'Hawaii Five-O' Renewal Announcement Sparks Talks of Alex O'Loughlin Departure After Season 8

“Hawaii Five-0” Season 8 is now officially happening after CBS announced its renewal late last week. It is certainly good news to the show’s viewers but the announcement also sparked speculations on the fate of Steve McGarrett. The actor playing the lead character, Alex O’Loughlin has said that Season 8 would be his last.

In an interview with TV Line back in November 2016, Alex O’Loughlin opened up about wanting to leave “Hawaii Five-O”. He said that his body is pretty banged-up and broken with all the physical activities his role demands. He had previously pushed through all of his injuries like a trooper but now, he has a back injury that has really slowed him down.

Alex O’Loughlin said, “It's also forced me to look at my future and what I've realized is I want to be able to throw a football with my grandkids.” The actor added that he wants to move on with his life and seems to be saying that no TV show like "Hawaii Five-O" is worth all that.

Meanwhile, EP Peter M. Lenkov talked about the future of “Hawaii Five-O” and revealed that he has yet to think when to end it according to Entertainment Tonight. If he had his way, he would continue on with it as long as there are viewers who find it interesting. At the same time, he does not want to continue with the show without Alex O’Loughlin, thereby hinting that the actor may leave earlier than necessary.

Lenkov, however, admitted that if Alex O’Loughlin is really going to leave “Hawaii Five-O” after Season 8, he would have to take the matter seriously. Until then, Lenkov continues to hope that the show will be something the actor will want to do for a few more years at least.