NCIS: Hawai’i Lost Out to Another Spinoff for a Valid Reason

Despite its success, the thriving NCIS series has never been free from backlash.

The NCIS universe is set to return to screens in just a few months with several installments, including two brand-new spinoffs. However, the upcoming TV season doesn’t look entirely promising following the cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i back in April.

NCIS: Hawai’i had become one of the most-watched series on CBS, yet the network made several attempts to justify its cancellation by providing numerous reasons why the show ultimately didn’t work out. Ironically, this successful show seems to have been replaced by another, less fascinating (according to many fans) spinoff, NCIS: Sydney, although there is a significant reason for this decision.

NCIS: Sydney, the franchise’s first-ever spinoff set outside the US, deserves some credit for its authenticity, featuring an entirely Australian cast and crew and focusing on NCIS operations in Australia. However, the show’s reception has divided fans. Many US viewers argue that canceling NCIS: Hawai’i in favor of NCIS: Sydney was a poor decision by CBS executives, while Australian viewers have praised NCIS: Sydney, expressing surprise at its quality.

Australian viewers’ love for the show was quickly noted by the network’s producers, who now seem to be relying on the controversial spinoff to attract a broader international audience to the franchise. Despite being a fan favorite, NCIS: Hawai’i may not have performed as well with viewers outside the US.

However, there might still be hope for some characters from the canceled show. As NCIS prepares to launch its new season and additional spinoffs, the special agents from NCIS: Hawai’i might have opportunities to transfer to other series within the franchise, allowing for the continuation of their storylines or the closure they deserve.