and LL Cool J, returned home to troubling news delivered by Julie White, with the screen cutting to black.

This unresolved cliffhanger has spurred the show's followers into action. A robust fan-driven campaign was ignited to save their beloved series. Initiatives included launching a petition, which rapidly accumulated thousands of signatures, and even funding a billboard in Times Square to garner public and network attention. Fans have also been vocal on social media, rallying under the hashtag “Save NCIS Hawai’i” in hopes of reversing the cancellation.

Despite these fervent efforts, the stance of CBS remains firm. Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, elaborated on the network's decision during the announcement of the 2024-25 schedule.

“It is incumbent on us to always keep the schedule fresh, keep momentum going. Everything came back [from the Hollywood strikes] really strong, but ultimately we have to look at the cohesiveness of the schedule flow. We have to evaluate the financials and the performance overall, and we make tough decisions.”

Citing the need for a "fresh" schedule and the importance of a cohesive lineup, Reisenbach explained that decisions are also influenced by financial and performance evaluations. When pressed about the possibility of reconsidering the cancellation, her response was,

"No."

While CBS aims to innovate and optimize its programming slate, the emotional investment of fans in NCIS: Hawai’i shows the connections viewers can form with characters and storylines.