'Hawaii Five-0' Cast News: EP Peter Lenkov Won't Continue Show Without Alex O'Loughlin

Rumors continue to surface about "Hawaii Five-0" star Alex O'Loughlin, who expressed his plan to leave the show after Season 8. Other fans speculate whether his co-star, Scott Caan, will do the same. O'Loughlin could still change his mind, but the show's executive producer had said previously that he didn't want to continue the show without McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin).

"Hawaii Five-0" Season 7 has been one of the most memorable seasons of the show. However, coupled with high viewer ratings were departures from the TV series, according to Star Advertiser. Dr. Max Bergman (Masi Oka) left the police drama last January. He was followed by the series' stunt coordinator, Jeff Cadient.

Even the issue of departure was discussed in one of the previous "Hawaii Five-0" Season 7 episodes, where Danny Williams (Scott Caan) revealed his plan to retire from the force. Caan himself has not said anything about leaving the show, but fans couldn't help wondering if the episode was trying to gauge viewers' reaction to one of the main cast members ultimately leaving.

One of the show's main lead, Alex O'Loughlin, who plays the role of Steve McGarrett, also said last year that he would be leaving the show after Season 8. He said that his decision was influenced by the physical exhaustion and stress his body goes through every time they shoot. He regretted doing most of his own stunts during the early "Hawaii Five-0" seasons.

Executive producer, Peter Lenkov, however, told Entertainment Online that he couldn't imagine doing another "Hawaii Five-0" season without O'Loughlin. He said that it hasn't happened yet and they're still filming the upcoming episodes, so he won't take focus on that issue at the moment. "Right now, I'm hoping that this is something he'll want to do for a few more years at least."

The police procedural just did a crossover episode with "MacGyver", another CBS show that Lenkov produces. Since its reboot in 2010, "Hawaii Five-0" has garnered higher ratings, making it a top crime show on TV. Season 7 Episode 20 will air on March 31 before the show's break for Season 8. Only then will fans know whether O'Loughlin will stay on as McGarrett or not.