The world of NCIS: Hawai’i may have left our screens, but it hasn’t left fans’ hearts. Now, a new update from cast member Jason Antoon is sparking fresh conversations online. That’s right – the actor recently shared a video on social media that has left fans surprised – and a little heartbroken.
As the camera pans across a familiar location, it’s clear that something’s changed – and not for the better. So, what exactly happened to the set of the franchise’s first female-led spin-off? Let’s dive deeper to know more about it.
Jason Antoon shares a sad glimpse of NCIS: Hawai’i’s now vacant studio lot
Jason Antoon, famous for his role in NCIS: Hawai’i, recently shared a surprising update about the franchise’s first female-led spin-off. In a video posted on social media, the actor showed that the show’s studio lot is completely “empty and full of weeds.” This stark image reveals that production has stalled or paused at the moment, leaving the set unused for now.
Hawaii Film Studios – Empty and full of weeds. #NCISHawaii #MagnumPI #Hawaii50 #Lost 😢 pic.twitter.com/FGqT4WfyRN
— Jason Antoon (@jasonantoon) June 7, 2025
The vacant lot is part of Hawaii Film Studios, a location famous for many popular shows like Lost, Hawaii Five-0, and Magnum P.I. The cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i after three seasons, along with other removals, has hit the local movie industry hard. Moreover, high production costs and budget cuts have made filming in Hawaii quite difficult to maintain.
According to Deadline, despite NCIS: Hawai’i being a top-rated show, CBS canceled it partly because shooting in the area is expensive. The actor also expressed his frustration on the same matter, but shared fond memories of working on the show. Meanwhile, other Hawaii-based projects like Fox’s Rescue HI-Surf were also canceled, adding more to the challenges in the TV production scene.
These setbacks come amid ongoing debates about tax incentives in Hawaii, which some officials say are essential for keeping film and TV productions alive in the state. So, as the future of filming in Hawaii faces uncertainty at the moment, fans wonder if NCIS will ever bring its female-led series back to life or not.
Jason Antoon’s reaction when he heard that NCIS: Hawai’i was cancelled
Jason Antoon played Ernie Malik on NCIS: Hawai’i, and he was just as shocked as fans when he heard that the show was cancelled. The news came as a massive shock to the entire cast, and there wasn’t much time to prepare. Writers didn’t get a proper heads-up either, which meant that the storyline didn’t get a full wrap-up.
Reacting to the same, the actor shared a heartfelt message via Parade and thanked the entire cast and crew for their amazing work. Moreover, he added that he would cherish their time together. Antoon also added:
Mahalo to our amazing cast and crew. There will never be another ohana like this one. Even though we are all shocked and disappointed, I will cherish our time on the island.
It was quite clear from his words that the show meant a lot to him, not just professionally, but also personally. That’s right – the actor starred in the show alongside his real-life wife, Seana Kofoed, loved working in Hawaii, and called the cast their “ohana” (family). So, even though he was disappointed, he feels lucky to have been part of something so special.
While the cancellation came as a big blow, Jason Antoon walked away with pride, great memories, and, of course, a deep appreciation for the show that changed his life.
You can currently rent all three seasons of NCIS: Hawai’i on Apple TV and Paramount+.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
