The NCIS franchise has been a powerhouse for CBS, spawning successful spinoffs such as NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and the groundbreaking NCIS: Hawaii. As the original series gears up for its 21st season, NCIS: Hawaii is set to continue its success with a highly anticipated third season. Vanessa Lachey leads the cast as Jane Tennant, making history as the first female lead in the NCIS series.
Season Overview:
NCIS: Hawaii, which premiered in 2021, took viewers to Pearl Harbor, featuring Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant, the first woman Special Agent leading the charge. The series, marked by a traditional Hawaiian blessing on the island of Oahu during its launch, made history and quickly became a fan favorite. Following a successful first season, the show was renewed for a second, delving into the highs and lows of naval crime investigators working in the scenic locale.
Renewal and Production Challenges:
Both NCIS: Hawaii and the original NCIS series were renewed for new seasons in February 2023. However, due to writers’ and actors’ strikes, production delays ensued, pushing back the expected fall 2023 release. Production finally resumed after the strikes concluded in September and November.
Return Date for Season 3:
Fans of the franchise can mark their calendars as NCIS: Hawaii Season 3 is set to return on February 12, 2024, on CBS. The upcoming season promises to bring more intriguing cases and character developments, continuing the legacy of the NCIS universe.
Returning Cast Members:
While there have been no major announcements about cast changes, viewers can expect to see Vanessa Lachey reprising her role as Jane Tennant. The ensemble cast includes Noah Mills as Jesse Boon, Yasmine Al-Bustami as Lucy Tara, Alex Tarrant as Kai Holman, Tori Anderson as Katherine Marie Whistler, and Jason Antoon as Ernie Malik.
Special Guest Appearance:
Season 2 concluded with a few stars from other NCIS entities making special appearances, including Wilmer Valderrama from the original NCIS and LL Cool J from NCIS: Los Angeles. LL Cool J’s cameo was so well-received that he is set to return for Season 3, adding his talent to the NCIS: Hawaii ohana.
Season 2 Finale Cliffhangers:
The Season 2 finale left fans on the edge of their seats as the NCIS: Hawaii team faced danger orchestrated by Adrian Creel, a character from Jane’s past. While Creel met his demise, an Easter egg hinted at potential threats for the NCIS team in the upcoming season. Additionally, a crossover episode with all three NCIS franchises left Jane and Kate under attack in Venezuela, ensuring a gripping start to Season 3.
As NCIS: Hawaii Season 3 approaches, fans can anticipate a thrilling continuation of the series, complete with engaging storylines, returning favorites, and unexpected twists that have become synonymous with the NCIS franchise. The new season is poised to deliver another exciting chapter in the adventures of Jane Tennant and her team of naval crime investigators.