CBS Cancels CSI: Vegas and NCIS: Hawaii - Tough Decisions Revealed - Entertainment

CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach recently announced the cancellation of some beloved TV shows like CSI: Vegas and NCIS: Hawaii. The decisions to cancel shows are never taken lightly, she said at the Banff World Media Festival on Tuesday, June 11.

 They're extremely tough calls to make. Im a big fan of TV first, and I sympathize and relate to all of the fans out there who are disappointed in the fact that these shows are ending, Reisenbach said at the Banff World Media Festival on Tuesday, June 11, per Variety. 

Reisenbach mentioned that the CBS team has endless discussions about programming changes for the network. CBS had announced the cancellation of CSI: Vegas and NCIS: Hawaii after three seasons and So Help Me Todd after two. However, they also introduced two new dramas for the fall schedule, the Kathy Bates-led reboot Matlock and the NCIS prequel, NCIS: Origins.

According to TVLine, during their final seasons, NCIS: Hawaii, CSI: Vegas, and So Help Me Todd averaged 7.81 million, 6.1 million, and 6.2 million viewers, respectively. The numbers showed an increase of viewership for NCIS: Hawaii and CSI: Vegas compared to their previous seasons, while So Help Me Todd experienced a decline. Reisenbach emphasized the importance of keeping the schedule fresh and evaluating the financials and performance to make tough decisions.

Many stars of the canceled shows expressed their emotions regarding the news. NCIS: Hawaii star Vanessa Lachey shared that she was gutted, confused, and blindsided by the cancellation. On the other hand, So Help Me Todd star Marcia Gay Harden said the cast and crew were all super sad about the news. Paula Newsome from CSI: Vegas mentioned that she was surprised by the cancellation, considering the show's viewership numbers.

Amy Reisenbach revealed that CBS executives would have sleepless nights and endless discussions about cancellations and renewals. They carefully analyze the numbers, projections for the future, and potential opportunities for success on the schedule. CBS also announced a fall schedule that included new dramas like the NCIS prequel and Kathy Bates' Matlock. Reisenbach mentioned that despite the strong return of shows post-Hollywood strikes, tough decisions had to be made to keep the schedule cohesive.

Looking ahead, CBS will not renew Blue Bloods for another season despite the cast's lobbying for a longer farewell run. However, there are talks of a possible Blue Bloods offshoot in the works at CBS. Through all the cancellations and renewals, CBS continues to navigate the challenging landscape of programming decisions with the ultimate goal of delivering quality content to viewers.