Hawaii Five-0 Series Overview and Broadcast History
Hawaii Five-0 is a police procedural drama that premiered on CBS on September 20, 2010, and concluded on April 3, 2020, after 10 seasons and 240 episodes. The series was developed by Peter M. Lenkov and produced by CBS Studios and 101st Street Entertainment. It is a loose reboot of the 1968 Hawaii Five-O series, with a modernized format and higher production values. The show is set in Honolulu, Hawaii, and follows an elite state law enforcement task force tackling major crimes across the islands.
The series is widely available for streaming on platforms including Paramount+ and Netflix in select regions, with availability varying by country and licensing agreements. CBS Television Distribution handles syndication and digital distribution, while the show remains one of the most watched CBS dramas in recent years. For current streaming availability and licensing details, see the official CBS website Hawaii Five-0 on CBS.
Cast, Characters, and Key Production Details
The main cast includes Alex O'Loughlin as Steve McGarrett, Scott Caan as Danny Williams, Daniel Dae Kim as Chin Ho Kelly, Grace Park as Kono Kalakaua, and Taylor Wily as Kamekona Tupuola. The ensemble was supported by recurring characters such as Michelle Borth as Catherine Rollins and Chi McBride as Captain Lou Grover. Production was based primarily in Honolulu, with many exterior scenes filmed on location across Oahu.
The show was produced by CBS Studios and 101st Street Entertainment, with Peter M. Lenkov serving as showrunner until his departure in 2020. The series was filmed using ARRI Alexa cameras and delivered in 4K resolution for later seasons. The production team collaborated with the Hawaii Film Office to secure permits and locations, and the show contributed to local employment and tourism visibility. For background on the production companies and industry context, see the Forbes overview Hawaii Five-0 Finale Recap and Production Insights.
Revenue, Ratings, and Industry Impact
Hawaii Five-0 consistently ranked among the top scripted series on American television during its run, drawing an average of 10 to 12 million viewers per episode in its early seasons and maintaining a strong Nielsen presence through its final season. The show generated significant advertising revenue for CBS, with a 30-second commercial spot during the series averaging several hundred thousand dollars depending on the time slot and season.
The series also boosted Hawaii's visibility as a filming location and contributed to the local economy through production spending and tourism interest. CBS Studios and its parent company Paramount Global continue to leverage the franchise in international markets and digital platforms. For public financial and regulatory filings related to CBS and Paramount Global, see the SEC page Paramount Global SEC Filings.