Question: I want to know why Hawaii Five-O has been canceled. It’s been a hit since its first episode 10 years ago. It makes no sense to have a show that is so good and has great ratings to be canceled. —Mary
Matt Roush: Networks don’t always feel compelled to give a “why” when it comes time to ending a long run, but it usually has a lot to do with the business of show. While Hawaii is popular, and does well in the international market, any show becomes increasingly expensive over the long haul when it comes to renewing contracts, and already the show has shed many of its original players. According to the industry trades, stars Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan’s contracts were up, and the last time this was the case, there was much speculation that O’Loughlin would walk away in part because of on-set injuries. He stayed for another couple of years, but some trade reporters have suggested that this time, enough was enough, and while the network may have considered continuing the show with a new lead, they eventually decided this was a proper time to end. No fan likes to see a favorite show go off the air, but with the current exception of SVU and Grey’s Anatomy, no show lasts forever. (And who’s to say if Magnum P.I. sticks around for a while that you won’t see some of the Hawaii crew from time to time?)
To submit questions to TV Critic Matt Roush, go to: tvinsider.com
