CBS canceled “S.W.A.T.” and reversed the unpopular decision months later, but the network hasn’t had a change of heart for other crime dramas. According to Variety, CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach confirmed that “NCIS: Hawai’i” won’t be returning to screens, noting that the company is prioritizing fresh programming.
“NCIS: Hawai’i” was canceled due to CBS’ desire to focus on new shows and relocate its financial resources elsewhere, but the decision still puzzled some fans. As the Variety report points out, the series attracted strong ratings during its three-season run, averaging more than 5 million viewers most weeks. Still, that wasn’t enough to save the crime drama from the chopping block.
That said, when one door closes, another opens. “NCIS: Hawai’i” might be gone, but the franchise is still going strong, and the network plans on expanding it. Unfortunately, one of the forthcoming “NCIS” series has attracted some fan backlash already, and it’s all connected to CBS’ more polarizing decisions regarding cancellations.
NCIS: Hawai’i’s cancellation is a controversial subject
“NCIS” fans have been desperate for Leroy Jethro Gibbs to return ever since his actor, Mark Harmon, left the saga. Fortunately, “NCIS: Origin” will make those wishes come true, as the prequel series follows the character during his younger days, with Harmon set to narrate each episode. Sounds like a winner, right? Not quite.
The cancellation of “NCIS: Hawai’i” has led some viewers to boycott the “Young Gibbs” series. They believe that the Hawai’i-set spin-off was cut in favor of “NCIS: Origin” — a show that seemingly exists to capitalize on Gibbs’ popularity and is therefore a safe bet. Furthermore, the aggrieved fans expect a show about a young Gibbs to be less diverse and interesting than “NCIS: Hawai’i,” and have no desire to tune in as a result.
Of course, it’s possible that characters of “NCIS: Hawai’i” will be repurposed in other series down the line. For now, though, many viewers just want to see the show continue in its current form — and are hoping that CBS gives it the “S.W.A.T.” treatment.
