“Hawaii Five-O” has a special reason to celebrate that doesn't come for most major network series. In this era of limited-run dramas much overly-hyped, “Hawaii Five-O” got official word on May 9 that CBS was renewing the much-loved, meaty filling of the crime-fighting sandwich for its 10th season. The drama will keep its 9 PM ET Friday slot in between “MacGyver” and “Blue Bloods.” Millions of “Hawaii Five-O” faithful were likely doing their own happy hula dances over this news bulletin. Appointment TV is still being booked for these throngs of fans who look forward to their vicarious vacations every Friday night.

Not just any drama

Some critics were not onboard for the 2010 incarnation of “Hawaii Five-O” when it embarked, but fans enthusiastically swam with the series. The police procedural that pours on heavy doses of heart-to-heart connections and past history with its characters now has the honor of being the longest-running reboot in TV history.

In this digital age, such a milestone is particularly impressive, and faithful fans who watch, follow, and purchase digital streams and DVD sets deserve to be commended. “Hawaii Five-O” continues to carry 10.1 million viewers this season, averaging a 1.3 demo rating, which is risen to 1.9 at points through the season.

Calm waters have not always prevailed for the drama.

Early on, leading man Alex O'Loughlin, who embodies the flawed and complicated heroic Lt. Commander Steve McGarrett, developed prescription drug dependency issues after back injuries from the demanding stunts required as his character. Those problems were quickly resolved, but the Australian actor continued to suffer from back pain that impeded his life as a loving and involved father of three and a husband to wife, Malia.

He has made Oahu home for many years with his family.

Loyalty and dedication to one’s craft are admirable, but the star’s future as a parent persuaded Alex O'Loughlin that Season 8 might be his last. A fresh lease on life came when the star found relief through stem-cell treatment and creative invigoration from new cast members, Beulah Koale and Meaghan Rath, who brought youthful energy to “Hawaii Five-O.” O'Loughlin has directed and written stories in the past two seasons, and also added ideas that have become integral to the drama.

Many fans were rife with grief after the decisions to depart “Hawaii Five-O” by founding members Grace Park and Daniel Dae Kim after Season 7. The issues of salary parity and valuing diversity came forth with a vengeance for the drama always founded in “ohana.” A new spirit of inclusion was clearly visible after the storm, and every cast member came to the forefront in unique ways through storylines. After offers and failed negotiations, Park and Kim left the show, but the “ohana” remains.

No big headed ideas

Consistency is key to any long-running success in television, and the “Hawaii Five-O” production team of Peter Lenkov, Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and David Wolkove have been at the core of this hard-hitting and full-of-heart corps of crime-fighters from the start.

In March at PaleyFest, Alex O'Loughlin downplayed his part in the series’ success, saying he was merely a conduit and “a cog in the wheel” who did his job every day and felt proud of the work done with “Hawaii Five-O.” He marveled at Peter Lenkov’s ability “to create new content in perpetuity,” even through a rebooted format.

The chemistry between Scott Caan (as Detective Danny Williams) and Alex O'Loughlin formed the early core of the show, and many fans can still recall and recite the famous “carguments” between the two. The actors themselves came up with the whole concept of the beloved bickering, which even led to couples’ therapy. The ability of the pair to simultaneously evoke laughter and tears within a few minutes is flawless and history is never forgotten.

The sense of legacy is palpable and embedded.

“Hawaii Five-O” has honored the past in numerous ways over nine seasons, from the brilliant revisit of the “Hookman” episode, directed by Peter Weller, to having original and familiar guest stars in recurring roles. Original title credits have been memorialized. In a flash, viewers can be swept up in the personal and very human situations of the team members, and then be transported into life or death action.

Children have grown up, romances have ended, loved ones have died while others have been saved. Justice has been celebrated, and a few tortured memories still haunt the minds of each person on the force. Their authentic humanity is what gives them strength against legendary foes.

It's all part of being “ohana,” and the family now looks to another full season-- and a full decade-- a more stories to tell.
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