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NCIS: Hawaii petition gaining momentum as fans fight to save series

As fans of NCIS: Hawaii take to petitions to save the series, can CBS reverse the cancellation?

By Michael Weyer

“Spill the Tea” – When a high-value bioweapons expert is murdered in a secure facility on Hawai’i, NCIS and the NCIS Elite team join forces to track down the killer and discover an even deadlier threat, on part one of the third season finale of NCIS: HAWAI’I, Monday, April 29 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.
“Spill the Tea” – When a high-value bioweapons expert is murdered in a secure facility on Hawai’i, NCIS and the NCIS Elite team join forces to track down the killer and discover an even deadlier threat, on part one of the third season finale of NCIS: HAWAI’I, Monday, April 29 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+. /
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NCIS: Hawaii fans are becoming more passionate than ever to save the show to the point they're starting a petition! Can CBS be swayed to renew it after all?

Fans were blindsided by CBS' decision to cancel the series after three seasons. It's one thing if the ratings were bad, but the show has ranked #12 among network non-sports series, with over 10 million viewers plus online play. The show was pushed well in storylines and the addition of LL Cool J as his NCIS: Los Angeles character Sam Hanna gave it more push.

Despite being limited to 10 episodes due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes, NCIS: Hawaii was building up for a fourth season as they just aired part 1 of the two-part season 3 finale. So, for CBS to cancel it is bad enough, except that it has nothing to do with its popularity. Rather, it's because of the budget combined with some turnover at Paramount Global and CBS having two more NCIS spin-offs in the works. 

To say fans were displeased is an understatement as outrage has been huge. It's not just the fans as several cast members have expressed their shock about the unexpected axing. That includes Tori Anderson, who plays Kate Whistler who shared that she's having a hard time processing the cancellation and the loss of representation the series brought to TV. CBS canceled a show with an out lesbian couple in her character Kate and Lucy Tara (Yasmine Al-Bustami). Anderson said her heart breaks for the fans.

It seems a pack of fans share her sentiment about the loss of representation, as Change.org has begun an official petition to get CBS to reverse the decision. The petition's owners issued a statement on their goals and what the show means to them. 

"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 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."

"Beyond its impact on individual viewers, NCIS: Hawaii has also brought together a diverse fandom community that spans across ages and backgrounds. It has breathed new life into an already beloved franchise by attracting a wider audience. However, this beacon is under threat as CBS has canceled the show after only its third season. Such an action does not only disappoint fans but also rob many viewers of these important representations and narratives. We urge CBS to continue producing NCIS: Hawaii for multiple more seasons or at least provide us with a full Season 4 to bid farewell properly to these beloved characters who have become part of our lives over the years."

As of April 30, the petition has 16,840 signatures and counting. It's one of a few others out there which shows how axing the show was a bad move so can this pay off with a renewal?

Can CBS reverse the decision on NCIS: Hawaii? 

Giving fans hope is that CBS has already reversed course on the cancellation of a hit show. Last May, the unexpected cancellation of SWAT had such an outcry that within 48 hours, CBS renewed the show for a 7th season. Then, just as SWAT was setting up for its series finale, CBS unexpectedly gave it an eighth season renewal. 

There's also the famous case of Jericho, as the 2006-07 drama was canceled at the end of its first season. Inspired by a line from the show, fans sent literally tons of peanuts to CBS, which convinced them to give the show a second season.

The question is whether CBS can decide to reverse the cancellation, as there are only so many slots in the lineup. They're planning on a new Matlock and a possible spinoff of Fire Country on top of other possible shows. There's also the high budget for NCIS: Hawaii, which was a factor in CBS canceling it in the first place. 

Moving it to a different streamer (say, Netflix) would be tricky given CBS owns the NCIS franchise. If a season 4 comes, it may require budget cuts that could limit the storytelling. Then again, fans would welcome it if it meant continuing NCIS: Hawaii, as the show deserved to end on its own terms rather than be dismissed like this.

NCIS: Hawaii series finale airs Monday, May 6 at 10/9c on CBS.

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