A glossy, fast-moving procedural with strong island atmosphere, easy chemistry, and reliably breezy case-of-the-week momentum. It works best as comfort TV: action-forward, lightly serialized, and built around the McGarrett/Danno… Read more
Hawaii Five-0
Where to watch: Buy
TV Show · Crime · Drama
Mon
Created by: Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Peter M. Lenkov
Starring: Alex O'Loughlin, Scott Caan, Ian Anthony Dale
Overview
Steve McGarrett returns home to Oahu, in order to find his father's killer. The governor offers him the chance to run his own task force (Five-0). Steve's team is joined by Chin Ho Kelly, Danny "Danno" Williams, and Kono Kalakaua.
Created by
Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Peter M. Lenkov
Cast
Alex O'Loughlin, Scott Caan, Ian Anthony Dale, Meaghan Rath, Beulah Koale, Dennis Chun, Kimee Balmilero, Chi McBride
Curator Review
Verdict
A glossy, fast-moving procedural with strong island atmosphere, easy chemistry, and reliably breezy case-of-the-week momentum. It works best as comfort TV: action-forward, lightly serialized, and built around the McGarrett/Danno partnership. The tradeoff is formula repetition, uneven character writing, and a long run that dips in consistency after the early seasons.
Best for
Viewers who want an accessible network procedural with action and banter
Fans of sunny location shooting and escapist crime-solving
People looking for a long, low-commitment binge with mostly self-contained episodes
Audiences who enjoy ensemble cop shows with a light serialized thread
Skip if
You want tightly plotted prestige drama or deep character psychology
You dislike procedural repetition and formulaic episode structures
You prefer grounded realism over polished, comic-book-style action
You need a show that stays consistently sharp across all seasons
Overview
Hawaii Five-0 is built for momentum: big scenery, brisk pacing, and a dependable team dynamic that makes even routine cases go down easily. The show’s biggest asset is the chemistry between Steve McGarrett and Danny Williams, which gives the series a playful, argumentative rhythm that keeps the procedural engine from feeling too mechanical.
Worth noting
As a reboot, it leans into modernized action, glossy production values, and a steady stream of island-set crime stories. It’s not especially subtle, but it is efficient, watchable, and often more fun than its premise suggests. The Hawaiian setting remains a major draw throughout the run, giving the series a distinctive sense of place that many network procedurals lack.
Bottom line
Quality is strongest in the earlier-to-middle seasons, when the ensemble is balanced and the show has the freshest energy. Later years become more familiar and occasionally uneven, but the series remains an easy binge if you’re in the mood for comfort crime TV with a sunny backdrop and a strong central duo.