CBS’s Hawaii Five-0 was one of the last network dramas to stick to 24-25 episode seasons—a demanding workload that ultimately took a toll on its cast. But why did the show maintain such long seasons, and how did it contribute to burnout?
The main reason was CBS’s reliance on traditional network television scheduling. Unlike streaming platforms that favor shorter seasons, network dramas depend on longer runs to maximize ad revenue. As a Friday night staple, Hawaii Five-0 needed enough episodes to keep viewers engaged year-round.
However, the intense production schedule—filming nearly 10 months a year in Hawaii—wore down its cast. Alex O’Loughlin (Steve McGarrett) suffered multiple injuries, at one point considering leaving the show due to the physical toll. Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park, who played Chin Ho Kelly and Kono Kalakaua, left in 2017 over pay disputes, though the demanding workload was also a reported factor.
Scott Caan (Danny "Danno" Williams) took a different approach—negotiating a contract that allowed him to miss several episodes each season so he could spend time with his family in Los Angeles. His lighter schedule was noticeable, with Danny often absent or appearing via phone calls rather than in person.
While the show’s long seasons helped sustain its popularity, they also pushed its stars to their limits. By the time Hawaii Five-0 ended in 2020, many key cast members had already moved on, proving that even a hit procedural can only demand so much from its actors.
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Source: Dan Lalonde
Photo Credit: CBS
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