Hawaii Five-O — American police procedural (original series and reboot)

Premise and format

The story follows a special state police task force led by the resolute Steve McGarrett, working to solve major crimes that require jurisdictional reach beyond local departments. Episodes mix investigation, action and occasional local cultural elements; the show foregrounds the island setting as an active element in plots rather than as mere scenery.

Original series and production

The original program, created by Leonard Freeman, showcased a principal cast led by Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett, with James MacArthur as Danny "Danno" Williams and supporting characters such as Chin Ho Kelly and Kono. It ran for twelve seasons and was filmed primarily on Oʻahu, bringing Hawaiian locations to a mainland television audience. Its distinctive opening theme and brisk editing style contributed to its identity and popularity.

Reboot and modern revival

The series was rebooted in 2010; this contemporary version updated the premise for a 21st-century network audience while preserving core elements such as the McGarrett–Danno partnership. The revival, produced for CBS, featured Alex O'Loughlin as McGarrett alongside a new ensemble. For more on the revival and its production history, see the reboot overview here.

Impact and legacy

Hawaii Five-O influenced later police dramas by highlighting serialized character dynamics alongside case-of-the-week storytelling and by demonstrating how a strong sense of place can become a selling point for a series. Its popularity helped promote Hawaiian tourism and gave national visibility to local performers and cultural sites. The show’s catchphrases and theme have persisted in popular culture as shorthand for island-set crime drama.

Notable facts

• Title styling: The name is commonly written "Hawaii Five-O" (with the letter O) and is widely recognized in that form.
• Iconic theme: The musical opening score is frequently cited as one of television’s most recognizable themes.
• Catchphrase: Lines like "Book 'em, Danno" entered popular usage beyond the show.

Together, the original series and its revival illustrate how a procedural formula can be refreshed across generations while maintaining signature elements that anchor it to place and character.