Vanessa Lachey Struggles to Explain NCIS: Hawai’i Cancellation to Daughter Brooklyn, 9

Vanessa Lachey is having a tough time explaining to her 9-year-old daughter, Brooklyn, that “NCIS: Hawai’i” was canceled.

“Trying to explain this news to my daughter … and she makes me Mickey ears so I can ‘smile,’” Vanessa, 43, shared in an Instagram Story post on Sunday, April 28. “This decision was bigger than a TV show.”

Vanessa shares Brooklyn and sons Camden, 11, and Phoenix, 6, with her husband Nick Lachey.

“Gutted, confused, blindsided,” Vanessa shared via her Instagram Story on Saturday, April 27, reacting to the news. “Grateful, confident, beloved fans!”

“NCIS: Hawai’i” was a 2021 spinoff of the original “NCIS” series, which is currently in its 21st season. Vanessa starred as Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant, making history within the NCIS franchise as the first-ever female lead. The NCIS spinoff series also include “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” “NCIS: Sydney,” and “NCIS: Origins.”

Vanessa concluded her post on Saturday by telling fans that she’s still “processing this news” while being “present” with her family.

“I love you all!” she concluded. “Mahalo Nui Loa.”

Part 1 of the season 3 finale is set to air on Monday, April 29, with the second part — now acting as the show’s series finale — airing on Monday, May 6. Vanessa previously opened up about her character’s meaningful impact in a 2021 interview.

“This role is definitely a move in the right direction for women and especially Asian-American actresses who want to secure leading roles in television and film,” she said at the time. “Growing up, I never saw a female lead on television that looked like me. My hope is that young girls, like my daughter, Brooklyn, will grow up in a world where more actresses look like them.”

Vanessa starred alongside Noah Mills, Alex Tarrant, Yasmine Al-Bustami, and Tori Anderson. LL Cool J, who previously played Sam Hanna on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” reprised his role for the show’s third season.

Fellow “NCIS: Hawai’i” star Jason Antoon exclusively told Us Weekly earlier this month that he was hoping the show would receive a season 4 order.

“I think CBS likes it, and it was successful when we’ve done them with L.A. as well and [regular NCIS],” he said of the show, discussing possible crossovers with the other franchises. “And that’s just cool. It’s like the Marvel universe. It’s like, ‘Why not?’ You should dabble in that. It’s really cool.”