Hawaii Five-0

The original Hawaii Five-0, which aired from 1968 to 1980, was crime fighting with a quiff amidst the golden sands - and even more golden sunsets - of America's 50th state.

Originally intended by creator Leonard Freeman to be titled The Man, Five-O was designed to extend Freeman's earlier ground-breaking use of location shooting pioneered on Route 66 and give the viewers the added bonus of genuinely exotic and lush backgrounds at the same time as it provided thrills and fast paced cop action. It was a concept which proved to be a literal goldmine. Jack Lord (Dr No) starred as Steve McGarrett, the tough, no-nonsense head of a special department within the Hawaiian Police Force based in Honolulu. The Five-0 team were a mixed race force of elite crime-busters. A kind of 'Untouchables with tans', charged with keeping the serpent of crime from giving paradise a bad name.

Jack Lord wasn't Leonard Freeman's first choice to play Steve McGarrett. Richard Boone turned it down and Gregory Peck and Robert Brown were also considered before Lord was asked at the eleventh hour. Freeman and Lord had worked together previously on an unsold TV pilot called Grand Hotel. But Lord's McGarrett soon became an iconic character. He was ably assisted by Danny Williams (James MacArthur, son of Hollywood star Helen Hayes), Chin Ho Kelly (former stand-up comedian turned character actor, Kam Fong), and Kono Kalakaua (Zulu).

The series was among the first to be filmed on location in Hawaii, which brought an authentic sense of place and atmosphere. The tropical backdrop and sweeping ocean views added an exotic and immersive quality to the show, contrasting sharply with the grittier, urban-based police dramas popular in the same era. The Hawaiian landscape itself becomes a character, presenting challenges and opportunities for the team, from dense jungles to scenic coastlines, its location-driven authenticity helping to establish the show’s appeal and bringing Hawaii into the cultural imagination of viewers worldwide. The series boosted Hawaii's tourist industry so much that a 'Jack Lord Day' was added to the Hawaiian calendar.

Five-0 became an immediate hit with its instantly recognisable theme tune, and a catchphrase; "Book-em, Danno" which quickly seeped into popular culture, instantly evoking images of palm trees, surfboards, and classic police work in paradise and which is still recognised as a hallmark of classic TV dialogue. The show was the longest running crime show on American TV until the police drama Law & Order surpassed it in 2003. Slick, professional, glossy and hard-hitting, Hawaii Five-O stands today as much as a monument to the drive for excellence of star Jack Lord, as it does as a high water mark for the U.S. police series genre.

The episodic nature of the series, typical of shows at the time, could sometimes lead to a formulaic feel, with predictable outcomes and a lack of character development across episodes. Additionally, the show’s portrayal of Hawaiian culture and local characters was sometimes criticised for being stereotypical or one-dimensional, which could feel dated by today’s standards. Yet, it’s worth noting that the show did attempt to hire Hawaiian actors and crew members, contributing to the local economy and representing Hawaiian life on screen in a way that was otherwise rare for its time.

In all, Hawaii Five-0 remains a groundbreaking series that blended procedural drama with an irresistible sense of place. Its impact on television, from its use of a unique setting to the establishment of memorable characters and dialogue, has cemented its place in pop culture history. The original series not only paved the way for its own modern reboot but also influenced the crime drama genre at large, making it a true classic of its time.

The reboot, introduced with the same iconic theme tune, aired from 2010 to 2020 and successfully reimagined the original while bringing a fresh, modernized take on the series. Developed by Peter M. Lenkov, the reboot followed the adventures of a revamped Five-0 task force, still led by Steve McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) as they tackle high-stakes crimes and navigate complex personal relationships. While it stays true to the original’s focus on Hawaii’s distinctive backdrop and intense police work, it also updates the storyline with action-packed sequences, deeper character arcs, and current social issues.

One of the reboot’s greatest strengths is its ensemble cast. O’Loughlin’s McGarrett brought a solid mix of stoicism and vulnerability, balancing his tough, military-trained edge with personal losses that added emotional depth. Scott Caan played Danny 'Danno' Williams, McGarrett’s wisecracking partner from New Jersey, providing a humorous counterbalance to McGarrett’s intensity. Their dynamic, full of witty banter and often referred to as a “bromance,” added a light-hearted element that made the show feel both human and relatable. The rest of the team, including Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim) and Kono Kalakaua (Grace Park), lent a powerful sense of unity to the show, and their distinct personalities contributed to a balanced, multi-dimensional portrayal of the task force.

In terms of action, the Hawaii Five-0 reboot delivered in spades. The show ramped up the adrenaline with cinematic-quality chases, explosions, and hand-to-hand combat sequences, appealing to audiences seeking high-energy entertainment. Combined with Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes, the reboot capitalised even more so than the original on the island's unique geography, providing both an idyllic and occasionally treacherous backdrop for the storylines. The show’s production values, including impressive on-location filming and sleek cinematography, lent an authenticity that enhanced the overall experience.

The reboot also modernised its approach by exploring social and political themes relevant to contemporary audiences. Storylines touched on issues like terrorism, cybercrime, and international smuggling, giving the series a broader, global appeal. The character-driven arcs provided depth and allowed the series to grow beyond simple case-of-the-week episodes. The show’s handling of Hawaiian culture was generally more detailed than the original, though it still received some critique over cultural representation.

Overall, the Hawaii Five-0 reboot was a polished, action-driven reimagining that honoured its predecessor while embracing the demands of modern TV. Its mix of thrilling plots, scenic beauty, and engaging character dynamics made it a worthy successor, capturing new fans and solidifying its place in popular crime television.

Trivia (contributed by Erich Wise): There is a popular misconception that Hawaii Five-O survived long enough to see reruns of early episodes enter syndication while new episodes were still being produced and that the 12th season was repackaged into syndication under the title McGarrett. This is a common mistake made by people who don't know the difference between reruns and syndication. In fact, CBS showed reruns of the 12th season in late night under the title McGarrett to differentiate those reruns already in syndication under the title Hawaii Five-0.