NCIS: Hawai’i co-showrunners Jan Nash, Christopher Silber, and Matt Bosack have opened up about the show’s unexpected cancellation and their plans for a potential fourth season.
On April 26, TVLine reported that despite a growing audience in its third season, NCIS: Hawai’i would not return for a fourth season. Following the announcement, cast members expressed their disappointment, while Nash and Silber remained silent, taken aback by CBS’s decision.
Season 3 of NCIS: Hawai’i averaged 7.8 million viewers and a 0.5 demo rating, showing a 4% increase in viewership compared to Season 2, although it experienced a slight dip in the demo rating. Among the 14 drama series aired by CBS during the 2023-24 season, it ranked sixth in total audience and eighth in the demo.
TVLine readers rated the unplanned series finale with an average grade of “B.”
CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach explained the cancellation decision, stating that NCIS: Hawai’i was among several shows that faced the axe due to a crowded drama slate. She mentioned the need to make difficult choices based on the overall performance and financial considerations.
While there were discussions about finding a new home for the series, those efforts did not materialize.
After a three-month silence, the co-showrunners participated in an exclusive email Q&A with TVLine, sharing their thoughts on the cancellation and their vision for the show.
When asked about their surprise level regarding the cancellation, Nash, Silber, and Bosack expressed that they were indeed taken aback. They noted that had they anticipated the cancellation, they would not have ended the series on a cliffhanger. The lack of intervention from the studio and network suggested that they too may not have foreseen the decision. They acknowledged their love for the show and the audience’s affection for it, but recognized that the television industry can be unpredictable.
Reflecting on their accomplishments over the three seasons, the showrunners expressed pride in creating a series with a strong female lead and a diverse cast that mirrored the culture of Hawai’i. They aimed to tell compelling Navy crime stories while fostering a positive work environment for the cast and crew.
The addition of Sam Hanna, a character from NCIS: Los Angeles, was a significant highlight for the show, contributing to a slight increase in viewership during Season 3. The idea to include Sam was proposed by the studio after the conclusion of NCIS: LA, and the showrunners were enthusiastic about the character’s inclusion, particularly due to the chemistry between LL COOL J and Vanessa Lachey.
As for the season finale, the showrunners hinted at a storyline involving Maggie Shaw that would have connected to Jane Tennant’s mother and explored Tennant’s spy past. This narrative was intended to deepen the audience’s understanding of Jane and her team.
Regarding the potential for revisiting Lucy and Kate’s wedding discussions in Season 4, the showrunners admitted they had not finalized any plans but indicated that there would have been some developments in their relationship.
The showrunners also mentioned that they had always intended to introduce Jesse’s wife and children, although they had not yet done so. They expressed hope that this storyline would eventually come to fruition.
Throughout the third season, the team had various character arcs they wanted to explore further, including the backstories of Lucy’s family and the dynamics involving other characters like Ernie and Carla. However, they emphasized that their primary goal was to tell engaging stories with the talented cast they had.
When asked about any new characters they were excited to introduce in Season 4, the showrunners reiterated their commitment to the existing characters and their stories.
The ongoing #SaveNCISHawaii campaign has garnered significant support from fans, and the showrunners expressed their gratitude for the passionate response. They acknowledged the heartbreak felt by fans and shared their appreciation for the community that had formed around the show.
In conclusion, while NCIS: Hawai’i may not be returning for a fourth season, the showrunners remain proud of their work and the impact the series had on its audience. They hope that the characters and stories they created will continue to resonate within the NCIS universe.
Source: TVLine
